The push for energy efficiency and sustainable living has never been more pronounced. As homeowners across Belgium look to upgrade their homes, regional governments are stepping up to provide financial incentives. One of the primary areas of focus is insulation, a critical component in ensuring homes are energy-efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly. Let’s delve into the specifics of insulation grants across Belgium’s three regions.
Wallonia Region
Are you considering renovating your roof or undertaking minor projects to save energy, costing less than 3,000 €? In Wallonia, homeowners can now avail of a grant without undergoing a mandatory Housing Audit. What’s more, certain tasks can be DIY, eliminating the need for professional services. However, even if the Housing Audit isn’t compulsory, it’s worth noting its benefits. An auditor provides tailored advice and an unbiased perspective on the best techniques and products to prioritize.
Eligible Projects
The range of projects qualifying for these grants is diverse. They span from roof replacements and insulation to ensuring electricity and gas compliance. They also cover sewer connections, heating system investments, and various sanitation works.
For final work and material bills dated from June 1, 2022, applicants have a four-month window from the invoice date to apply for grants. For bills dated between May 1 and May 31, 2022, a five-month window is provided.
Flemish Region
In Flanders, the authorities offer a plethora of insulation grants. The list is extensive, and often, local or provincial grants can be added to the mix. To simplify the process for homeowners, an online portal has been developed, streamlining the research process.
Key Grants
In essence, Flanders supports homeowners aiming to enhance their home’s energy label (PEB grant), those looking to remove asbestos and re-insulate roofs or facades, those replacing window frames, insulating exterior walls, and undertaking roof insulation projects.
Most grants in Flanders are disbursed post-completion of the projects. All applications can be routed through Fluvius, the distribution network manager in Flanders.
Brussels Region
Starting January 1, 2022, the Renolution grants became the new regional scheme, merging the Energy Grants with the Home Renovation and Facade Beautification Grants. It’s advisable to visit the dedicated Renolution Brussels website to identify the grant matching your project requirements. The site offers comprehensive information on obtaining grants and various regional financial supports for renovation.
What’s New?
One of the significant updates in this streamlined system is that all grant applications are now made post-project completion, within a 12-month timeframe from the final invoice date. In total, 45 grants are available for both renovation and energy-saving projects. When undergoing a renovation, homeowners can submit a consolidated application for all eligible grants. The pre-financing option available under the old grant system has been replaced in 2022 with a new global credit system. It’s worth noting that grants are available for various building types, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, offices, shops, schools, industries, and more. They cater to a diverse applicant profile, including owner-occupiers, landlords, tenants, building managers, and more.
The primary conditions for availing these new-generation grants remain consistent: they are only available for projects executed by professionals and apply exclusively to buildings older than 10 years.
Conclusion
Insulation is a critical component in the drive towards sustainable living and energy efficiency. As Belgium’s regions roll out various grants and incentives, homeowners have a golden opportunity to upgrade their homes, ensuring they are not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly and cost-effective. By understanding the specifics of each regional grant, homeowners can make informed decisions, ensuring they maximize the benefits on offer.
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