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Renovating with a permit? EPB energy rules apply to the whole project

If the building is heated and your works need a permit or notification, EPB rules cover every part of the project, and you need an EPB assessor before you start.

Flanders · Subject to change

Sources checked on · next check by . Check the source before you act.

Building rules (EPB, EPC)Level 5 · Deep renovationCost: Over €25,000Weeks or monthsUnder review

EPB (energy performance and indoor climate) rules have applied in Flanders since 2006. They apply when the building is heated, even if only kept frost-free, and the works need a planning permit or a notification. The whole project is then covered, including works that would not need a permit on their own. There is one exception: if the works do not legally require an architect and the protected volume is under 3,000 m³, EPB does not apply.

Before the works start, you appoint an EPB assessor (EPB-verslaggever), who files the start declaration and the final EPB declaration. Your architect can take on this role.

In an ordinary renovation, new or newly insulated parts must meet maximum U-values, and new rooms, as well as dry rooms where windows are replaced or added, need ventilation provisions. A major energy renovation, where at least 75% of the outer envelope is insulated and the heat generator is replaced, also needs a full ventilation system, an overall energy level and a minimum share of renewable energy, and brings tax advantages. The exact requirements depend on the year you apply.

Details

ImpactIndirect · This saves no energy by itself: it is a rule, a service, a contract, or a health or safety item. How we rate impact
Estimated savingNot quantified; the rules set minimum insulation, ventilation and energy levels for the works. (confidence: low)
Who actsYou (owner)
Needs landlord's agreementNo
TypeRules explained

Do this together with

Sources

  1. EPB-eisen (in Dutch) · Vlaamse overheid (vlaanderen.be) (official source) · checked on
    Backs: EPB applies to applications since 1 January 2006; exemption when no architect is required
    Where: section 'Wanneer zijn de EPB-regels van toepassing?'
  2. EPB-plicht (EPB-pedia) (in Dutch) · Vlaams Energie- en Klimaatagentschap (EPB-pedia) (official source) · checked on
    Backs: heated building plus permit or notification; all works in the project are covered
    Where: sections 'Twee voorwaarden' and 'Totaliteit van de werken'
  3. Energieprestatieregelgeving voor nieuwbouw en renovatie (EPB) (in Dutch) · Vlaamse overheid (vlaanderen.be) (official source) · checked on
    Backs: appoint an EPB assessor before the works; the architect may take this role
    Where: steps 1 to 5
  4. Ingrijpende energetische renovatie (EPB-pedia) (in Dutch) · Vlaams Energie- en Klimaatagentschap (EPB-pedia) (official source) · checked on
    Backs: 75% of the envelope insulated plus a new heat generator; tax advantages
    Where: sections 'Voorwaarde 1', 'Voorwaarde 2' and 'Financiële voordelen'
  5. EPB-eisen bij bouwaanvraag of melding vanaf 2025 (EPB-pedia) (in Dutch) · Vlaams Energie- en Klimaatagentschap (EPB-pedia) (official source) · checked on
    Backs: requirements for ordinary and major energy renovation
    Where: column 'Wonen'
  6. Uitzonderingen op EPB-plicht en EPB-eisen (EPB-pedia) (in Dutch) · Vlaams Energie- en Klimaatagentschap (EPB-pedia) (official source) · checked on
    Backs: no EPB duty when no architect is legally required and the protected volume is under 3,000 m³
    Where: section 'Uitzonderingen op de EPB-plicht'
  7. Overzicht van de ventilatie-eisen (EPB-pedia) (in Dutch) · Vlaams Energie- en Klimaatagentschap (EPB-pedia) (official source) · checked on
    Backs: ventilation in new rooms and in dry rooms with new windows; a full system for a major energy renovation
    Where: section 'Minimale ventilatievoorzieningen bij renovaties'

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