implementation of the epbd in

1. Introduction

The improvement of the energy efficiencyon the whole chain “resources — production— transport — distribution — end‐useconsumers” represents one of the prioritiesof the energy strategy of Romania, takinginto account its contribution to achieving asecure energy supply for customers,promoting sustainable and competitivedevelopment, saving energy resources andreducing greenhouse gas emissions.

For the building sector, the nationalimplementation of the Energy Performanceof Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the overallresponsibility of the Ministry of RegionalDevelopment and Public Administration(MDRAP).

For transposing Directive 2010/31/EU intonational law, the Romanian Parliamentapproved Law 159/2013, in force since19 July 2013, which amends Law372/2005. Law 372/2005 on the energyperformance of buildings (recast 2013)was published in the Official Gazette ofRomania, No. 451/23.07.2013.

The national act of transpositionestablishes the following elements:

> a general framework for themethodology for calculating energyperformance of buildings and buildingunits;

> the application of minimum energyperformance requirements for newbuildings and building units;

> the application of minimum energyperformance requirements for existingbuildings, building units and buildingelements that form part of the buildingenvelope, which are subject to majorrenovations, or the installation/replacement/upgrading of TechnicalBuilding Systems (TBS);

> the energy performance certification forbuildings and building units;

> the inspection of heating and Air‐Conditioning (AC) systems in buildings;

> the control of Energy PerformanceCertificates (EPCs), energy audits andinspection reports for TBS installed inbuildings.

2. Current status ofImplementation of the EPBD

I. ENERGY PERFORMANCEREQUIREMENTS

I.i. Progress and current status

For the design of new buildings, thetechnical regulation in force is the Codefor thermal calculation of buildingelements (C 107‐2005), published in theOfficial Gazette of Romania, No. 1124bis/13.12.2005. In 2010, it was amendedto improve the thermal resistance valuesas shown in Table 1 and was then furtheramended in 2013 to introduce a catalogueof new thermal bridges.

AUTHORSDiana Ţenea,Cristian Stamatiade,Aurelia Simion,Mihaela Bontea,Ministry of RegionalDevelopment andPublicAdministration(MDRAP – DGDRI)

NATIONAL WEBSITE www.mdrap.ro

Implementationof the EPBD in

STATUS IN JULY 2015Romania

http://www.mdrap.ro

For these buildings, code requirementsrepresent energy performance indicatorsfor the design of building elements(transparent and opaque area) and theentire heated air volume.

In terms of minimum energy performancerequirements, the code does not include aglobal indicator that gathers theconsumption from individual elements suchas heating, Domestic Hot Water (DHW),ventilation, or lighting, where applicable.However, the code does include a series ofrestrictions upon individual elements.

The code contains prescriptive/element‐based criteria for insulation and the totalthermal coefficient (G‐value). The globalheat transfer coefficient, G (W/m3.K), ofthe heated volume, is an overall minimumrequirement and varies as a function ofthe number of floors of a building and thesurface‐to‐volume ratio (A/V).

Residential buildings

For residential buildings, the annualmaximum heating demand (per total heatedair volume) varies from 15 kWh/m³.year to37.5 kWh/m³.year, depending on theclimatic zone and the surface‐to‐volumeratio. The maximum heat demand does nottake the efficiency of the TBS into account.

Technical regulations contain assessmentcriteria for each building element thatforms part of the building envelopedepending on the thermal characteristicsof the construction products, andcalculation rules of the global coefficientfor thermal insulation (G‐value) that allowenergy performance evaluation.

The level of energy requirements for newbuildings depends on building type (housing,office buildings, schools, etc.) and buildingenvelope elements, and it refers to:

> the minimum thermal resistancecorrected by taking thermal bridges intoaccount (the R value);

> the maximum thermal transfercorrected by taking thermal bridges intoaccount (the U value);

> the global coefficient for thermalinsulation (the G value).

Non‐residential buildings

For non‐residential buildings, no explicitminimum thermal resistance values aregiven, but there is a reference to the valueof the global coefficient Gmax (total heattransfer coefficient) defined based oncoefficients from ‘a’ to ‘e’, shown in Tables2 and 3, and representing values of thermalresistance for external walls, roof, floor(slab and floor laying) above an unheatedbasement, outer building perimeter of thefloor in contact with the soil and windows(W/m2.K).

Proof of compliance with technicalregulations of new buildings is carried outin two steps:

> at the time of building permit request;> after the completion of the building

construction works.

Existing buildings

For existing buildings, new technicalregulations have been approved for theirenergy performance improvement, asfollows:

> design code for façades with ventilatedstructures, NP 135‐2013 (technicalregulation published in the OfficialGazette of Romania, No.807 bis/19.12.2013);

> guidelines for the design and executionof thermal rehabilitation of housing,GP 123‐2013 (technical regulationpublished in the Official Gazette ofRomania, No. 538 bis/26.08.2013);

> framework solutions for the hydro‐thermal rehabilitation of the existingbuilding envelope, SC 007‐2013(technical regulation published in theOfficial Gazette of Romania, No.540 bis/27.08.2013);

> guidelines for the design and executionof green roofs for new and existingbuildings, GP 120‐2013 (technicalregulation published in the OfficialGazette of Romania, No.803 bis/19.12.2013).

These regulations only deal with thermalrehabilitation interventions on elements

Table 1:Reference R and

Uvalues (correctedby taking thermal

bridges into account)required for

residential buildings.

