The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document presenting the energy efficiency of dwellings on a scale of A+ to G, whereas A+ corresponds to the most efficient performance and G to the worst. All homes bought, sold or rented in Portugal require an EPC.
EPCs contain:
a) information about the building;
b) description of the needs for heating and cooling water and sanitary systems;
c) detailed recommendations that list cost effective measures to improve the energy rating of the building.
To complete the certificate, floor plans of the property, the legal land description („caderneta predial“) and the record of the Land Registry are required.
With the Energy Certificate, the buyer attains a broader perspective over the energy consumption and efficiency of a property.
In Portugal the agency for energy („Agência para a Energia“) is responsible for the Energy Certificates, the inspection, however, is done by private companies.
The certificate is valid for 10 years.