BACS (building automation and control systems)

Ministerial decree amending various provisions of the ministerial decree of 28 December 2018 laying down general provisions on energy performance regulations, energy performance certificates and certification of contractors and installers

The document contains a number of changes to the energy performance and certification regulations, the training requirements for certificates of competence and EPB and EPC methodologies.

Certificates of competence: a course is available for the biomass stove certificate, for which the same experience requirements apply as for biomass boilers. The required training and examination conditions are also further clarified. For the new certificate for solar panels, home batteries and smart charging infrastructure, the material requirements for examination centres will be aligned with those for training centres.
Building label for apartment blocks: in accordance with the Flemish Coalition Agreement 2024-2029, a building label is being introduced for apartment blocks and other buildings for which an Energy Performance Certificate for Common Areas (EPC GD) is required. The label is intended to encourage renovation and is determined on the basis of indicators relating to insulation, building services and solar energy. The label runs from A to F, with A reserved for fully fossil-free buildings. In the absence of an EPC for Common Areas, an F label is automatically assigned. The absence of an EPC does not mean the property cannot be let or sold, but it may result in an administrative fine. New-build properties are exempt for a period of ten years.
For the Non-Residential EPC, a calculated energy label is introduced. In addition, provision is made for supporting documents to be handed over when an EPC is issued, so that future energy assessors do not have to collect all documentation again. The structure of the form is being amended to ensure that, among other things, energy storage, zero-emission buildings and renewable energy communities are accounted for properly.
Inspection protocol adjustments: the inspection protocols for EPCs are further clarified. Additional specifications will be included regarding digital plans, project files, site visits, photographs, floor plans, partition walls and product characteristics. In addition, rules for ventilation, solar boilers, lighting and equivalent units for industrial or agricultural buildings are being amended.
Technical amendments to the EPB regulations:
Various annexes to the EPB regulations are updated:
- Addition of normative references in the transmission reference document.
- Inclusion of CO₂ detection as a method for presence detection in wet rooms.
- Clarification of terms such as dimensioning note and dimensioning calculation.
- Adjustment of the calculation method for external heat supply to ensure that heat losses through pipework within buildings are also adequately taken into account. As a result, there continues to be incentive to limit these losses