The Attestato di Prestazione Energetica (APE) is an official certificate describing a property’s energy characteristics. It provides clear, objective information about energy consumption, helping owners, buyers and tenants understand a building’s efficiency.
It assigns an energy class, generally from A4, the most efficient, down to G for the highest consumption. The assessment considers insulation, windows, heating and hot-water systems and the property’s overall energy performance.
An APE is mandatory for most property sales and tenancies. It provides transparency, allowing purchasers and tenants to assess not only the price but also likely energy-related running costs.
It must be prepared by a qualified, independent technician following an assessment of the property and its systems. It is generally valid for ten years unless works significantly change the building’s energy performance.
The APE is more than an administrative formality: it helps people understand efficiency, evaluate consumption and, in many cases, assess market value.