I M P L E M E N T A T I O N O F T H E E P B D I N R O M A N I A S T A T U S J U L Y 2 0 1 52

of building envelopes to reduce thebuilding energy demand. They do notcover any potential energy savings due toimproved efficiency in TBS, includinglighting, Heating, Ventilation and Air‐Conditioning systems (HVAC) and DHW,nor do they consider the real behaviour ofthe occupants.

Future updates of the code will includeindicators and requirements for globalenergy performance.

In the case of major renovations, thethermal rehabilitation of the buildingenvelope is first taken into considerationand then the improvement or replacementof the TBS is considered, where necessary.The efficiency of TBS is based on theminimum energy performance requirementsset in the appropriate technical regulationslisted in section 2.II.i.

I.ii. Format of nationaltransposition and implementationof existing regulationsThe technical regulation “Methodology forcalculating the energy performance ofbuildings” (Mc 001 – 2006), published in theOfficial Gazette of Romania, No.126 bis/21.02.2007, has been developed to

transpose Directive 2010/31/EU and todetermine the energy performance ofbuildings and building units based on theirenergy consumption (HVAC, DHW, lighting).Later, the methodology was amended basedon the provisions of available Europeanstandards and results of research activityundertaken in Romania to introduce acalculation handbook on the energyperformance of buildings and apartmentsand a model for issuing EPCs for apartmentsin 2009, as well as a procedure for thevalidation of the software used in thecalculation of the energy performance forissuing EPCs for apartments in apartmentbuildings in 2010. In 2013, the technicalregulation was amended to include acatalogue of thermal bridges for both newand existing buildings, and for bothresidential and non‐residential buildings.

The calculation of the energyperformance of buildings, in accordancewith Annex I of the EPBD and theapplicable CEN standards, takes thefollowing parameters into account:

> the thermal and structuralcharacteristics of building elements thatform part of the building envelope(transparent/opaque area);

Table 2:Maximum thermaltransmittance fornonresidentialbuildings with fulltime occupancy orparttime occupancyand high thermalinertia.

Table 3:Maximum thermaltransmittance fornonresidentialbuildings with parttime occupancy butwithout high thermalinertia.

I M P L E M E N T A T I O N O F T H E E P B D I N R O M A N I A S T A T U S J U L Y 2 0 1 5 3

> the conventional indoor operativetemperature (condition for thermalcomfort);

> the climatic zone location of thebuilding;

> the air exchange rate, which variesbased on building type, exposure andairtightness of windows and doors;

> the solar exposure/sun shading;> the internal heat gains.The methodology will be updated inaccordance with the umbrella standardunder development and the existingenergy performance standards underrevision pursuant to Directive2010/31/EU.

I.iii. Costoptimal procedure forsetting energy performancerequirementsThe cost‐optimal methodology aims atidentifying technical solutions/packagesof improvement measures for developingenergy efficient buildings which,according to the EPBD, may be classifiedas Nearly Zero‐Energy Buildings (NZEBs—using conventional, fossil‐energysources).

The analysis was carried out using virtualreference buildings, representative of thebuilding stock, for both residential andnon‐residential, located in two climaticzones representing the winter

temperature zoning of Romania. Figure 1shows the temperature design values forfive climatic zones, where climatic zone IIhas text = ‐12 ºC and climatic zone IV hastext = ‐15 ºC. The design values are to beused only for the energy performanceevaluation and the appropriate sizing ofthe TBS.

Packages of measures for buildingelements, the TBS, as well as the use ofRenewable Energy Sources (RES) wereselected and used for the calculation ofcost‐optimal levels for each referencebuilding. For existing buildings, eachpackage always contained the followingmeasures:

> the modernisation of the envelopeelements (external walls, terrace, floorabove the basement, where applicable);

> the replacement of windows.The characteristics of the buildingenvelope elements that were upgraded,or replaced when required, take thevalues presented in Table 1.

For each reference building, only thepackages of measures that complied withthe criterion of an economic recoveryperiod of less than 10 years wereconsidered as valid.

The national cost‐optimal report is underreview until the end of 2016 and nopractical information is yet available.Figure 1:

Climatic zones inRomania.

(standard SR 19071:2014)


I.iv. Action plan for progressiontowards Nearly ZeroEnergyBuildings (NZEBs)

National application of the NZEBdefinition

A NZEB is a building that has a very highenergy performance, for which theresultant energy requirements are verylow or nearly zero, and are mostlycovered by energy from RES, produced on‐site or nearby.

The maximum allowable level of primaryenergy from conventional sources (fossilfuels) and of CO2 emissions from runningprocesses in the building are presented in

Table 4 for different types of buildingsand climatic zones in Romania. To ensurethe total energy use of a NZEB, therenewable (non‐fossil) sources shall coverat least 10% of its total calculated primaryenergy needs. The RES shall be usedaccording to their technical, economicand environmental feasibility andproduced on the building site or nearby.

For the existing buildings that undergomajor renovations, the maximumallowable level of primary energy fromconventional sources shall be consideredto the extent that the appropriateinvestments are technically andeconomically justified, so that the

Table 4:Maximum allowablelevel of primaryenergy and CO2

emissions for NearlyZeroEnergyBuildings.


renovation work still provides morebenefits than costs over the expectedlifetime of the building operation.

