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🇧🇪 Belgium /Energy & Infrastructure

Flanders lowers fines for energy standard non-compliance, extends deadlines

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Flanders is reducing fines for individuals who fail to meet or submit energy performance certificates (EPB) on time.
  • Previously, fines could exceed 20,000 euros, but the government aims for more proportional penalties and better communication.
  • The deadline to submit the EPB certificate is extended from six to seven years, and the correction period for errors is increased from eight weeks to six months.

Flanders is set to implement new regulations that will significantly lower fines for individuals who fail to submit or are late in submitting their Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) certificates. These certificates are crucial for verifying that new or renovated homes meet the region's energy standards, including adequate insulation.

That attest is important. That proves, for example, that your home is sufficiently insulated and energetically sound.

— Minister DepraetereExplaining the importance of the EPB certificate for energy standards in buildings.

Minister Depraetere acknowledged that the previous fines were sometimes disproportionate, with some reaching over 20,000 euros for administrative errors or delays. "We have noted in recent months that there are sometimes very high fines when not everything is in order on time. We are talking about monster fines of more than 20,000 euros," Depraetere told VRT NWS.

The new rules aim to make the penalties more proportionate and provide better support to builders and renovators. The deadline for submitting an EPB certificate will be extended from six to seven years. Furthermore, the period allowed for correcting errors or providing additional documentation will be extended from eight weeks to six months.

I have noted in recent months that there are sometimes very high fines when not everything is in order on time. We are talking about monster fines of more than 20,000 euros.

— Minister DepraetereDescribing the disproportionately high fines previously imposed for non-compliance with energy standards.

"We must not punish people for an administrative error," Depraetere stated, emphasizing a shift towards better communication and increased timeframes. "That is why we opt for better communication, extra time, and lower fines. This way, we help people instead of fining them." The Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA) collected a record 7.3 million euros in energy fines last year, but the new regulations will not apply retroactively.

We must not punish people for an administrative error. That is why we opt for better communication, extra time, and lower fines. This way, we help people instead of fining them.

— Minister DepraetereExplaining the rationale behind the new regulations aimed at reducing fines and providing more time for compliance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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