The EPC for offices, shops, schools and hospitals.
In Belgium, the three regions each have their own regulations for the energy performance of buildings. This results in significant differences, especially for non-residential or tertiary buildings.
Flanders
The energy performance certificate for non-residential units, the EPC NR, shows the energy efficiency of buildings such as offices, schools, shops and hospitals. Non-residential units are all buildings except residential, industrial and agricultural buildings.
The EPC NR informs buyers and tenants about the energy performance and must comply with the renovation obligation within five years of sale or transfer, with a minimum energy label that must be proven with an EPC NR. The EPC NR also indicates which renovations are necessary to become carbon neutral. Since 1 January 2023, the EPC NR has been mandatory for the sale and rental of non-residential units. From 1 May 2023, this obligation will also apply to notarial transfers.
From 1 January 2024, public buildings larger than 250 m² must have an EPC NR. In addition, from 1 January 2025, large non-residential buildings from 1000 m² and from 1 January 2026, buildings smaller than 1000 m² must have an EPC NR. From 1 January 2028, a valid EPC NR is required for large public buildings, and from 1 January 2030 for all large non-residential units, with at least label E.
Brussels
Every owner who wants to sell or rent a building in the Brussels-Capital Region must have an EPB certificate (Energy performance of buildings) for tertiary units if the office is 500 m² or larger. Offices under 500 m² and other tertiary buildings such as shops, schools and healthcare institutions are temporarily exempt from this certificate. When building a new non-residential building (such as offices, schools or healthcare institutions), certain EPB requirements must be met, after which an EPB certificate 'new construction' is issued by Leefmilieu Brussel.
Wallonia
Currently, only residential buildings (single-family homes, apartments and other homes) must be certified in Wallonia. The instruments required for certification for non-residential buildings (offices, services, companies, etc.) are being drawn up.