The NZEB requirements will be introducedgradually, with a first update in 2015, anintermediate value in 2018 and the finalvalues in 2020. This gradual approach isindicated in Table 4. Based on Law372/2005 (recast 2013) provisions, all newbuildings should be NZEB buildings starting1 January 2019 for public buildings and1 January 2021 for all others (thedeadlines represent the date of startingthe construction works).

Figures and statistics on existing NZEBs

As of 2015, there are no newly constructedor existing NZEBs in Romania and norelevant data is available on this topic.

I.v. Implementation of the EnergyEfficiency Directive (EED)regarding building renovationand the exemplary role of publicbuildingsTo increase the energy efficiency and theuse of renewable energy in buildings, anational strategy[1] has been established formobilising investment in renovating thenational building stock, for both residentialand commercial, as well as public andprivate buildings. The national strategy hasbeen included in the National EnergyEfficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), approvedand published in 2015.

The national strategy encompasses thefollowing main items:

> an overview of the national buildingstock based on statistical sampling;

> the identification of cost‐effectiveapproaches to renovations relevant tothe building type and climatic zone;

> policies and measures to stimulatecost‐effective deep renovations ofbuildings, including staged deeprenovations;

> a forward‐looking perspective to guideinvestment decisions of individuals, theconstruction industry and/or financialinstitutions;

> an evidence‐based estimate ofexpected energy savings and widerbenefits.

The strategy establishes a stagedapproach which leads to job creation,improvement of the living conditions inbuildings and workspaces, reduction ofdependency on external suppliers ofenergy sources, optimal use of naturalresources and improved human resourcesin several sectors related to theconstruction of modern energy efficientbuildings.

In order to achieve the general objectiveof reducing energy consumption inbuildings, several specific policies arepresented in Annex 1 of the nationalstrategy.

To improve the energy performance ofbuildings owned and occupied by thecentral government, in which a leadingexample must be set, reduction measuresfor energy consumption are to be realisedby renovating more than 3% of the totalfloor area of heated and/or cooledcentral government buildings in a givenyear. To achieve this, the MDRAPapproved Order 3466/2013, making theinventory of buildings with a total usefulfloor area over 500 m2 publicly available.A summary of the central governmentbuilding inventories is presented in Table5 and updated information is displayed onthe MDRAP website[2].

[1] published on the MDRAP website www.mdrap.ro/constructii/metodologiadecalculalperformanteienergeticeacladirilor[2] www.mdrap.ro/constructii/metodologiadecalculalperformanteienergeticeacladirilor

Table 5:Summary of central

government buildinginventory

(implementation ofEED Article 5).


http://www.mdrap.ro/constructii/metodologia-de-calcul-al-performantei-energetice-a-cladirilor

http://www.mdrap.ro/constructii/metodologia-de-calcul-al-performantei-energetice-a-cladirilor

II. REQUIREMENTS FORTECHNICAL BUILDINGSYSTEMS (TBS)

II.i. Coverage of heating,domestic hot water, airconditioning and large ventilationsystemsThe design of the TBS is based on theenergy performance requirements set inthe following technical regulations:

> the code for the design, constructionand operation of central heatinginstallations, I 13 – 2002 under revision;

> the code for the design, constructionand operation of sanitary installations inbuildings, I 9, to be published in 2015;

> the code for the design, constructionand operation of ventilation and air‐conditioning installations, I 5 ‐ 2010;

> the code for the design, constructionand operation of lighting installations inbuildings, I 7 ‐ 2011.

The calculation of the heating and coolingenergy needs is based on the provisions ofthe following national standards:

> SR 1907‐1:2014 – Heating systems inbuildings. Calculation of system energyneeds. Design requirements;

> SR 1907‐2:2014 – Heating systems inbuildings. Calculation of system energyneeds. Conventional design indoortemperatures;

> SR 6648‐1:2014 ‐ Ventilation and air‐conditioning systems. Calculation ofexternal heat gains and cooling thermalload (sensible) for air‐conditionedbuildings. Basic requirements;

> SR 6648‐2:2014 ‐ Ventilation and air‐conditioning systems. Outdoor climaticparameters.

The energy consumption in buildings isassessed based on the methodology forcalculating the energy performance ofbuildings and building units, MC 001‐2006,with further amendments.

The technical regulation “Guidance on theuse of renewable energy in new and existingbuildings”, implementing the use of energyfrom RES in buildings or in their vicinity,shall be published and used both in thedesign of new buildings, as well as for majorrenovations of existing buildings.

II.ii. Regulation of systemperformance, distinct fromproduct or whole buildingperformanceThe assessment of the energy performanceof buildings takes both the level of buildingthermal protection and the energy

efficiency of the building's systems(functioning of the TBS, efficiency ofenergy production sources, energytransport and distribution, type of fuelused, etc., including use of renewableenergy for heating, ventilation/AC, DHWconsumption and lighting) intoconsideration. There are requirementsapplicable at the building level (e.g.,overall performance) and for individualelements (e.g., boiler efficiency).

II.iii. Applicability to new,replacement and upgradedsystems in existing buildingsFor new, as well as for existing buildingsor building units subject to majorrenovations, the design of the TBS isbased on energy requirements set in thespecific technical regulations in force atthe time of project completion. Therequirements refer to TBS dimensioning,correct installation, adjustment andcontrol, and mainly cover the following:

> heating systems;> DHW systems;> AC systems;> large ventilation systems;> a combination of the above TBS.For new buildings or existing buildings thatundergo major renovations, the owners ormanagers of the buildings may require, bylaw, the installation of intelligent meteringsystems or, where appropriate, theinstallation of active energy‐savingcontrols which employ automation, controland/or monitoring systems.

