The European Union has set several energy efficiency targets and regulations. By 2030, 32.5% less energy must be consumed. This is because energy efficiency contributes to achieving the energy and climate goals.
Achieving the same result with less energy also saves costs. This can be done, for example, through energy-efficient solutions or by taking measures that prevent energy waste.
At home, you can save money on energy bills by making energy-efficient and weatherization improvements, such as adding insulation, using LED lighting and installing a heat pump. This will reduce your energy consumption and improve the comfort of your home.
What is the energy performance certificate?
On an energy performance certificate, or EPC, you will find information about how well the building or building unit is insulated, what glazing is present, how economical the heating and hot water installation is... The EPC also contains recommendations to make the building more energy efficient.
There are two scores on the energy performance certificate to indicate the EPC value of a building.
So the EPC determines how many kilowatt-hours per year a normal family consumes per square meter of floor space. And this is therefore with respect to the cooling, ventilation and heating of the building. The lower the EPC number, the less energy is consumed.
In addition to the EPC, achieving the E-level is one of the EPB requirements (energy performance regulation) specifically for new construction and for major energy renovations. New buildings in Flanders with a building permit application since 2006 must meet a certain E-level. The maximum E-level that applies to your building project is determined by the date of the application for your building permit ('planning permission') or the notification. The maximum E-level has been tightened in recent years. So new homes must be increasingly energy efficient!
How to calculate EPC value?
What is a good EPC value?
It depends on the type of home. An apartment that is poorly insulated may have a better EPC value than a well-insulated villa. This is why it is recommended to compare the same types of homes.
The energy score is displayed on a color bar from green to red. Is the score in a green zone? Then it is about an energy-efficient house. Is the score in the red zone? That means the home uses a lot of energy.
If you have a low energy score and a green energy label, you can speak of a good EPC value. In general, these are the target figures:
Looking at the energy label, label D is the minimum standard.
A good EPC value helps you save: your energy consumption goes down, so you pay less energy costs every month. An energy-efficient home is also popular on the real estate market, increasing its value. And finally, a low EPC value contributes to a better environment: if you have to heat less or use less electricity, fewer harmful substances are released.
Is an EPC certificate mandatory?
If you want to sell your house, an EPC certificate is mandatory. Advertising a property without an EPC or with an EPC under application is not allowed! The Flemish Energy Agency checks this for properties that are for sale. Not being able to present an EPC can result in a fine of between €500 and €5000 for the owner.
Since January 2022, the regulations say that an EPC certificate cannot be older than 2019. Moreover, since 2021, a recent EPC attestation also offers a chance of financial benefits such as, for example, an interest-free renovation loan or an EPC label premium.
When are you required to have an EPC prepared? These are the following situations:
Since May 1, 2023, an EPC is also mandatory for all forms of notarized transfer of full ownership.
Who prepares an energy performance certificate?
An EPC inspection must be prepared by an energy expert (type A). This is an expert sworn in by the government. He or she will check the house completely, taking into account a number of factors related to energy, such as heating and ventilation. The energy performance certificate also takes into account solar panels and solar water heaters, among other things. The efficiency is subtracted from the result, thus giving a better final result.
How long is the energy performance certificate valid?
An EPC of a residential building unit is valid for a maximum of 10 years.
In certain cases, a new EPC is needed sooner. At the time of sale (and any other notarized transfer), an EPC must be available that was prepared as of 2019. Do you have an older EPC? If so, you still need to have the EPC renewed in that case.
The EPC of a residential building unit expires:
With this blog, we hope to bring more clarity around the EPC and its objectives. At Albert, we work with carefully selected experts. So don't hesitate to contact us for further info or questions. You can do so at familie@albert.immo or on 0800 25 237.