EPC Construction for new construction and renovation

All non-building projects and some renovation projects must submit the Construction EPC. For houses, it is required when selling or renting. What does it say? Find out in this article!

What is the EPC Construction?

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. The EPC is a document that shows how energy efficient your home is. You will find information about the building envelope, space heating, ventilation, lighting, solar energy and hot water heating.

The EPC Construction proves whether your unit meets EPB requirements through the E-level. The lower the E-level, the more energy efficient your home is. This way, as a potential buyer or tenant, you get an idea of the energy efficiency of the entire building. As a landlord, you are obliged to present this document, even if you do not sell or rent your apartment.

When is EPC Construction mandatory?

The EPC Construction is mandatory for new construction projects and major energy renovations. This EPC is not mandatory if there is no E-level requirement. The E-level in the EPC Construction is final. You cannot/may not have it revised unless you are doing an energetically major renovation. If the E-level on the EPC Construction is higher than the maximum E-level associated with the year of your building application, you must pay a penalty. The greater the violation, the higher the fine. It is a maximum of 10 or 25 euros per cubic meter of the building. If you submit the EPB declaration too late, you will be fined 1,000 euros + 1 euro per cubic meter of the building + 10 euros per day that the declaration is not submitted.

What is in the EPC Construction?

The Building EPC is prepared for each house, apartment, studio or collective residential building. The EPC includes:

The E-level, shown with a color bar.
Whether the E-level meets an EPB requirements.
For residential buildings also an energy label.
For non-residential buildings, an undetermined energy label.

What are the conditions?

These are the conditions of EPC Construction:

You create the EPC on a unit-by-unit basis.
You are required to state the E-level in advertisements.
The building owner must send the EPC to VEKA through the EPB declaration:
- for new construction: a maximum of 12 months after the date the house is put into use or the completion of the works requiring a permit or notification.
- for renovations: up to 5 years from approval of permit or notification date.
For residential buildings, a licensed energy expert (Type A) must prepare the EPC.
For non-residential buildings, a licensed energy expert (Type D) must prepare the EPC.

How much does the EPC cost?

There is no set cost for the EPC. The price depends on:

unit size.
the energy expert (Type A) or the energy expert (Type D).
unit complexity.
the travel costs of the energy expert.

How long is the EPC valid?

The EPC Construction for residential buildings is valid for 10 years.
The EPC Construction for non-residential buildings is valid for 5 years.

What are the benefits of EPC Construction?

For renters/buyers:

It provides an insight into your energy consumption and home comfort.
It gives you necessary information to compare with other potential rental (new construction) apartments and (new construction) homes.

For landlords/sellers:

With a positive E-level, you will rent and sell your apartment or home more easily.
Some people pay more for an apartment or house with a low E-level.

Applying for EPC Construction in 6 steps

Step 1: Collect evidence documents

The building owner collects all supporting documents on energy performance such as insulation, joinery, glazing. Think of specifications and invoices.

Step 2: Make an appointment with an energy expert

The builder makes an appointment:

For residential buildings with a licensed energy expert (Type A).
For non-residential buildings with a licensed energy expert (Type D).

Step 3: Energy expert site visit

The energy expert will visit when the construction process is over or after the building is occupied.

During the site visit:

the building owner shall ensure that the unit is accessible to the energy expert.
the building principal ensures that the energy expert receives the supporting documents.
the energy expert examines the unit.
the energy expert and the building owner sign the EPB declaration.

Step 4: Receive the EPC

The energy expert sends the EPC to the building owner.

Step 5: Share the EPC

The recipient shares the EPC with:

the broker.
the residents.
the owner or VME and syndicator.
the prospective buyers and/or prospective tenants.

The EPC Building is your guide to a more energy-efficient future! An energy-efficient building is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet and the comfort of all occupants.

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Sources: Belgium, Flanders

Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:

Stiasteny, L. (2024, May 23). EPC Construction. Apartment.com. Accessed on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/epc-bouw-nieuwbouw-en-renovatie