As of next year, newly-built apartments in Hungary will require certificates indicating the property’s relative energy efficiency, while existing flats being sold or rented will need to have a “green card” by 2012, reports Hungarian newswire MTI.
The certificates were mandated by a 2002 EU directive, and after several delays, they will be introduced in Hungary on January 1, 2009. The certificates, which are valid for 10 years, will appear in the form of stickers similar to those currently used to indicate the energy consumption characteristics of large household appliances.
From January 1, such certificates will also be attached to each new residential building, as well as state-owned public buildings with a useable area of more than 1,000 square meters. For existing apartments, the certificates will be required when selling or renting out for over a year, but this is voluntary until December 31, 2011.
“A+” will indicate the property is in the highest class of efficiency, with “I” being the worst. “C” means that the building just meets the relevant requirements.
If a building is ranked lower than “C,” a proposal for lowering the energy consumption of the property is required.