Interventions on TBS aim to reduce energyconsumption to meet the energy demandsfor heating and DHW. Measures mayaffect production, transport, distributionand use. In some particular cases in whichthe installations are old and equipmenthas deteriorated considerably, theintervention may require total or partialsystem replacement, especially if itrelates to district hot water supply, andas long as it is technically, functionallyand economically feasible.

The selection of a particular equipment aspart of a specific TBS is usually based oneconomic criteria.

II.iv. Applicability to newbuildingsFor new buildings, the energyrequirements relating to the properdimensioning and installation of TBS areset in applicable technical regulations andmainly cover the following:

> achieving and maintaining thecomfortable indoor temperature by


proper dimensioning of theheating/cooling systems for meeting theenergy needs that result from theenergy balance;

> maintaining the rate of ventilation –natural or mechanical – for appropriateoccupancy;

> dimensioning of the climate system,with or without humidity control,including heat recovery contained inexhaust air;

> providing specific needs of DHW, thenumber of consumers and the actualduration of the period of consumption.

Law 372/2005 (recast 2013) provides that,for new buildings and complexes ofbuildings, a specific analysis shall beundertaken on the feasibility study (withinitial technical and economicdocumentation for new buildings beingelaborated in the design process) which isrequired by Law 50/1991 for theauthorisation of construction works(recast) with further amendments,published in the Official Gazette ofRomania, No. 933/13.10.2004. Theanalysis has to consider the possible useof high‐efficiency alternative systems,depending on their feasibility from atechnical, economic and environmentalpoint of view.

II.v. Provisions for installation,dimensioning, adjustment andcontrol

Law 372/2005 (recast 2013) requires newbuildings and existing buildings subject tomajor renovations to comply with theenergy requirements set in the technicalregulations in force at the time of designcompletion, covering proper TBSinstallation, dimensioning, technicaladjustment and control systems forheating, DHW, AC, large ventilationsystems and a combination of these.

Law 121/2014 on energy efficiency,published in the Official Gazette ofRomania, Νo. 574/01.08.2014 andtransposing Directive 2012/27/EU intonational law, requires that final customersshall be provided with competitivelypriced individual meters that accuratelyreflect the final customer’s real timeactual energy consumption. Thisrequirement only applies if it istechnically possible, financiallyreasonable and proportionate in relationto the potential energy savings.

The individual meters shall provideinformation on actual time of use ofelectricity, natural gas, district heating,district cooling and DHW consumption.

II.vi. Encouragement ofintelligent meteringAlso, to the extent that is technicallypossible, financially reasonable andproportionate to the potential energysavings, Law 121/2014 provides energydistributors with the possibility ofimplementing intelligent metering andsmart meters for natural gas‐poweredelectricity and other TBS, if this is thecase, for better meter readingmanagement and monitoring of the energyconsumption in order to at least provide:

> information on actual energyconsumption;

> information, upon customer request, onthe electricity exported to the grid fromthe final customer facility or premises;

> accurate billing information.

II.vii. Encouragement of activeenergysaving control(automation, control andmonitoring)In order to obtain energy savings inbuildings, Law 372/2005 (recast 2013)allows that, for new buildings and existingbuildings subject to major renovations,the owners and/or managers of thebuildings may have active control systemsusing automation, control and monitoringsystems that aim to save energy installed.

III. ENERGY PERFORMANCECERTIFICATES (EPCs)REQUIREMENTS

III.i. Progress and current statuson sale or rental of buildings

Overview and administration system

For the uniform application of legalprovisions on the energy performance ofbuildings and inspections of heating/ACsystems and in order to achieve andmaintain both the essential requirementof “energy saving and thermal insulation”and six other essential requirements ofLaw 10/1995 on construction quality, withfurther amendments, the StateInspectorate for Construction (ISC)exercises state control following a specificcontrol procedure.

The control procedure establishes thenecessary steps to be taken in case ofrandom checking and control based onspecific themes and/or official complaintsreceived by the ISC.

The flowchart of the control procedure onexercising the uniform application of legalprovisions on the energy performance ofbuildings and the inspection of heating/AC


systems and ordering measures,recommendations and sanctions, asprovided by Law 372/2005 (recast 2013), isshown in Figure 2. All the EPCs are to berecorded in a database under development.

How flats are certified in apartmentbuildings

Issuing of an EPC for a flat in case of saleor rental does not require or imply issuingan EPC for the building as a whole.

Figure 2:Flowchart of thecontrol procedure forthe uniformapplication of legalprovisions on theenergy performanceof buildings andinspection of heatingand AC systems.


QMS – QualityManagement System.

ANCPI – AgentiaNationala deCadastru siPublicitate Imobiliara.

9

In order to inform the potentialbuyer/tenant, the EPCs for individualapartments can include specificinformation regarding energy needs forheating, DHW, ventilation/AC andlighting. The certificate may also includethe specific CO2 emissions.

Issuing an EPC for a building as a whole isdone at the time of starting theconstruction works for new buildings and

thermally renovated buildings (in thislatter case, an EPC is issued before theworks begin and after completion of themajor renovations).

Format and content of the EPC

The EPCs shown in Figures 3 and 4 havetwo pages. The first page includes theenergy class for the apartment orbuilding, the calculated energy needs

Figure 3:Energy Performance

Certificates forbuildings.

