CrossCERT: Improving Energy Performance Certificates

The CrossCERT project, coordinated by the University of Zaragoza (Spain), is funded under the European Union's Horizon 2020 program. It seeks to transform Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) into more effective and reliable tools to drive sustainability, especially given that buildings account for a significant portion of Europe's energy consumption.

Towards a New Generation of EPCs

CrossCERT is dedicated to addressing some of the main challenges EPCs face across Europe, including differences in evaluation methodologies, lack of harmonization, and limited user interaction. Through a comprehensive approach, the project focuses on the following objectives:

• Enhancing Precision and Usability: CrossCERT aims to improve the accuracy of EPCs and their practical use by testing both existing and upcoming certification methods across more than 140 buildings in 10 European countries. This helps to reduce the gap between predicted and actual energy consumption.
• Maximizing Data Use and Integration: the project is working on developing tools and guidelines to make better use of EPC data, connecting it with renovation plans, and increasing data availability for both public authorities and users. This will support more informed decision-making and improved energy management.
• User-Centered EPCs: CrossCERT is focused on redesigning EPCs to prioritize user experience, making them more intuitive and engaging for the public. The project aims to create certificates that are more user-friendly and responsive to the needs of building owners and occupants, encouraging greater understanding and involvement in energy efficiency.
• Promoting Harmonization Across Europe: a key goal of the project is to reduce the variability in EPC practices across European countries, fostering a more consistent approach to energy performance certification throughout the region.

Notable Technical Innovations

Among the project's significant innovations are the implementation of harmonized quality control systems and the use of technologies like blockchain to ensure data security. Additionally, advanced metrics, such as lifecycle environmental impact and renovation costs, are also being integrated to offer a more comprehensive view of a building's energy efficiency.

Towards a Sustainable Future

CrossCERT’s aim is not only to improve EPCs as a technical tool but also to reshape how they are perceived by users, encouraging greater adoption of sustainable practices in the construction sector.

Aligned with other European projects like MonitorEE, CrossCERT is working to advance a more efficient and sustainable energy model. By combining dynamic data, innovative technologies, and user involvement, both projects demonstrate that collaboration and innovation are key to achieving the European Union's climate goals.