Last updated on November 10, 2025
No. From November 2025, all new residential constructions in Chile must include the Calificación Energética de Viviendas (CEV) certification as part of the building permit process. This requirement is mandated by Law No. 21.305 on Energy Efficiency and enforced through updated building regulations under the Ordenanza General de Urbanismo y Construcciones (OGUC).
Chile’s Housing Revolution: Why This Law Exists
Chile is entering a new era of sustainable construction. For decades, energy efficiency was optional—a green feature for those who cared. That changed with Law No. 21.305, published in February 2021, which set ambitious goals: reduce energy intensity by 10% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Housing, a major energy consumer, became central to this mission.
The law introduced mandatory energy performance requirements for new homes. Starting November 2025, building permits will require proof of compliance through the CEV system. Without certification, construction cannot legally proceed. This isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a cultural shift toward sustainability and a milestone in Chile’s climate strategy.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Chile
Chile’s geography spans deserts, valleys, and glaciers, creating diverse climate challenges. Heating and cooling costs can consume up to 13% of household income in vulnerable areas. Poor insulation and inefficient designs have historically left families paying high bills for uncomfortable homes. By enforcing energy ratings, the government aims to lower costs, improve comfort, and reduce emissions.
This move also aligns Chile with global standards. Countries like Spain, France, and Germany have long required energy performance certificates for homes. Chile’s adoption signals its commitment to sustainable development and international competitiveness.
What Is CEV and How Does It Work?
The Calificación Energética de Viviendas (CEV) is Chile’s official energy rating system for homes. It works like appliance labels, grading homes from A+ (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The rating considers:
- Thermal insulation: walls, roofs, floors
- Air tightness: preventing heat loss
- Heating and cooling demand
- Lighting and hot water systems
- Renewable energy integration
A well-rated home can save families hundreds of thousands of pesos annually on energy bills while improving comfort and reducing environmental impact.
The Certification Process in Detail
The CEV process involves two key stages:
1. Preliminary Evaluation
Conducted during the design phase, this assessment estimates the home’s energy performance based on architectural plans and specifications. It helps developers adjust designs early to meet efficiency targets.
2. Final Certification
Performed after construction, this stage verifies that the home meets the projected energy performance. Accredited evaluators—trained and authorized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MINVU)—use standardized software and on-site inspections to confirm compliance.
Once certified, the home receives an official energy rating label, which must be included in sales documents and municipal records. This transparency empowers buyers to make informed decisions and promotes competition among developers to deliver better-performing homes.
Legal Framework and Deadlines
Law No. 21.305 provides the foundation, while the OGUC introduces updated thermal regulations effective November 2025. These include:
- Increased insulation requirements for roofs, walls, and floors
- Airtightness standards to reduce energy loss
- Mandatory ventilation systems for indoor air quality
- Integration of renewable energy systems where feasible
Municipalities will reject building permits without a valid CEV. Violations can lead to fines and project delays, making compliance non-negotiable.
Cultural and Market Impact
This change reshapes the housing market. Buyers will see transparent energy ratings, enabling informed choices. Developers who embrace efficiency gain a competitive edge, while those who resist risk falling behind. Government programs are expected to support the transition, offering incentives for affordable housing and training for evaluators.
The cultural impact is significant: energy efficiency moves from being a niche concern to a mainstream expectation. Over time, homes with poor ratings may lose market value, while high-efficiency properties become the standard.
Challenges and Opportunities
Transitioning to mandatory certification isn’t without hurdles. Smaller builders may struggle with added costs and technical requirements. Training evaluators and updating municipal systems will take time. Yet, these challenges are part of a broader effort to modernize Chile’s housing sector and meet climate commitments.
Government initiatives, such as subsidies for thermal improvements and technical assistance programs, aim to ease the transition. For developers, this is an opportunity to innovate—using better materials, smarter designs, and renewable technologies to stand out in a competitive market.
Beyond Compliance: A Step Toward Carbon Neutrality
Chile’s mandate reflects a global truth: sustainability starts at home. By embedding energy efficiency into construction standards, the country moves closer to its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. For families, it means lower bills and healthier living spaces. For the planet, it means fewer emissions and smarter resource use.
So, can you build a home without energy certification in Chile? The answer is clear: not anymore. The future of housing is efficient, transparent, and green.
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Sources
Ley y Plan de Eficiencia Energética | Ministerio de Energía
https://energia.gob.cl/ley-y-plan-de-eficiencia-energetica
Ongoing
Nueva Reglamentación Térmica | Ministerio de Vivienda y Urbanismo
https://www.minvu.gob.cl/nueva-reglamentacion-termica/
May 27, 2024