EPB Flanders
On 1st January 2006, the Energy Performance of Buildings regulation came into force in order to promote better energy performance in buildings. With these minimum requirements (within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol) Europe is aiming to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
Five types of EPB requirements can currently be distinguished:
- thermal insulation (K-level), for building permit requests prior to 2018
- energy performance (E-level)
- building envelope level (S-level), for building permit requests from 2018
- indoor climate (ventilation)
- renewable energy
The thermal insulation and energy performance requirements limit the energy consumption of buildings and their fixed installations.
Clarification
- Thermal insulation refers to the insulation of the outer shell.
- Energy performance refers to the energy consumed within the building envelope (quality and consumption of the technical installations, etc.).
- Net energy demand refers to the amount of energy that is required each year for heating and cooling a building.
- The indoor climate requirements guarantee good indoor air quality (ventilation).
- Renewable energy refers to energy from inexhaustible energy sources (wind, sun, water, soil, etc.).
However, the requirements also depend on:
- the intended use of the building
- the nature and scope of the construction work
- the date on which the building permit request was submitted
- …
- for a healthier and better environment
- to reduce energy bills, resulting in annual savings
- for increased comfort
- for an energy-efficient living space
- to add value to your home on both sale and rental markets
- to limit greenhouse gases
- …
The EPB is mandatory for all new or renovated buildings that require collaboration from an architect*, and for which a building permit request or notification was submitted from 1st January 2006, except for:
- buildings for which a specific exemption applies, and,
- industrial buildings for which, at the time of submission of the planning application or notification, it is made clear that no air-conditioning system is to be installed.
The scope of the EPB is hereby extended, and this requirement no longer applies solely to buildings that incorporate heating systems for personal use. A series of exemptions and deviations have been implemented for agricultural buildings, which depend on the specific building type.
* Note: Building projects for which a building permit has been granted and which do not require the intervention of an architect are not subject to the EPB requirements, unless the building (or part thereof) exceeds 3000 m³.
Prior to the execution phase
- EPB pre-calculation
- submission of initial-declaration, including ventilation system pre-design
- advice
After the execution phase
- Within a maximum of 12 months after the building is put into use, or at the latest, 5 years after the planning permit is submitted: submission of the final EPB declaration to the Flemish Energy Agency according to the as-built situation at that time, including a performance report for the ventilation system issued by an accredited ventilation reporter.
- Issuance of an EPB energy performance certificate (valid for 10 years).
Declarant (= holder of the planning permission , or the building developer or owner is ultimately responsible for applying for the building’s EPC.)
Duties:
- complying with the EPB requirements
- appointing an EPB reporter
- assuming responsibility for the final EPB declaration within the specified timeframe
EPB reporter (=person authorised by the Flemish Energy Agency)
Duties:
- drafting and submitting the initial EPB declaration
- drafting and submitting the final EPB declaration
- ensuring correct reporting
Architect (= designer)
Duties:
- designing the project according to current EPB requirements
Documents
Good airtightness not only affects energy consumption, but it also has a positive impact on a building’s calculated E-level. The government has directly linked premiums, subsidies and tax benefits to this E-level to reward investment in airtightness.
The general rule is: “The lower the E-level, the greater the premiums, subsidies and tax benefits that can be obtained.“
Here you can download documents that will provide you with further information on premiums and subsidies that are linked to the E-level. In general, these premiums are paid by your network manager (for example, Fluvius in Belgium).
By means of this document, you can apply for premiums and subsidies from your network operator, depending on your calculated E-level. To do this, you should fill out the document, sign it and then send it to your network operator by mail. Once they have checked and verified your application, the premium, subsidy or tax benefit will be paid into your account.
If you have built a new energy-efficient home for which an energy performance certificate has been issued, you may be eligible for a reduction in property tax.
The reduction is 50% of the property tax for a maximum E-level of E50 for 5 years (and a maximum of E40 for planning applications submitted from 2014 and 2015, and of E30 for planning applications submitted from 2016). The discount will amount to 100% off the property tax for a maximum E-level of E30 for 5 years (and a maximum of E20 for planning applications submitted from 2016 onwards).
Does EPB = EPC?
The EPC certificate (for new buildings) is automatically generated and delivered upon presentation of the final EPB declaration. This EPC may be used as long as it remains in force in order to comply with the obligation to be in possession of said certificate when selling or renting out a residential building.
EPB Wallonia
On 1st September 2008, the Energy Performance of Buildings regulation came into force in order to promote better energy performance in buildings.
With these minimum requirements (within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol), Europe is aiming to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
Three types of EPB requirements can be distinguished:
- thermal insulation requirements (K-level)
- energy performance requirements (E-level)
- indoor climate requirements (ventilation)
The thermal insulation and energy performance requirements limit the energy consumption of buildings and their fixed installations.
Clarification
- Thermal insulation refers to the insulation of the outer shell.
- Energy performance refers to the energy consumed within the building envelope (quality and consumption of the technical installations, etc.).
- The indoor climate requirements guarantee good indoor air quality (ventilation).
However, the requirements also depend on:
- the intended use of the building
- the nature and scope of the construction work
- the date on which the building permit requests was submitted
- …
- for a healthier and better environment
- to reduce energy bills, resulting in annual savings
- for increased comfort
- for an energy-efficient living space
- to add value to your home on both for-sale and rental markets
- to limit greenhouse gases
- …
All buildings that are heated or cooled for personal use.
As soon as a planning permission or notification has been obtained for all new buildings, as well as for any existing buildings that are to undergo transformation or expansion.
AS LONG AS
the building in question is heated or cooled for personal use.
Prior to the execution phase:
- PEB pre-calculation
- submission of the initial EPB declaration and the corresponding report.
- feasibility study for each new building project
After execution phase:
The EPB must be submitted:
- within a maximum of 12 months after the works are completed
- in any case, within a maximum period of 5 years after the date on which the planning permission was approved
Declarant (= holder of the planning permission)
The owner of the property in question is ultimately responsible for applying for planning permission, as well as for complying with EPB requirements.
Duties:
- complying with the EPB requirements
- appointing an EPB reporter
- providing the information necessary to make the correct calculation
- assuming responsibility for the final EPB declaration within the specified timeframe.
EPB reporter (= person authorised by the Flemish Energy Agency)
Duties:
- Drafting and submitting the initial EPB declaration
- Drafting and submitting a feasibility study
- Drafting and submitting the final EPB declaration
- Ensuring correct reporting
Architect (= designer)
Duties:
- designing the project according to current EPB requirements
