What is an EPB? And why do I need it?

The average Flemish home consumes a lot of energy. Too much. This is often due to the age of apartments or houses, but choosing the wrong materials is also a major culprit. Are you buying a new home or renovating your existing one and considering thermal insulation? That could mean significantly lower energy costs. Here you can read everything you need to know about the EPB.

What exactly is the EPB?

EPB stands for Energy Performance and Indoor Climate. It sets a minimum energy standard that houses and apartments must meet. It takes various parameters into account: ventilation, heating systems, airtightness, insulation, and the quality of the indoor climate. In addition, you must also meet certain requirements: ● Nature of the work (renovations, remodeling, new construction, etc.) ● The purpose of the building (commercial or residential) ● The year in which you applied for your building permit

The requirements

The requirements associated with the EPB are clearly defined. They apply not only to energy consumption obligations but also to ventilation systems that contribute to good indoor air quality. Here is a summary of the requirements:

The S-level

The S-level stands for “envelope level.” This level indicates the energy efficiency of the building envelope and may not exceed S31. To achieve a low S-level, an airtightness test is required. The S-level applies only to new construction and will be limited to S28 starting in 2022.

The E-level

The E-rating measures a home’s energy performance. The higher the E-rating, the more energy the building where you live or work consumes. The E-rating depends on various factors:● Thermal insulation ● Ventilation losses ● The orientation of your home ● The airtightness of the home ● The compactness of the home ● Fixed installations such as heating, hot water systems, cooling, and ventilation. Since 2021, the E-level of a new-build home may not exceed E30. If you carry out energy-efficient renovation work, the limit is E70. In short, this means that anyone deciding to build starting in 2021 will have to build nearly energy-neutral homes.

Overheating

Want to prevent overheating? Then you should consider the following:● Your windows ● The orientation of your home and your windows ● The construction methods and materials used in your home ● The effectiveness of your sun protection

Ventilation

All too often, we assume that simply “opening our windows for 10 minutes” is enough to ventilate our indoor space. Unfortunately, that’s a misconception. If you want to effectively ventilate your home, you first need proper basic ventilation. This not only ensures a supply of fresh air, but also facilitates airflow from dry to damp areas and removes stale air.

The U-value

A home’s U-value is expressed in W/m²K and indicates the amount of heat loss through structural components. The higher a home’s U-value, the poorer its insulation.

Various installation requirements

All new or renovated systems must meet certain efficiency and capacity requirements. Please note: This rule applies only to renovations. If you are building a new home or have carried out major energy-efficiency renovations, you do not need to take this into account at this time.

Renewable energy

A new home or one that has undergone major energy-efficiency renovations must meet a minimum renewable energy requirement. Options for meeting this requirement include: installing a solar water heater or solar panels, connecting to a district heating network, or participating in specific renewable energy projects.

The Benefits of the EPB

In 2023, there are many benefits to having a good EPB rating. For example, you may be eligible for various grants or discounts. Here are a few examples:● Grants provided by the grid operator for installing insulation or energy-efficient technologies in existing apartments, apartment buildings, or houses ● Undertaking a major renovation? Then you’re eligible for a total renovation bonus ● Reduced registration fees ● Depending on the E-level of your apartment or house, you’ll receive a discount on property taxIn addition to grants and discounts, a good EPB also offers other benefits:● Does your home perform well in terms of energy efficiency? Then it’s worth significantly more, allowing you to sell or rent it for a higher price ● The better your home performs in terms of energy efficiency, the healthier and more comfortable it is for you ● A good EPB contributes to a better environment. Please note: the EPB should not be confused with the EPC. The latter is a document that focuses on a property’s energy efficiency.Would you like to learn more about the EPB and how to improve it? Please contact one of our experts. At Altro Projects, we’re happy to help!