Rethinking Energy Performance Diagnosis: The Impact on Small Spaces and the Need for Accuracy

Energy performance diagnosis (DPE) has become an essential component of property evaluation, helping buyers get an insight into the efficiency of buildings. However, there are concerns over the accuracy and fairness of DPE for small spaces. Joole, a company revolutionizing the way property diagnostics are conducted, highlights these issues and aims to create a more equitable process. This article explores the challenges faced in the current DPE system and how Joole seeks to address them.

A Fairer Evaluation for Smaller Spaces

Joole’s founder, Nicolas Laloum, points out that current energy performance diagnosis rankings don’t accurately represent smaller spaces. The ratio of heat loss surfaces to habitable area is significantly larger in smaller areas than in larger ones. As a result, even a well-insulated and efficiently heated 15m2 space will be classified as E, F, or G, whereas a slightly larger space with similar insulation can be ranked C or D.

For potential buyers comparing two insulated properties measuring 15m2 and 30m2, respectively, DPE alone fails to provide an accurate indicator of each property’s performance. To make the DPE calculation methodology fairer, it is crucial to adjust the system for all types of living spaces.

Reducing Errors in DPE Assessment

Laloum believes that regardless of the method used, it is vital to reduce errors during DPE assessments. Joole’s study highlighted two factors that contribute to inaccuracies: construction period and boiler type. The research found that 60% of these errors were unfavorable towards owners, meaning that the registered boiler type was reported to consume considerably more energy than the actual one installed.

The age of the building plays a significant factor in DPE modeling, and with building age worsening final energy consumption results, Joole aims to address these errors to provide more accurate evaluations.

The Impact of Competitive Pressure on Property Diagnostics

One challenge facing the industry is competitive pressure in the real estate diagnostics market. The need to rapidly conduct evaluations often leaves assessors lacking the requisite time and resources for thorough investigations. This leads to inconsistencies in pricing, ranging from 200 to 900 euros for the same service.

Joole’s approach intends to overcome this hurdle by providing a platform that allows assessors and individuals to find reliable, certified professionals with consistent pricing structures. Furthermore, assessors can leverage each other’s expertise in case of doubt, enhancing overall accuracy in property diagnostics.

Data-Driven Assessments: Joole’s Solution

When an assessor arrives at a property, they already have access to essential data points entered into the Joole system. As Nicolas Laloum explains, this curated database is designed to streamline assessments, reducing time spent gathering information and ultimately improving accuracy.

Regarding collective boiler data, Joole takes into account the most represented boiler type in DPEs conducted after 2021 and considers it as the actual boiler type for each building. The company does acknowledge that this method may not be entirely precise but maintains that it strives to systematically underestimate error count wherever possible.

  • The current energy performance diagnosis (DPE) ranking system is not adequately representing smaller spaces, creating unfair comparisons between properties.
  • Reducing errors in DPE evaluations is crucial, with factors such as construction period and boiler type contributing to inaccuracies.
  • Competitive pressure in the real estate diagnostics market limits proficiency and consistency, leading to discrepancies in pricing and assessment quality.
  • Joole aims to revolutionize the industry by providing a data-driven platform that connects assessors and individuals, reducing errors and ensuring accurate evaluations for all property types.

In conclusion, while energy performance diagnosis is an indispensable tool for property evaluation, revisions are necessary to ensure accuracy and fairness. Joole’s objective is to create a more equitable system that considers the nuances of smaller spaces, reduces evaluation errors, and addresses competitive pressure within the industry. By achieving these goals, both buyers and sellers can enjoy enhanced transparency and trust in property diagnostics outcomes.