Everyone has heard of the EPC certificate by now. Especially for people looking to buy or sell a property, it is an unmistakable document, as it gives a clear picture of the energy performance of a house. The most energy-efficient homes are rated A+. Is there still a lot of work to be done? Then your home is more likely to get a score E or even F. An EPC certificate remains valid for ten years once it has been drawn up.

Why is an EPC necessary?

The Flemish government aims to significantly reduce our energy consumption, harmful gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption by 2050. Thanks to the introduction of the EPC report in 2019, people will be encouraged to renovate their homes to make them more energy efficient. In fact, a house with a worse EPC score will become less interesting in the property market. In other words, the price of those homes will be significantly lower.

When is an EPC certificate mandatory?

As mentioned earlier, the Flemish government's ambition is to have an energy-neutral building stock by 2050, but this cannot be done overnight. Therefore, work is being done in several phases.

From 1 January 2023, anyone buying a home must be able to present an energy performance certificate with label D or better. In other words, people who buy a home with label E or F will be required to renovate to label D or better within five years of transfer.

From 2028, all newly purchased houses in Flanders must have at least an EPC score C. From 2035, the regulations will be tightened again and all newly purchased houses will be expected to have at least a score B. For flats, label C will then suffice.

By 2040, the government will go one step further and there will be a minimum score of A for houses and a score of B for flats. By 2050, the aim is for all homes to be labelled A or A+. In a nutshell, that looks like this:

• 2023: score D
• 2028: score C
• 2035: score B (for flats label C)
• 2040: score A (for flats label B)
• 2050: score A

So if possible, it is appropriate to quietly renovate your home to an A rating now.

How does an EPC survey work?

To achieve a correct and reliable EPC score, it is important that the inspection protocol is followed meticulously. The inspection protocol is a set of guidelines and steps to be followed by every energy expert when performing an EPC inspection. In other words, the protocol provides an objective handle so that different EPC inspectors still arrive at the same EPC score. Because each expert follows the same methods, there is no room for interpretation.

To start with, the energy expert should always measure the volume of the building, as well as the dimensions of the windows and doors. Other important points to consider are the insulation, the roof, the structure of the walls and floors, etc. Next, the expert will take stock of the heating system, hot water production and ventilation techniques. Any renewable energy is also taken into account.

Then the inspector puts all the data collected into a specially developed software programme. Using this, he or she calculates the building's EPC score. Finally, the energy performance certificate is drawn up.

How can I improve my EPC score?

Fortunately, there are many ways to improve your home's EPC score in the short term. A first important area to consider is the insulation of the exterior walls, roof and floor. Insulation has a huge impact on your home's EPC score.

Next, it is important to look at your boiler. Is it older than 15 years? If so, you can assume that it is no longer energy efficient and therefore in need of replacement. These are investments that will definitely pay you back in the long run.

A third concern is windows. Especially in old houses, which often still use single-glazing, a lot of heat is lost. By installing (triple) double glazing or even high-efficiency glass, you can insulate even better.

A final option to improve your EPC score is to use renewable energy. This can take various forms: solar panels, heat pumps, solar boilers,... Of course, there are other interventions that can be useful for your home's EPC score.

Different types of EPC

• EPC residential
• Non-residential EPC (EPC NR)
• EPC common parts (EPC GD)

So far in this blog, we have only talked about the EPC for residential buildings, in other words buildings that are lived in. But even non-residential buildings such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, etc. must now have a valid EPC certificate. The EPC NR -in contrast to a standard EPC certificate- is only valid for five years and other obligations also apply. Since 1 January 2023, an EPC NR is compulsory when selling, leasehold, superficies or entering into a new lease. From 2030, all large non-residential buildings must have at least a label E.

Apart from the EPC NR, there is also such a thing as the EPC GD (common parts EPC). From the moment a building consists of two or more residential units, as an owner you are obliged to have an EPC certificate drawn up of the common parts of the building. Among other things, the common floors, walls, roofs,... But the collective installations are also scrutinised.

How much does an EPC inspection cost?

There is no such thing as a fixed price for an EPC inspection. Much depends on the type of building (detached house, semi-detached or closed building), the complexity of the house, the area and even the location of the house plays a role.

Summary

The EPC certificate is an important document when buying or selling a property. It indicates how energy-efficient the house is and whether any interventions are needed. We recommend making a strong commitment to your home's EPC score now, as there will only be more obligations in the future.

Moreover, bear in mind that non-residential buildings and the common parts of an apartment building must also have an energy performance certificate.

By all of us making our homes more energy efficient, the Flemish government hopes to minimise fossil fuel consumption and harmful gas emissions by 2050.