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What energy standards apply to your commercial premises?

2 min

In Belgium, non-residential buildings are subject to specific energy standards and renovation requirements. These vary by region (Brussels, Wallonia, and Flanders) and are based on European directives. What energy standards must your commercial premises meet today? And what are the renovation rules you need to consider?

Brussels

In the Brussels-Capital Region, there is no renovation requirement for non-residential buildings in the event of sale. However, a renovation strategy called "Renolution" has been launched. It aims to make the tertiary sector energy-neutral by 2050 (2040 for public buildings).

In terms of energy performance, a Certificat de Performance Énergétique des Bâtiments (PEB) (Energy Performance of Buildings Certificate) applies in the Brussels-Capital Region, which is comparable to the EPC in Flanders and the PEB in Wallonia. A PEB is mandatory for the sale and rental of an office space of more than 500 m² and is valid for 10 years.

More information: RENOLUTION: a strategy to renovate Brussels’ building stock | Citizens – Brussels Environment

In the Brussels-Capital Region, construction professionals can count on the support of a free multidisciplinary helpdesk called “Facilitateur Bâtiment durable” (Sustainable building facilitator).

Wallonia

PEB Regulation

In Wallonia, the PEB regulation applies. This is comparable to the EPC regulation in Flanders. For residential buildings over 50 m², a PEB certificate is required for sale or rental, and it must have been issued within the last 10 years. For public buildings, this period is only five years.

Long-term strategy

Currently, there is no specific renovation requirement for non-residential buildings in Wallonia, but a regulation is being prepared. The Walloon Region has already announced its energy consumption objectives for buildings in "La stratégie wallonne à long terme pour la rénovation énergétique des bâtiments" (The Walloon Region's long-term strategy for energy-efficient building renovation), with the goal of a CO2-neutral Wallonia by 2050 at the latest. From 2028, the PEB will be mandatory for all buildings - not just residential buildings.

More information: Walloon renovation strategy - Energy website of the Walloon Public Service

Flanders

EPC for non-residential buildings

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) indicates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (very energy-efficient) to G (very energy-inefficient). This score is valid for 10 years and is calculated based on the annual energy consumption per m².

The EPC certificate for non-residential buildings, or EPC NR in short, is based on the same two elements but also takes into account the carbon neutrality of these buildings. This means the ratio between the amount of renewable energy produced locally and the amount of renewable energy consumed by the building. This score ranges from A (100% carbon-neutral) to G (no renewable energy) and indicates the extent of the renovation needed to achieve carbon neutrality. The EPC NR certificate is valid for five years.

The Energy Performance Certificate, for both residential and non-residential buildings, is legally required when selling, renting, or buying a building.

Renovation requirement

Since 1 January 2022, a renovation requirement applies to non-residential buildings in Flanders. Each non-residential building must therefore comply with a number of energy-saving measures and obtain a minimum energy label within five years of purchase. Small non-residential building units such as bakeries, restaurants and B&Bs can opt for a tailored programme.

• • • • Energy-saving measures:
        
        • Roof insulation
        • Glazing: Single glazing must be upgraded to insulated glazing.
        • Heating: Central heating systems over 15 years old must be replaced, unless they meet the minimum renovation requirements. If a natural gas network is available, oil-fired boilers cannot be replaced with new oil-fired boilers.
        • Cooling: Cooling systems over 15 years old that use hazardous refrigerants must be replaced.
      • Minimum energy label

As of January 1, 2023, in addition to the four minimum measures mentioned above, buildings must meet a minimum renewable energy share of 5% (or achieve an EPC NR label E) within five years of sale. As the owner, you have the flexibility to choose which additional measures to implement to obtain the energy label. This allows you to determine which measures are the most cost-effective for your building.

More information: Renovation requirement for non-residential buildings | Vlaanderen.be

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