Photo guide for consumption-based energy performance certificates

Tips for taking optimal photos of the house, windows and heating system by the building owner himself

Since the Building Energy Act (GEG) came into force, a photographic analysis of the building by the issuer is mandatory, as no on-site inspection is carried out when preparing the energy performance certificate. The aim is to accurately assess the energy performance of your building and to provide specific modernization recommendations in the energy performance certificate.

With this guide, we would like to provide you with assistance regarding what we specifically look for in the photos, in order to avoid follow-up questions and thus enable Minol to process your energy certificate quickly.

Image of the building (optional)

You are welcome to upload a picture of the building, which will then be displayed as the cover image on the first page of the energy performance certificate. This image is not mandatory, but it does enhance the overall appearance of your energy performance certificate.

Images of building views with roof surfaces (exterior facade)

• Please photograph all exterior facades of the building, provided the construction situation and location allow this.
• Please ensure that the building's location (detached, attached on one side, attached on two sides) as well as the roof and roof type are clearly visible.
• If an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) is already in place, the lower facade/insulation system termination should also be shown.
• Please send us a maximum of four photos of your building views.
• The following examples show you what is meant by building views.

Pictures of windows

• Please photograph the windows and ensure that the frame, glazing, markings in the space between the panes, and the reveal or lintel on the outside are clearly visible.
• If there are windows of different quality, a picture must be uploaded for each window type.
• Please send us a maximum of three photos of your window views.
• The following examples show you what pictures of windows should ideally look like.

Pictures of the roof or top floor ceiling

• Please photograph the inner roof structure or the top floor ceiling.
• Make sure that any existing insulation and its thickness are clearly visible.
• If it is a converted attic, this state of conversion, including a window, must be shown.
• Please send us a maximum of three pictures of the roof or top floor ceiling.
• The following examples show you what such photos should look like.

Pictures of the basement

• This is only necessary, of course, if there is a basement.
• Please photograph the basement ceiling of the unheated area.
• Make sure that any existing insulation and its thickness are clearly visible.
• Ideally, a window (if present) should be visible in the photo.
• Please send us a maximum of three pictures of the basement.
• The following examples show you what such photos should look like.

Images of the heating plant

• Please photograph the heating plant in such a way that the heat distribution pipes and the control groups for heating and hot water preparation are visible.
• Please send us a maximum of two pictures of the heating plant.
• The following examples show you what such photos should look like.

Image of the type plate of the heat generator or the chimney sweep's report

• Please take a photograph of the nameplate of your heat generator.
• Please ensure that the individual specifications (e.g., type, year of manufacture, heat output, fuel suitability) on the nameplate are clearly legible. If the nameplate is missing or no longer legible, you can Alternatively, the most recent chimney sweep report provide.
• Please send us a maximum of one picture of the type plate of the heat generator or the chimney sweep's report.
• The following examples show you what such photos should look like.

Image or PDF of the last heating bill

The following information should be evident from this:

• Building address
• Billing period
• Energy carrier and unit
• Total energy consumption
• Energy consumption for hot water and heating
• Heated living area in m²

Image or PDF of the last bill from the energy supplier

• Only required if no image or PDF of a heating bill is available.
• Invoice from the energy supplier for the energy supplied to the entire building.
• If no heating bill is uploaded, additional information about the living space is required.
• Please download the calculation (e.g. according to the German Residential Area Ordinance, DIN 277, DIN 283) of the heated living space or usable area high.

Image or PDF with proof of compliance with the requirements of the thermal insulation regulations

• Only required for buildings with less than 5 apartments and one Building application submitted before November 1, 1977.
• Please upload proof of compliance with the requirements of the thermal insulation regulations.
• If you do not (yet) have this, a building energy performance certificate can be obtained in accordance with the Building Energy Act. Person defined in § 88 (e.g. architect, structural engineer, energy consultant) We will issue this for you on site.