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2022.03.23
The energy declaration – a legal requirement and an opportunity for major savings
Rising energy prices and increased awareness of sustainability issues, even in individual households, mean that energy experts are increasingly sought after in the market. Furthermore, regularly preparing energy declarations is not only a legal requirement but also an opportunity for major savings every year.
Malin Nilsson works as sustainability manager and business area manager at the company Systeminstallation. She has been a certified energy expert by Swetic's member company Kiwa for several years.
– For me, it is important that the energy declaration is not just a note on a staircase. It is only when the property owner chooses to invest in some of the suggestions that it really provides benefits. The quality of the analysis is crucial. There is usually always the potential to find proposed measures that are at least 10% of energy consumption, says energy expert Malin Nilsson.
Owners of townhouses and villas do not normally need to order an energy performance certificate unless it is time to sell. For other properties, an energy performance certificate should generally be prepared every ten years.
– Energy declarations will become increasingly valuable and we are already seeing how reduced energy costs can lead to better loan terms. It is going from being mostly a legal requirement to a sustainability issue with great economic opportunities, says Malin Nilsson.
Energy experts can in many ways be considered a profession of the future. Although new construction today has built-in solutions for energy efficiency, large parts of the Swedish property stock are older and therefore in need of solution-oriented inspections.
– This is a profession for the smart with an interest in sustainability issues. As an energy expert, you have the opportunity to make a difference, and as solar cells, car chargers and app-controlled homes become more common, a representative is needed who analyzes and sees the big picture.
To become a certified energy expert, you need at least five years of work experience, a completed university degree or equivalent technical background. The certification costs money, but the certificate is then tied to you as a person, making you an attractive player in the market.
– I feel a great sense of professional pride and recommend that more people apply to the energy field. This is a profession for those who like problem solving, sustainability and the opportunity to make a real difference, says Malin Nilsson.
The entire property is analyzed
The first step in an energy declaration is to request data and statistics. Meters are read and historical values are documented. Then it is time for a site visit where premises and installations are carefully inspected. Property energy is crucial for the property to feel good. Heating, water, property and comfort cooling must in turn work in synergy for efficient consumption and energy use.
Several relatively simple measures can have a big effect over time
– Even spaces that are not used frequently are important. Perhaps it is possible to lower the temperature in the basement and install automated lighting. Several relatively simple measures can have a big effect over time. Lowering the indoor temperature by one degree usually saves 5% in heating costs, for example.
There are many technological innovations in this area. Artificial intelligence and connected systems are becoming increasingly common in modern properties. For example, a heating system can take in real-time weather forecasts and then regulate the temperature in the house.
– Classic control and regulation technology is still the most common. Many buildings today have data centers that communicate with, for example, ventilation, heating and comfort cooling to then automatically regulate the energy as needed. A conference room can have a carbon dioxide meter that measures air quality, the measured value is then interpreted by the data center to regulate the ventilation based on needs instead of presets. Developments in the coming years will likely be rapid and we can expect many new exciting solutions in this area, concludes Malin Nilsson.
