Energy label and energy performance in the WWS

The energy label (or, in its absence, the construction year) forms a separate points component in the WWS, where a better label generally leads to more points and a worse label to fewer points or even a deduction.

A home's energy performance counts toward the points total via its registered energy label. A better label (for example, toward the highest classes) generally earns more points, while a worse label (for example, the lowest classes) can lead to a clearly lower points contribution or even a negative contribution to the total.

If no valid energy label is registered, some situations fall back on the home's construction year as a substitute indicator for energy performance. This construction-year alternative has its own separate points allocation, which is not automatically identical to the points allocation per energy label.

The type of home (for example, a single-family home versus a multi-family home such as an apartment) can affect how many points are awarded for the same label or construction year, because separate valuations apply to each housing type.

For listed monuments, additional, different rules sometimes apply regarding any negative contribution from the energy label, given the often more limited sustainability options for protected buildings. For a monumental property, always check whether a specific exception applies.

Checklist

• A better energy label generally earns more points than a worse label
• Without a valid label, construction year can serve as a substitute indicator
• Housing type (single-family versus multi-family) affects the points allocation
• A poor label can also produce a negative contribution to the total
• Different rules can apply to listed monuments regarding a negative contribution