TIMEPAC Context analysis of EPC generation

This deliverable summarizes the results of Task 1.1 “EPC generation” included in Work Package 1
(WP1) of the TIMEPAC project. The objective of WP1 is to carry out a comparative study of the
elements involved in the development of future scenarios to work with enhanced Energy
Performance Certification (EPC), in each of the four identified stages of the EPC data flow:
generation, storage, analysis and exploitation. As a result of this study, possible improvements,
vulnerabilities, threats, and risks related to an upgrade of already-existing certification schemes are
identified. 

Within WP1, the purpose of Task 1.1 is to objectively analyse the EPC generation procedures in six
TIMEPAC countries (Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Italy, Slovenia and Spain). The scope of the deliverable
required a detailed analysis of national frameworks, regulations and the EPC generation tools in all
six participating countries in relation to the requirements envisioned in the recast of the Energy
Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), published in December 2021. The research work focused
primarily on identifying good practices as well as potential barriers that need to be overcome in
order to implement enhanced EPC schemes.

The participants in this study were energy experts in the partner institutions and other institutions
dealing with EPC generation. The outcomes of this deliverable provide a clear, cross-country
comparison and can be useful for national and regional certification bodies dealing with the rules
and regulations of the EPC generation process. Experts from all six Member States clearly indicated
that existing models are not able to properly take into account key aspects that need to be
considered in a building’s EPC, as envisioned in the EPBD recast. To capture information about the
understanding of the EPC generation process from the end-user’s perspective and to better
understand the end-user’s needs and expectations, a survey was conducted in all six participating
countries. The analysis of the responses revealed that there are many aspects that need to be
improved, concerning the quality and value of the energy certificate, in particular for the
renovation of buildings. The integration of operational data is crucial for improving the quality,
reliability and usability of the EPC. Experiences from the EPC of non-residential buildings in Slovenia
clearly show that a dynamic rating based on the consumption data could help to improve the
effectiveness of EPC.

During the development of this task, contacts were established with expert groups that are working
on improving EPCs, including the Concerted Actions (CAs) Energy Efficiency Directive, the CAs
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the CAs Renewable Energy Sources, the EnR Club
(network of energy agencies) and the European Energy Managers (EUREM). These contacts will help
disseminate and communicate the activities of the TIMEPAC project.