The text will return to the Brussels government table in a few weeks.
The Brussels government, currently in caretaker mode, approved the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) reform in a second reading on Thursday, as announced by the Minister of Climate Transition and Energy, Alain Maron (Ecolo), on Friday.
Welcomed positively by advisory councils and the sector, the reform “will significantly improve the quality and accuracy of the issued EPC certificates,” commented the minister in a press release.
The text will return to the Brussels government table in a few weeks, with the opinion that the Council of State will provide.
The reform, developed in consultation with the sector, aims to produce certificates that are closer to actual consumption: by relaxing certain default values that have proven too strict in practice, this reform seeks to reduce the gap between the theoretical consumption indicated on the EPC certificate and the actual consumption of buildings.
The EPC certificate model is also designed to be more readable, with more detailed information on the work required to meet the new EPC standards, particularly in the context of co-ownerships, where the certificate will specify the necessary work on common areas.
To enhance the quality of EPC professionals, the reform merges the roles of EPC advisor and EPC certifier into a single EPC expert role. The basic training is revised and strengthened, with mandatory continuing education.
The calculation method is standardized and will promote decarbonization (connections to a heating network, electrification, and the use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal, aquathermy, and aerothermy).
The reform also aims to accelerate the development of solar energy production by imposing progressive requirements on new buildings, major renovations, and existing public buildings.
Source LeSoir.be