Figure 4:Energy Performance

Certificates forapartments.


evaluated using a calculated numericalindex, and the performancecharacteristics of the apartment orbuilding, e.g., the total specific annualfinal energy consumption for heating,cooling, ventilation, DHW and lighting,total energy use and CO2 equivalentemissions.

For buildings, the second page includesthe energy scales, ranging from A to G,for each class of energy consumption, aswell as energy performance informationabout the reference building (a newbuilding with the same layout andoccupancy that meets the energyperformance requirements indicated inthe technical regulations). The energyperformance is presented in terms offinal specific annual energy needs(kWh/m2.year), including all specificenergy consumption for heating,ventilation/AC, DHW and lighting duringthe building's normal operations.

The energy classes range from A (mostefficient ‐ 125 kWh/m2.year for heating,DHW and lighting identified as ‘energyservices’) to G (highest energyconsumption ‐ 820 kWh/m2.year for totalenergy consumption). A building with nocooling/mechanical ventilation systems isconsidered to fall into the A energy classfor this particular aspect. The vastmajority of buildings fit into energyclasses C and D.

Each building and the reference buildingare characterised by the calculated energyneeds. The existing building is penalisedaccordingly (with 12 penalisation indicesbased on envelope and TBS type, age andcondition in relation to rational/appropriate minimum hygiene standards,as well as building and TBS maintenance).

EPC activity levels

By the end of 2014, the EPC databaselisted almost 249,800 certificates issuedby energy auditors for buildings andapartment buildings, as shown in Figure 5.

The preliminary analysis over almost69,200 EPCs produced an estimate of theenergy performance of existing buildings,shown in Figures 6 and 7, based on finalenergy use and CO2 emissions indicators.

Typical EPC costs

The typical EPC issuing costs varybetween 50 € and 150 € for an apartment,to 500 ‐ 1,000 € for a collectiveresidential building, and more for otherbuilding types. Lately, the market forEPCs has grown considerably due toenforcing specific provisions of Law372/2005 (recast 2013).

Figure 5:Energy Performance Certificates for apartments and buildings issued in21 counties by 2014 (EPC database).

Figure 6:Average final energy consumption for different building categories.

Figure 7:Average CO2 emissions indicator for different building categories.


Assessor corps

Only certified energy auditors are entitledto issue EPCs and carry out systeminspections. In order to be certified, thecandidates should be engineers (graduatesin civil or power engineering); orarchitects, with at least three years ofprofessional experience for thecertification of apartments and apartmentbuildings, and at least five years ofprofessional experience for thecertification and energy audits of all typesof buildings.

In addition, the candidates must attendan initial training (short‐term courses of80 hours, or master classes in 1 to 2‐yearprogrammes on energy efficiency, or theenergy performance of buildings), andtake part in a national examination oftheir knowledge of the energyrequirements set in the technicalregulations in force, as well as of the EPCissuance procedure for buildings. Theexamination takes place in two parts: anexam of specific knowledge, and aninterview based on presenting a properlydrafted energy audit which includes thecertification of an existing building, anaudit report with detailed solutions forbuilding modernisation, and a financialevaluation of the proposed measures andtheir economic efficiency. Accreditedtraining courses, approved by the MDRAP,are offered by technical universities inBucharest, Timisoara, Iasi and Cluj‐Napoca.

The MDRAP coordinates the certificationof energy auditors for buildings and isresponsible for all procedural aspects ofenergy certification. Energy auditors arecertified for 5 years, which may beextended based on evidence ofcontinuous training. The requirementsimposed on the certification of energyauditors are a guarantee of their properprofessional attitude and EPC issuancecredibility.

Certified energy auditors may operate in aself‐employed capacity, or be employedby public bodies or private enterprises.

As of mid‐2015, there are 1,597 certifiedenergy auditors for buildings that mayissue EPCs and perform energy audits ofbuildings. The database of certifiedenergy auditors is managed by the MDRAPand published on the ministry’s website.

Enforcement with building owners andreal estate actors

For buildings or building units that aresold or rented out, Law 372/2005 (recast2013) sets the following requirements:

> The investor/owner/manager is obliged,as appropriate, to make a copy of theEPC available to the prospective buyeror new tenant before concluding thesale or lease, so that they can learnabout the energy performance of thebuilding or the building unit they wantto buy or rent.

> The owner is obliged to hand over theEPC (official document) to the buyer atthe time of signing the contract.

> The seller/landlord is required to submita copy of the EPC to the tax authoritiesso that the original document remains inthe possession of the owner on the dateof registration of the contract of sale orlease.

> Contracts of sale concluded withoutobserving the law are considered nulland void and in non‐compliance withthe Civil Code.

Quality Assurance (QA) of EPCs

The ISC has conducted random checks on1,034 new and existing buildings, finding970 deficiencies (multiple deficiencies onthe same EPC – the actual EPC number isnot available) in which specificactions/measures were taken. In 7 suchcases, the inspectorate imposed sanctionson energy auditors amounting to a total ofapproximately 540 €, in compliance withLaw 372/2005 (recast 2013).

The control focused mainly on:

> the display of the EPC in buildings withthe total useful floor area over 500 m2

owned and occupied by publicauthorities and institutions providingpublic services;

> energy auditor certificationrequirements (specific highereducation, area of expertise),signatures and stamps on the EPCs andenergy audit reports for buildings basedon the legal provisions in force;

> the completeness and accuracy ofinformation presented in the EPCs andenergy audit reports.

