The Energy Performance Certificate (certificado de eficiencia energética o CEE) is a mandatory document in Spain that assesses a property’s energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Properties are rated from A to G, with A indicating very high efficiency and G the lowest. The certificate also includes recommendations for improving energy performance.
It is issued by a qualified technician—usually an architect or surveyor—who visits the property and calculates its efficiency using approved software. The certificate is valid for 10 years. Since 2013, it has been a legal requirement for both the sale and rental of residential properties.
Importantly, under new European regulations on energy efficiency, from 2030 onwards properties with very low ratings will no longer be eligible for sale or rent:
- From 2030: ratings below “E”
- From 2033: ratings below “D”
- From 2040: ratings below “B”
This means many homeowners will need to carry out upgrades—such as thermal insulation, double or triple glazing, or installing renewable energy systems—to sell or rent their homes in the future.
