The Brussels Region Government approved at first reading the reform of the PEB certificate (building energy performance) on Thursday, announced Alain Maron, Minister for Climate Transition and Energy, on Friday.
The matter has been referred to the next legislature, and was developed in consultation with the sector. The main aim of the reform is to produce certificates that are closer to the actual consumption by relaxing certain default values that have proved too penalising.
The reform should reduce the gap between the theoretical consumption indicated on the PEB certificate and the actual consumption of buildings. The model PEB certificate is also intended to be easier to read.
"The revised PEB method should make it easier to identify 'energy sieves' (buildings with low energy efficiency) in need of top-priority renovation, by improving the quality and consistency of the certificates," stated the Ecolo minister.
To enhance the quality of PEB professionals, the reform merges the professions of PEB advisor and PEB certifier into a single profession of PEB expert. Basic training has been reviewed and strengthened, with compulsory ongoing training.
The calculation method is unified and will promote decarbonisation (connection to a heating network, electrification, and use of renewable energy sources such as geothermal, aquathermal, and aerothermal energy).
The reform also aims to accelerate the development of solar energy production by imposing progressive requirements for new buildings, major renovations, and existing public buildings.
