On 5th April 2013, the Spanish Council of Ministers passed the Royal Decree 235/2013 by which the basic proceedings for the Energy Performance Certificates in buildings were approved and stating that all properties sold or rented or advertised for those purposes, must have the Energy Performance Certificate as of June 1st, providing information about annual energy consumption in usual conditions of use and occupation of the property, considering the heating, water heating, cooling systems, ventilation and lighting conditions. The certification process finishes with the expedition of the Energy Performance Certificate and the allocation of an energy label. This label helps to compare the energy efficiency of different properties. The certificate is valid for 10 years and must be prepared by authorized technicians.