Buildings to be subject to energy certification

New buildings, those undergoing renovations, as well as those intended for sale or rental, will be required to undergo energy certification procedures. The methodology for calculating the energy performance of buildings has been approved and published by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIDR) on http://www.ednc.gov.md.

Energy certification is also mandated for public buildings with a useful area of more than 250 m², and for public buildings that already have an energy certificate but have undergone significant modifications, such as reconstructions, extensions, or modernizations affecting energy performance.

The new methodology provides a standardized assessment that considers essential factors such as the shape and structure of the building, construction materials, level of thermal insulation, the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Based on the methodology, energy auditors can accurately assess and compare the energy performance of buildings, identifying best solutions for energy savings. Thus, the assessment of building energy performance will enable the reduction of energy bills, increase tenant comfort, and enhance the market value of properties.

According to statistics, in 2022, buildings were responsible for about 53% of the total final energy consumption at the national level, considerably surpassing other sectors such as transport or industry. Most existing buildings in the Republic of Moldova were constructed during the Soviet era, between 1960 and 1990, or even earlier, in a technological and regulatory context that did not emphasize energy efficiency.