III.ii. Progress and current statuson public and large buildingsvisited by the public

Overview

The inventory of buildings with a totaluseful floor area over 500 m2 conductedat the end of 2013 indicated that thereare 2,749 buildings owned by centralpublic administration authorities. Asummary of the data in this respect isposted on the MDRAP website (listed onthe first page of this report).


The format and content of the EPC forthis type of building are the same as forother kinds of buildings (section 2.III.i.).

The EPC is valid for 10 years from theissuing date shown on the certificate,except for the case of a building orbuilding unit that is subject to a majorrenovation that modifies its energyconsumption and performance.

The cost of the EPC is similar to those ofresidential buildings (section 2.III.i.).

Law 372/2005 (recast 2013) and thenational regulation of certification ofenergy auditors for buildings make nocertification distinction for publicbuildings. Energy auditors must complywith the general requirements.

The control procedure for public buildingsis also similar (section 2.III.i.). The controlhas focused on the display of the EPC inpublic buildings.

III.iii. Implementation ofmandatory advertisingrequirementIn order to inform potential buyers ortenants, the investor/owner/manager ofthe building or the building unit shallspecify the following energy performanceindicators as stated in the EPC in sale orrental advertisements in commercial media:

> energy class;> total specific annual energy

consumption;> CO2 equivalent emissions.The compliance of EPC visibility inadvertising has not been monitored so far.

For buildings that are sold beforeconstruction work has been completed,the investor/owner/manager, asappropriate, shall make specificdata/information available to the buyerso that they can learn about the energyperformance of the building or thebuilding unit they are interested in, aspresented in the technical documentationof the building as enforced by law.

The setting up and implementation ofprogrammes to increase the energyperformance of buildings, includingappropriate funding mechanisms, arepresented on the MDRAP website.

III.iv. Information campaignsTo encourage owners and tenants toimprove the energy performance of theirbuilding or building unit, informationcampaigns are organised in compliancewith Law 372/2005 (recast 2013) andannounce initiatives for:

> programmes to inform and educate theowners/managers of buildings, andother activities having informationdisseminated through the media onimplementing different methods andpractices to increase energyperformance and for using high‐efficiency alternative systems, andawareness programmes on availablefinancial instruments, including the useof funds for promoting greentechnologies by developing greeninvestment schemes;

> the promotion of policies andprogrammes to increase the number ofNZEBs using energy from conventionalsources by 2020;

> the promotion of programmes forinstalling and operating alternativeenergy supply systems in buildings.

Information regarding ongoing thermalrehabilitation programmes, includingfunding mechanisms, is presented on theMDRAP website.

III.v. Coverage of the nationalbuilding stockFrom data gathered by the NationalInstitute for Statistics during the lastcensus, the built area is equal to493 million m2, 86% of which correspondsto residential buildings, but does notindicate a corresponding total number ofbuildings. Out of 8.1 million housing units,61% are single‐family houses. Almost47.5% of all households are located inrural areas, in which 95% of the housingunits are single‐family houses.

The existing buildings were erectedmainly between 1950 and 1990 and havepoor energy performance due to the lackof technical regulations before 1973(when the energy crisis started) regardingthe building envelope and its thermalprotection design. Thus, they do notcomply with current energy performancerequirements. The final energyconsumption of these buildings variesbetween 150 and 350 kWh/m2.year.

It may also be noted that buildingsconstructed in the early years after 1990have a low energy performance(150 ‐ 250 kWh/m2.year), while buildingsconstructed after 2000 have a betterenergy performance(120 ‐ 230 kWh/m2.year).

For non‐residential buildings, the finalenergy consumption varies between 120and 400 kWh/m2.year according to eachbuilding category (offices, commercial,educational, cultural, hospitals, hotels,etc.).


The structure of the national buildingstock by the end of 2013, for both non‐residential buildings and buildings which,based on the buildings’ inventory, areowned and occupied by the centralgovernment and have a total useful floorarea over 500 m2, is presented inFigures 8 and 9.

IV. INSPECTIONREQUIREMENTS – HEATINGAND AIRCONDITIONING (AC)SYSTEMS

In order to reduce energy consumptionand limit CO2 emissions, inspections ofheating and AC systems are carried out asfollows:

> every 5 years – inspections of heatingsystems with boilers that use natural gas,non‐renewable liquid or solid fuel, of aneffective rated output for space heatingpurposes between 20 kW and 100 kW;

> every 2 years – inspections of heatingsystems with boilers of an effectiverated output for space heatingpurposes greater than 100 kW; periodicinspections every 4 years are carriedout as well for heating systems with gasboilers;

> inspections of heating systems withboilers of an effective rated output forspace heating purposes of 20 kW andolder than 15 years;

> every 5 years – inspections of ACsystems of an effective rated output ofmore than 12 kW.

Inspections are carried out by technicalexperts certified for inspection incompliance with energy performancerequirements for TBS set in technicalregulations in force at the date ofinspection.

IV.i. Progress and current statuson heating systems

Law 372/2005 (recast 2013) establishesregular inspections of heating systems inbuildings or building units to be carriedout by certified technical experts, andbased on the provisions in the technicalregulation “Guidelines for energyperformance inspection of boilers andheating systems in buildings”, asdescribed before.

