Energy Efficiency Law of Azerbaijan Amended: construction projects must have energy efficiency certificate 

The Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan has added Article 17.3 to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On the Rational Use of Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency." These amendments are aimed at more accurately defining which buildings and structures are subject to energy efficiency certification requirements. 

According to the amendment, an energy efficiency passport is mandatory for newly constructed, reconstructed, or substantially renovated residential and non-residential buildings. The new article exempts historical and cultural monuments, auxiliary and temporary structures, greenhouses, warehouse and production buildings, as well as individual residential houses from this requirement.

The adopted Article 17.3 not only specifies the scope of certification but also establishes a clear reference to the relevant norms of the Urban Planning and Construction Code. Under the legislation, energy efficiency certification requirements do not apply to outdoor advertising structures with an area of 60 square meters or more, as regulated by Article 81.1 of the Code. Since these objects are not classified as residential or non-residential buildings and are not directly related to energy consumption, their certification is deemed unnecessary.

Furthermore, energy efficiency requirements do not apply to construction projects that do not require state expertise, as provided for in Article 89.1 of the Code (with the exception of Article 89.1.4). This includes one-story structures not intended for permanent residence or production activities with spans not exceeding a certain limit, production facilities where a sanitary protection zone is not required or those built using existing zones, one-story buildings and non-residential facilities with limited area and floor count, small warehouses and technical buildings, as well as modifications to existing structures that do not affect their structural integrity, safety, or other engineering specifications.

Consequently, the reference to Articles 81.1 and 89.1 of the Urban Planning and Construction Code ensures that the obligation for energy efficiency certification is limited only to objects significant in terms of actual energy consumption and efficiency. This approach facilitates a more balanced legal mechanism that aligns with the practical needs of urban planning while upholding the objectives of state policy.

The aforementioned amendments entered into force on December 30, 2025.