Energy passports in practice: insights from Poland and Europe for Japan
Do higher energy ratings really increase property value, and if so, how does this influence Poles’ purchasing decisions? Representatives of the Japanese Real Estate Site Consortium sought answers to these questions. We supported them in their research mission, which aimed to bring the most effective Polish and European models to the Asian market.
How can this be done wisely, avoiding the pitfalls and mistakes of the ‘infancy’ stage? The best approach is to observe practitioners and ask questions at source, and then skilfully adapt proven ideas and patterns to local conditions. Our partners now have a solid foundation and the know-how to do this effectively and efficiently.
The Japan Desk at Kochański & Partners combines global challenges with Polish experience
The energy performance certificate system was introduced in Japan in 2024. Although these regulations have been in force for some time, consumer awareness and the number of certificates in circulation remain at an unsatisfactorily low level. To speed up the process and avoid errors during implementation, Japanese officials have commissioned detailed market research. They chose Europe because this is where the system works most effectively.
Poland was one of the most important stops on this project’s itinerary, and this was no coincidence. Strengthened by the 2023 regulations and our experience since then, our market could be a valuable source of knowledge on how to practically encourage and effectively oblige people to address issues such as energy performance standards for properties.
Understanding the real impact of EPC on the market
The Japanese Real Estate Site Consortium is an organisation bringing together the largest classifieds websites, which are equivalent to Polish sites such as Otodom, Morizon and Gratka. Its aim is to provide customers and the market with reliable real estate information.
According to the assumptions, the study was to be based on the opinions of practitioners – individuals who work with clients buying, selling and renting apartments on a daily basis.
This gave the Japanese delegation the opportunity to compare theory with market practice.
In fact, the interviewees came from various sectors, providing a comprehensive overview of the Polish property market:
- Government administration: a meeting with officials to discuss the legislative background to the implementation of EU directives
- Real estate agents and agencies: discussions with agents from the Metrohouse network and Encasa, a premium real estate agency, provided insight into customer needs and reactions
- Industry organisations: a meeting with the president of the Polish Real Estate Federation revealed the perspective of the thousands of agents affiliated with its 16 regional associations
- Designers and architects: experts from the 8Architektura studio explained the technical aspects of energy-efficient design
“This unique project demonstrates that Polish energy efficiency solutions can become a benchmark for global technology leaders such as the Japanese. We are delighted to have guided the Japanese Real Estate Site Consortium through the complexities of the European EPC system. The fact that our local experience will be used to develop a modern system in Japan is testament to the fact that the Polish real estate market has reached the highest standards,” says Konrad Bukowian, the project’s lead.
Conclusions for the future
The information gathered during the meetings will now be forwarded to Japanese officials and used to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of energy performance certificate mechanisms.
We would like to thank the Japan Real Estate Site Consortium for their trust in us and for giving us the opportunity to be part of a project that is having a real impact on shaping global market standards.
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