Did you know that good management of the energy resources in your home will reduce your bills while limiting the impact of non-renewable energies on the environment? To encourage greater ecological awareness, the Belgian government is providing financial aid such as the Brussels Environment Primes Energie (Energy Premiums) to cover the costs of energy renovation. Let's focus on the subsidies and reimbursements granted to Brussels residents.
New bonus for PEB Periodic Inspection: Periodic inspection of the gas-fired boiler and water heater is obligatory and should be done every 2 years. Category C households are eligible for this bonus, which amounts to 100 euros.
Grant to replace a boiler: Financial assistance of 1200 euros is paid to all households who wish to replace an old boiler by installing a new corresponding to the energy class A. This is known as the Category C1 premium.
Aid for insulation work: The B2 premium was designed to cover the costs of external insulation work. Since 2019, the amount provided has significantly increased. A Brussels resident can now receive 50 to 75 euros per square metre to insulate the walls, knowing that these are responsible for 25 percent of the energy losses in a terraced house. Between 20 and 50 percent of the invoice is then reimbursed by Primes Energie, knowing that it is possible to apply for these subsidies whether you are a tenant, owner, occupying independent accommodation or in co-ownership. Note that the amount awarded is calculated based on annual income.
Note: the most generous financial assistance is intended for condominiums!
To reduce your energy bills, you need good insulation and an efficient heating system. It is important to remember that a household in Brussels spends on average 1,400 euros per year in energy. 60 percent of this amount will be used to cover heating costs. However, the benefits of an energy renovation are not only tangible on a material level. They are also tangible in terms of the thermal comfort of your home: a feeling of well-being due to the ambient temperature, but also to the quality of air generated by your heating system.
Among all greenhouse gas emitters, building heating is responsible for 70 percent of CO2 emissions in Brussels. Optimized use is, therefore, an important part of an ecological approach, not to mention that it adds more value to your home. From now on, the houses subject to sale or rental will all be required to have an "Energy Performance of Buildings" certificate. And it is thanks to this certificate that the energy score for a home is obtained.
In order to simplify the procedures for obtaining these premiums, it is now possible to request a subsidy up to 12 months after receipt of the final invoice for the work. You will have to send the required documents and then wait up to 8 weeks to receive the requested transfer.
For more information on the "Primes Energie" in Brussels, go to www.environnement.brussels.