Every house in Flanders to be energy efficient by 2050

The government of Flanders and the construction sector are joining forces to make all houses in the region energy efficient by 2050. This bold ambition was announced yesterday by energy minister Annemie Turtelboom (pictured), housing minister Liesbeth Homans and environment minister Joke Schauvliege. The plan is part of the so-called Renovation Pact.

More than half of the houses in Flanders were built before 1970 and many have no roof insulation or double glazing. This leads to a huge energy loss, according to the ministers. The government has already introduced several subsidies for homeowners implementing energy-saving measures.

Now the goal is to make every house or apartment just as energy efficient as one that is built today. Technically, that means the home must be inspected and given an E60 score. Thorough renovations will be necessary to achieve this goal, as old houses often consume more than half of the energy needed for new builds.

The ministers plan to reform the policy of energy premiums and subsidies. There will also be a new help tool introduced – a sort of manual for homeowners regarding the most effective renovations for energy efficiency. New homeowners will receive a step-by-step plan to energy-saving renovations.

According to the ministers, it’s important that the building sector support the new pact. More than 30 organisations have agreed to support it, according to minister Turtelboom.