Technical experts are professionalsspecialised in heating systems, certifiedby the MDRAP in compliance with Law10/1995 on construction quality, withfurther amendments, and the technicalregulation “Guide for technical andprofessional certification of professionalworking in construction” approved byMinisterial Order 777/2003, with furtheramendments.

The certified expert is entitled to carryout inspections in terms of energy

Figure 8:Nonresidentialbuilding stock.

(Source: NationalInstitute of Statistics,

INCD URBANINCERC)


Figure 9:Stock of buildingswith total useful floorarea over 500 m2

owned/occupied bythe centralgovernment.(Source:RePublic_ZEBproject)

performance of the heating and/or ACsystems and to issue reports oninspections. The technical expertoperates in either a self‐employedcapacity, or is employed by public bodiesor private enterprises, in accordance withlegal provisions.

After each heating system inspection, aninspection report is issued containingresults of the inspection andrecommendations for cost‐effectiveimprovement of the energy performanceand reduction of CO2 emissions. Law372/2005 (recast 2013) establishes the


following duties for technical experts:

> the obligation to register identificationdata of documents issued, e.g.,inspection reports for heating systems,in their own register of evidence ofactivity;

> the obligation to electronically sendinspection reports on heating systemsto the MDRAP, no later than 30 daysafter their issuance, in order to inputappropriate information into a specificdatabase which is under developmentat the end of 2015.

Failure to fulfil their obligations leads tosanctions imposed on technical expertsby the ISC.

There is currently no informationavailable on the reports and costs for theinspection of heating systems.

The ISC administers state control ofheating systems and quality control oftheir inspection reports following aspecific control procedure approved bythe MDRAP Order 3152/2013. The controlis exercised based on bilateralcollaboration protocols signed betweenthe ISC and national institutes forresearch and development inconstruction, main trade and constructionproduct industry associations, civilengineering and building service designerassociations and the order of architects.

The ISC carries out the control along withdesignated professionals from the aboveorganisations, certified as energy auditorsfor buildings, and/or technical experts forheating and AC systems.

Annual reporting on the control ofreports concerning the inspection ofheating systems and measures imposed ispresented by the ISC to the MDRAP, orwhenever requested. There is noinformation available yet.

Regular maintenance and inspection ofheating systems by qualified personnelcontributes to maintaining their correctadjustment in accordance with thetechnical specifications of theequipment, which ensures environmentalprotection, safety in exploitation systemsand energy saving.

IV.ii. Progress and current statuson AC systemsLaw 372/2005 (recast 2013) establishes 5‐year inspections of AC systems in buildingsto be carried out by certified technicalexperts and based on the provisions of thetechnical regulation “Guidelines forenergy performance inspection of ACsystems of an effective rated output ofmore than 12 kW”.

During the inspection, the effective ratedoutput is assessed, as well as the designperformance of the AC system based onbuilding ventilation needs. Consumersshall be informed of necessary systemimprovements or replacements and otherpossible solutions to be considered.

Inspection of AC systems is carried out bytechnical experts certified by the MDRAPfollowing the same rules described for theinspection of heating systems.

There is no information available yet onthe reports and costs for the inspection ofAC systems.

During the inspection of the buildings’ ACsystems, proper functioning is assessedalong with the influence on energyconsumption (energy balance of ventilatedbuildings, large share of energy demandfor cooling due to solar contribution, andinside heat sources emission), and properdimensioning is also checked in relation tothe cooling/heating needs of theventilated area in the building.

The AC systems inspection focuses on thefollowing:

> the assessment of the building/areaenergy demand compared to theinstalled AC system;

> the identification of any problemsrelated to the building envelope which,once tackled, could lead to a reductionin energy demand (direct radiationrequiring interior or exterior shading,window replacement, etc.);

> the examination of building operations(occupancy, general/local lighting,distribution of heat release sources, etc.);

> the identification of smoking areas forproper functioning and inspection of theventilation/AC systems.

Following the inspection of the ACsystems, the use of alternative energysources may be recommended in theinspection report.

3. A success story in EPBDimplementation

In order to improve the energyperformance of residential buildings,national programmes were promotedusing various funding mechanisms incompliance with:

> Government Emergency Ordinance18/2009, for increasing the energyefficiency in residential buildings,approved by Law 158/2011, with furtheramendments;

> Government Emergency Ordinance69/2010 regarding the thermal


rehabilitation of residential buildings,with bank funding based on agovernmental pledge, approved byLaw 76/2011;

> European funding mechanism providedby the Structural and Cohesion Funds forprogrammes implementing the thermalrehabilitation of apartment buildings.

For the efficient use of public funding inimplementing various thermalrehabilitation measures to increase theenergy performance of buildings, thestandard for costs of housing thermalrehabilitation was developed andapproved by Government Decision363/2010, with further amendments.

The national and local programmesestablished by Government EmergencyOrdinance 18/2009, amended byOrdinance 63/2012, establish thefollowing financing mechanisms forrehabilitation works on building envelopesto increase the energy performance ofresidential buildings and achieve theannual target on specific energy forheating consumption of100 kWh/m2:

a) the national funding programme,providing:

> 50% of funds from state budgetallocations approved annually for thispurpose in the MDRAP budget;

> 30% of funds approved annually for thispurpose in local budgets and/or otherlegal sources;

> 20% of funds from the ownerassociation's building repair fund and/orother legal sources – representing ownercontribution;

b) Structural and Cohesion Funds from theEuropean Union, in compliance with EUregulations and procedures:

> 60% of funds from European funds andstate budget allocations approvedannually for this purpose in the MDRAPbudget;

> 40% of funds approved annually for thispurpose in local budgets and/or otherlegal sources, as well as from the ownerassociation's building repair fund and/orother legal sources;

c) local programme funding.

