DPE

DPE is an acronym used in multiple domains. In the context of real estate and energy policy in France and other French-speaking regions, DPE stands for Diagnostic de performance énergétique, an energy performance certificate for buildings. In information technology and business administration, DPE can refer to data processing equipment, the hardware used to process, store, and transmit data.

Diagnostic de performance énergétique refers to a formal assessment of a building’s energy efficiency. It evaluates how design, insulation, heating and cooling systems, and construction affect energy use and emissions. The certificate provides estimates of annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per square meter and, where available, greenhouse gas emissions. It presents a rating from A to G, with A denoting higher efficiency. The DPE is intended to inform buyers or tenants about potential energy costs and to encourage improvements. In France, the certificate is issued by licensed professionals and remains valid for a set period, commonly around ten years, subject to regulatory updates.

Data processing equipment describes the hardware components that perform data processing in an information technology environment. This includes servers, storage systems, networking devices, and related peripherals. DPE in this sense is used in asset inventories, procurement, budgeting, and depreciation accounting, helping organizations plan capacity, manage lifecycle costs, and ensure compliance with internal and external reporting standards.

Because the meaning of DPE varies by field, it is usually clarified by context. See also energy performance certificates and IT asset management.