Information for Commercial Property Owners
To help you get the information you need faster, we’ve put together the most important information for owners of commercial real estate at a glance.
Saving Energy Costs with Heat Contracting and CHP
The purchase of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) is worth considering especially for commercial real estates with a year-round heating and / or cooling demand. A CHP is a highly efficient power generation plant that produces both heat and electricity. Using a CHP can save considerable energy costs.
Advantages of a combined heat and power plant
- Reduction of energy costs
- Increased efficiency
- Simultaneous generation of heat and power
- Government funding
- Increase of estate value
- Active contribution to environmental protection
Picture: Dachs 20 / SenerTec, Source: senertec.de/dachs-20-0
Obligation to carry out energy audits in accordance with DIN 16247-1
An energy audit is the inventory of energy consumption in a company. For EU-based non-SMEs there is an obligation to carry out an energy audit every 4 years. But even small and medium-sized companies can voluntarily carry out an energy audit in accordance with DIN 16247-1. The goal of an energy audit is to identify potential savings and develop measures for energy savings.
Advantages of an energy audit:
- Reduction of energy costs
- Cost savings
- Increased energy efficiency
- Saving on CO2
- State support for SMEs
- Tax concessions
The duration and costs of an energy audit depend on the size of the company. We explain how an energy audit in accordance with DIN 16247-1 runs and for which companies an energy audit is obligatory.
Energy Management System
The introduction of an energy management system is the continuation of the energy audit – and more effective in the long term to reduce energy costs. An energy management system makes energy flows and processes visible in the company and improves them with regard to energy optimization. This increase in energy efficiency ultimately results in a reduction in operating costs.
Advantages:
- Continuous reduction of energy costs
- Financial support by the legislator
- Reduction of environmental impact
- Positive corporate image
Learn how the introduction of an energy management system works.
Energy certificate - a duty for non-residential buildings
The energy certificate is a mandatory document that has a validity of 10 years after its issue. All commercial buildings require an energy certificate for non-residential buildings. This must be handed over when selling or re-letting.
The energy certificate for non-residential buildings differs from the energy certificates for residential buildings. In addition to the energy consumption for heating, hot water, cooling and ventilation, also the power consumption must be specified.
Exempted from the energy certificate obligation are:
- Buildings with an annual use of less than 3 months
- Buildings with an area <50 m²
- Buildings under monument protection
Detailed information on the energy performance certificate can be found on the following page:
