The CECB, the regulations, and you.
Since January 2020, the Canton of Fribourg has adopted the new Energy Law. In it, there is an article that introduces the cases in which the establishment of a CECB is mandatory. In addition to this article of law, other regulations require the owner to establish a CECB. We will start this article with a brief reminder of what constitutes a CECB. We will then review the different cases in which the establishment of a CECB is mandatory.
What is CECB? A reminder.
Why have CECB drawn up?
The CECB is a standardised certificate recognised by the Confederation. It serves as a reference for evaluating and establishing the energy balance of your building. To do this, it takes into account the envelope and the amount of energy consumed.
The primary energy sources targeted are heating and domestic hot water. In addition, electricity is used for lighting, ventilation and electrical appliances.
This diagnosis makes it possible to identify energy-consuming elements. It also allows you to estimate the losses quantitatively in kWh per year. Finally, it gives an indication of the possibilities for reducing your energy bill.
What is in CECB ?
Energy efficiency is formulated in terms of the "Energy Label".
This Energy Label is a scale with classes from A to G. A corresponds to the highest energy efficiency, i.e. buildings designed with current performance standards.
The document created by the expert contains two parts. The first part describes the current state of the building (envelope efficiency and technical energy performance). In the second part, recommendations and indications are listed for improving the overall energy efficiency of the building.
How long is the CECB valid?
A CECB can only be carried out by a recognised certified expert (Expert CECB). The information available in the document is valid for 10 years if no changes are made. However, if the heating system or the building envelope is modified during this period, the document loses its validity.
Certificate CECB Fribourg: when does it become compulsory?
CECB for a change of ownership
In the Energy Act, article 11a mentions CECB. This article stipulates that the energy certificate for buildings (CECB) is mandatory for all new buildings and for all buildings that are sold (alienated).
It is specified that "a transfer between legal heirs on account of death or inter vivos, or following a liquidation of the matrimonial regime, as well as a transfer to a common owner or co-owner, shall not be considered an alienation". The article also states that the costs of establishing the CECB will be borne by the owner. It must then be communicated to the potential buyer.
CECB for new buildings
Article 11a mentions a second case in which CECB is mandatory: each new building must also be accompanied by a CECB. However, this does not apply to all types of new buildings. It concerns residential buildings, schools and simple administrative buildings(SIA standard).
Exceptions: when are you exempt from the obligation to establish a CECB ?
However, some buildings have the right not to carry out a CECB when a new building is constructed or when there is a change of ownership.
The buildings concerned are :
- Industrial buildings
- The shops
However, it is expected that in the future these types of buildings will also require an energy certificate(https://www.fr.ch/dee/sde/cecb).
Certificate CECB Freiburg : Application for a grant
The Canton's Building Programme also offers a range of interesting Subsidies for the energy renovation of your property. For some of these Subsidies, a report CECB is required. In each of these cases, the CECB will have to be established before and after the work for the subsidy application. The Subsidies concerned are the following:
Grant M-05
- Heat pump installation for heating - subsidies are possible from class E onwards at CECB. The amounts vary from CHF 150/kWth to CHF 270/kWth.
- Procedure for the installation of a heat pump for domestic hot water - Subsidy possible from class E of CECB. Lump sum of CHF 1,500.
Grant M-06
- Brine/water or water/water heat pump installation for heating - Subsidy possible from class E onwards CECB. The amounts vary from CHF 150/kWth to CHF 450/kWth for heating.
- Procedure for the installation of brine/water or water/water heat pumps for domestic hot water - Subsidy possible from class E of CECB. Lump sum of 1,500.
M-10 grant
Improvement of the CECB class for envelope efficiency or overall efficiency. The amounts vary from 45CHF/m2 SRE to 233 45CHF/m2 SRE. The amount of the subsidy depends on the type of house and the difference in class to be achieved.
M-17 grant
New construction CECB A/A. The amounts depend on the type of building and vary from 38 to 98 CHF / m2 SRE.
The CECB Plus and Subsidies : what does the regulation say?
Reminder: What is CECB Plus.
As the "Plus" indicates, the CECB Plus is an advisory report that integrates and complements the CECB basic certificate. The basic certificate assesses and classifies your building on the basis of its current condition. The CECB Plus adds recommendations on the best options available for energy retrofitting your building.
Thus, three customised variants are offered for energy modernisation. A list of additional content is also included in the upgraded certificate. This content includes a list of concrete measures, recommendations, prioritisation of work, an estimate of the necessary investment costs... and a calculation of Subsidies!
The costing of its Subsidies and the investment of the works are thus at the heart of the CECB Plus Consultancy Report.
Cases in which CECB Plus is mandatory
For all Subsidies building envelope projects where the amount exceeds CHF 10,000, the Canton of Fribourg requires that the Council Report CECB Plus be attached to all applications.
The following Subsidies are concerned:
- Grant M01
- M10 grant
Improvement of the CECB class for envelope efficiency or overall efficiency - A CECB Plus should be added to the file in addition to the basic CECB .
You now have the information to determine whether you are subject to an obligation to carry out a CECB! If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us via our contact form, by email or directly by telephone (see contact details below).
