The Brussels Government has approved an increased budget for a premium system to help Brussels residents make their buildings more energy-efficient, and thus reducing their electricity and gas bills.
Next year, €53 million will be freed up by the government to fund Renolution, the region's strategy for the thorough renovation of Brussels buildings to reduce their energy consumption and combat climate change. Compared to 2019, the budget for this premium system has doubled, while the number of residents applying for grants is rising every year.
"With Renolution, a project that is fundamental for the climate and for the comfort, wallet and health of Brussels residents, the Region is offering free guidance to anyone who wants to renovate their buildings and is making available one or more financing instruments adapted to their specific needs," Alain Maron, Brussels Minister for Climate Transition and Energy, said.
With Renolution, the regional government hopes to ensure the paradigm changes so it can become independent of fossil fuels. In Brussels, 61% of direct CO2 emissions are emitted for the heating of residential and other buildings, which is why the buildings sector is at the heart of the Renolution.
Roof insulation and low-carbon heating systems
As of 2023, various guidance and financial support measures (premiums, interest-free loans, etc.) will be extended to enable everyone to carry out the necessary work, with particular attention being paid to people with the lowest incomes, who are most affected by the energy crisis and skyrocketing bills.
Specifically, there will be an increase in the premium for roof insulation, as 30% of roofs in the region are not insulated, even though this is a priority to reduce consumption. The premiums for people with a low or average incomes will increase to cover 50% and 40% of the investment, respectively (from €55 to €75/m² and from €45 to €55/m²).
The premium for efficient and low-carbon heating systems such as air-to-water heat pumps will be increased by €250 per household for income groups, while the support for the use of geothermal heat pumps has risen from €4,250 to €5,800 per household that hasn't shared information about their income, while for low and average income households, this amount has further increased by €350.
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Brussels is not only aiming to cut its dependence on fossil fuels by better insulating, but also by developing renewable energy to meet the remaining needs and committing itself to phasing out fossil fuels as part of raising the climate targets by 2030, by ending premiums for gas-fired boilers, among other things.
It will also make it mandatory for all homes to have an EPB (energy performance of buildings) certificate. To encourage low-income households to obtain it before it becomes compulsory, they will be given a premium of €150 per certified dwelling.
