2018/0376/B
EC/EFTA
BE Belgien
  • B10 - Bauprodukte
2018-10-25
2018-07-30

The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2010/31/EU) requires all new buildings to be nearly zero-energy (NZE) by 2021. This goal was set out in the Energy Decree in 2014. In 2015, the Flemish Energy Agency (Vlaams Energieagentschap; the ‘VEA’) launched the process to prepare the fourth EPB review. The fourth review of the energy performance regulations naturally examines the experiences over the nearly ten years of EPB requirements since 2006, but it primarily focuses on the objective of making all new buildings nearly zero-energy (NZE) by 2021. In the 2015 EPB evaluation, the VEA examined whether the various aspects of energy performance regulations (requirements, methodology, procedures) were ready for NZE buildings. This was based on findings from several policy preparation studies and on consultation with the sector.

Gradually ramping up EPB requirements will ensure that new buildings become increasingly energy efficient. The process will use increasingly innovative technology and materials. Because requirements are being strengthened, the sector will devote more attention to calculating energy performance figures for buildings. A refined calculation method is required for adequate and detailed energy performance calculations for NZE buildings.

The 2019 method amendments are now being implemented. This draft amending decree contains several technical adjustments to the EPB calculation methods: amendments to the contents and form of the transmission reference document, a new version of the ‘Validated Numeric Calculations’ text, adaptation of the Combilus method to the option to factor in energy needs for sanitary hot water for non-residential buildings.

- Draft ministerial decree amending various ministerial decrees in the context of energy performance regulations;

- Annex 1 (further specifications on the calculation of transmission losses in the context of energy performance regulations);

- Annex 2 (validated numeric calculations); and

- Annex 3 (factoring in a Combilus system in the context of energy performance regulations).

Articles 1 and 2 of the draft introduce amendments to the Ministerial Decree of 2 April 2007 setting out the form and contents of the EPB declaration and the template for the energy performance certificate for construction. Article 3 of the draft amends the Ministerial Decree of 15 September 2009 determining the equivalence of innovative systems, building concepts or technologies in the context of energy performance regulations.

Article 1

The transmission reference document is replaced by a new version, applying not only a large number of formal changes, but also the following amendments to the content: (i) default values have been added for glazing in new constructions, (ii) the default lambda values for wooden window profiles have been brought into line with the procedure in EN ISO 10077-2 (2012), and (iii) edge insulation may be included in the U-value of the floor, either using the forms from Annex F or via numeric calculations.

Article 2

A new version of the ‘Validated Numeric Calculations’ text has been drafted, with further details on whether and how to incorporate linear and point breaks belonging to the structure (both in wooden frame construction and metal construction) into a structural junction model. It also clarifies how to deal with point junctions occurring at the location of a linear junction, such as a masonry support at the location of a post and lintel joint. In addition to this amendment to the content, several formal improvements were also introduced.

Article 3

Since the introduction of the Energy Performance for Non-residential buildings (EPN) method, it has been permitted to factor in energy needs for sanitary hot water for non-residential buildings. The Combilus method had not yet been adapted for this purpose, meaning that a Combilus system could not be properly factored in for an EPN unit. This is now possible using the updated calculation method introduced in this article.

Moreover, a study conducted in the context of the EPB platform identified the need for several additional formal adjustments to the Combilus text. This article introduces those amendments.