Three new decrees on the energy efficiency of buildings.

After being agreed on by the Unified Conference and signed by Ministers Guidi, Delrio, Galletti, Lorenzin, Madia and Pinotti, the three decrees of the Ministry for Economic Development that will complete the regulatory framework on the energy efficiency of buildings are about to be published in the Official Journal. The first decree contains the new national guidelines for the Certificate on the Energy Performance of Buildings. The Minister has explained that the new APE template will be the same throughout the country and will offer to citizens, Administration and operators more information on the efficiency of the building and of systems, assuring easier comparison of the energy quality of different properties and steering the market towards buildings with better energy quality. There are going to be ten energy classes: from A4 (the best) to G (the worst). The APE will need to indicate proposals to improve the building’s energy efficiency and provide information on financial incentives to implement them. The decree also defines a template for sale and rental ad, that standardises the information on the building’s energy quality and establishes a national database of energy certificates (SIAPE). The second decree that entails application of the operative regulation, consistent in all Regions, defines the new methods for calculating the energy performance and the new minimum efficiency requirements for new buildings and for those undergoing renovation. The decree includes the comparison with a reference building (identical by geometry, orientation, location, intended use) for newly constructed buildings and for those undergoing significant renovations. The minimum requirements are also provided for buildings undergoing mere energy upgrades, concerning the building enclosure and utility installations. The third decree provides reference diagrams and methods for filling in the technical design report for the purpose of applying the requirements and minimum requirements for energy performance in buildings. The diagrams have been prepared according to the type of operation: new construction, significant renovation, energy upgrade. The Ministry’s note explains that “By issuing these provisions, an important step is taken towards the increase in Near Zero Energy Buildings. In fact, as of January 1st, 2021 new buildings and those undergoing significant renovations must be constructed so as to reduce energy consumption to the minimum, mostly covering them with renewable sources. For public buildings this deadline is brought forwards to January 1st, 2019." The three provisions will come into force in October 1st, 2015 and “will allow Italy to be fully aligned with European directives on the matter,” the communiqué concludes. Decree: Draft 26/06/2015 Appendix A: APE Exclusion Appendix B: APE Format Appendix C: Efficiency Indicator Format Appendix D: AQE

After being agreed on by the Unified Conference and signed by Ministers Guidi, Delrio, Galletti, Lorenzin, Madia and Pinotti, the three decrees of the Ministry for Economic Development that will complete the regulatory framework on the energy efficiency of buildings are about to be published in the Official Journal.

The first decree contains the new national guidelines for the Certificate on the Energy Performance of Buildings. The Minister has explained that the new APE template will be the same throughout the country and will offer to citizens, Administration and operators more information on the efficiency of the building and of systems, assuring easier comparison of the energy quality of different properties and steering the market towards buildings with better energy quality.

There are going to be ten energy classes: from A4 (the best) to G (the worst). The APE will need to indicate proposals to improve the building’s energy efficiency and provide information on financial incentives to implement them.

The decree also defines a template for sale and rental ad, that standardises the information on the building’s energy quality and establishes a national database of energy certificates (SIAPE).

The second decree that entails application of the operative regulation, consistent in all Regions, defines the new methods for calculating the energy performance and the new minimum efficiency requirements for new buildings and for those undergoing renovation.

The decree includes the comparison with a reference building (identical by geometry, orientation, location, intended use) for newly constructed buildings and for those undergoing significant renovations. The minimum requirements are also provided for buildings undergoing mere energy upgrades, concerning the building enclosure and utility installations.

The third decree provides reference diagrams and methods for filling in the technical design report for the purpose of applying the requirements and minimum requirements for energy performance in buildings. The diagrams have been prepared according to the type of operation: new construction, significant renovation, energy upgrade.

The Ministry’s note explains that “By issuing these provisions, an important step is taken towards the increase in Near Zero Energy Buildings. In fact, as of January 1st, 2021 new buildings and those undergoing significant renovations must be constructed so as to reduce energy consumption to the minimum, mostly covering them with renewable sources. For public buildings this deadline is brought forwards to January 1st, 2019."

The three provisions will come into force in October 1st, 2015 and “will allow Italy to be fully aligned with European directives on the matter,” the communiqué concludes.


Decree: Draft 26/06/2015


Appendix A: APE Exclusion


Appendix B: APE Format


Appendix C: Efficiency Indicator Format


Appendix D: AQE