Energy performance requirements in Hungary

The regulation in force

Decree 9/2023 (V. 25.) ÉKM on determining the energy performance of buildings is the rule in force. It replaced the earlier 7/2006 (V. 24.) TNM decree, which was repealed from November 2023.

Worth knowing in practice: a large part of the material available online still cites the old decree.

The levels of requirement

The regulation sets requirements at several levels:

• on the heat transmittance of individual elements,
• on the specific heat loss coefficient of the building,
• on the aggregate energy performance indicator,
• on the proportion of renewable energy,
• and on specific carbon dioxide emissions.

For a new building the nearly zero-energy level has to be met. Nearly zero-energy buildings.

What it means for light gauge steel design

Meeting the element requirement is easier

In a framed build-up the thickness of the insulation can be increased freely without the wall becoming disproportionately thick. So the element requirements can be met comfortably.

Thermal bridging, though, is critical

The calculation has to include the linear thermal bridges, and the thermal bridge of the steel frame cannot be ignored. Calculating the U-value of a steel frame.

Airtightness feeds in

Good airtightness measurably improves the energy result. Airtightness.

Services and renewables decide

The aggregate indicator is largely determined by the building services system and the share of renewable energy, not by the wall. That is a matter of coordination between disciplines.

Verification

Energy compliance is demonstrated by calculation, and an energy performance certificate is produced at the end of the process. Energy performance certificate.

This is not legal advice

The summary above reflects the state of the cited legislation as at September 2026. Requirement values and the calculation method change; on a specific project the text of the decree in force governs.