It should be noted that, through thisprogramme, owner contributions may onlybe covered by the local budget for thefollowing people:

> disabled individuals, or families withdisabled members who need care;

> single people and families whoseaverage net monthly income (per singleperson/family member) is below the

national average, as determined bylocal public administration authoritiesand concerning the three months priorto the enquiry;

> veterans and their surviving spouses;> pensioners, irrespective of their social

status, whose average net monthlyincome (per single person/familymember) is below the national average.

By 31 December 2014, thermalrehabilitation works have been carriedout under:

> the national programme for1,518 housing units, accounting for58,255 apartments, and under the localprogrammes for almost 210 housingunits, accounting for 9,626 apartments.The energy saving output following theimplementation of thermalrehabilitation measures for residentialbuildings under these programmes wasabout 35% ‐ 40% of the final energyconsumption (approximately 82 Mtoe)before the rehabilitation work wascarried out;

> the operational programme financed bythe Structural and Cohesion Funds ofthe EU, in accordance with theregulations and procedures for accessingthese funds and the conditionsestablished in this respect, based onabout 108 ongoing contracts aimed atachieving a better energy performancefor 680 housing units representing31,427 apartments.

In all the above programmes, EPCs havebeen required and issued for all buildingsas part of the technical and financialdocumentation.

4. Conclusions, future plans

To increase the energy efficiency inbuildings, the National Energy EfficiencyAction Plan (NEEAP) 2014‐2017 wasdeveloped to achieve Romania's assumedtarget of 19% energy consumptionreduction in the building sector (bothresidential and non‐residential buildings)by 2020, in compliance with therequirements of Directive 2012/27/EU.The national plan established thermalrehabilitation targets regarding:

> government buildings;> public buildings (e.g., town halls,

schools, hospitals, etc.);> apartment buildings;> single‐family housing.In order to increase the energy efficiencyin buildings owned or occupied by publicauthorities, the Regional Operational


Programme 2014‐2020, “Priority Axis 3:Supporting the transition to a low carboneconomy”, and “Priority Investment 3.1. ‐Energy efficiency in public buildings,residential buildings and public lighting”,provides potential investment funding forthese categories of buildings.

The main activities supported under thisinvestment programme are related tomeasures to be taken to increase energyefficiency in public buildings and to carryout annual renovations of buildings ownedor occupied by the central government,and they refer to:

> the thermal insulation improvement ofthe building envelope;

> the rehabilitation and modernisation ofTechnical Building Systems (TBS) forheat and Domestic Hot Water (DHW)preparation and transport, ventilationand Air‐Conditioning (AC), includingpassive cooling systems, as well asrelated equipment acquisition andinstallation, followed by its connectionto the central heating systems, asappropriate;

> the use of renewable energy to coverneeds for heating and DHW preparation;

> implementing energy managementsystems aimed at improving energyefficiency and monitoring energyconsumption;

> the replacement of fluorescent andincandescent lighting luminaries with

high energy efficiency and long lifeones;

> other activities that lead to fulfilling theobjectives of energy efficiency.

To implement measures for improvingenergy efficiency and for using RenewableEnergy Sources (RES) in buildings ownedby or under the management of publicadministration, as well as for setting anexample in reducing energy consumption,a mechanism for developing and co‐financing energy efficiency projects withthe participation of Energy ServiceCompanies (ESCOs) is taken intoconsideration.

In order to increase the quality of energyefficiency work, as well as the installationand operation of RES in buildings, thefollowing have been established:

> the qualification roadmap for theworkforce in construction, provided bythe BUILD UP Skills project ‐ Romania,in April 2013[3];

> the qualification scheme for installers ofinsulation systems for opaque buildingareas and thermally isolated windowsfor buildings[4].

To raise awareness and increase thenumber of public Nearly Zero‐EnergyBuildings (NZEBs) with energyconsumption from conventional sources,the project “Renovation of publicbuildings to almost ZERO ENERGYLEVEL[5]” was developed.

[3] available at www.ieerobust.ro/downloads/BUILDUPSkills_Roadmap_final_RO.pdf[4] information available at www.ieerobust.ro/qualishell[5] findings available at http://oer.ro/wpcontent/uploads/1.Conf_OER_HoriaPetran_RePublic_ZEB.pptx

The sole responsibility for the content of this report lies with the authors. It does notnecessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EASME nor theEuropean Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the informationcontained therein.

The content of this report is included in the book “2016 – Implementing the EnergyPerformance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Featuring Country Reports”,ISBN 978‐972‐8646‐32‐5, © ADENE 2015

More details on the IEE Programme can be found atec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent

This individual report and the full 2016 book are available atwww.epbd‐ca.eu and www.buildup.eu


http://oer.ro/wp-content/uploads/1.Conf_OER_Horia-Petran_RePublic_ZEB.pptx

http://www.iee-robust.ro/qualishell

http://www.iee-robust.ro/downloads/BUILD-UP-Skills_Roadmap_final_RO.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent

http://www.epbd-ca.eu

http://www.buildup.eu

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