THE ENERGY FUTURE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS IN BRUSSELS: BETWEEN PRESERVATION AND PERFORMANCE

case of housing) intensive ventilation, which enables a rapid solution to be provided for problems of overheating or excess pollution. In this case, the requirement is a simple obligation to have a minimum opening.

POSSIBLE EXEMPTIONS

It is sometimes impossible to comply with the requirements. For this reason the Brussels Government has provided the option of applying for exemptions, both for renovations and new builds. The client submits the application before the project begins, either to Brussels Environment, or (if it concerns a simple renovation) to the issuing authority, which assesses the application and then grants or refuses the exemption. The client may submit an appeal to the Government if not happy with the decision.

There are two types of exemptions. The first is called a “heritage” exemption as it concerns listed buildings or buildings that are included on the list of protected structures. This type of exemption applies where full, or even partial, compliance with the requirements would affect conservation of the architectural heritage. It is granted directly by Brussels Urban Development. The second case concerns non-listed new buildings, buildings considered as new and/ or renovated buildings. The exemption is possible where full or partial compliance with the requirements is technically, functionally or economically impracticable.

An exemption will be granted:

1° For technical reasons, where the works pose problems for the stability, fire resistance, air or water tightness of the wall or building, or if there is no material or product available that enables compliance with the requirements.

2° For functional reasons, where the insulation and ventilation works or additional works subsequent to such works endanger the use of the building, disproportionately harm the architecture or result in non-compliance with planning constraints.

3° For economic reasons, where the cost of the insulation and ventilation works, including any additional works subsequent to the insulation and ventilation works, is three times greater than the cost of works of the same type in another building.

Between 2008 and 2014, only 37 applications for exemptions were submitted to Brussels Environment and more than two thirds were granted. Those based on the requirements drawn from municipal regulations were systematically approved. From 1^st January 2015 exemptions for simple renovations are no longer processed by Brussels Environment but instead are handled directly by the authorities that grant planning permission. Finally, it is worth reiterating that there is no obligation to comply with these requirements. Where a project does not comply with them, the client will be required to pay a fine but planning permission will not be refused and they will not be required to make it compliant.

CONCLUSION

The EPB regulation is evolving. In order to do so it relies on feedback from professionals, architects and contractors as well as the administrations and municipalities who are helping us to apply the regulation. We are also supported by a scientific consortium composed of the BBRI, consultancy firms and universities. We invite you to participate in this continuous improvement loop. Respecting heritage and improving energy efficiency can be mutually beneficial, particularly through regular consultation between the actors concerned. Brussels Environment is about more than just a regulation; it's also a financial support that can be activated via the “energy bonuses” and the “Brussels green loan”. It also comprises technical support, assistance with applying the regulation and assistance with technical design. There are many information tools available on the Brussels Environment website (the “EPB Works” pages, the Sustainable Buildings guide, etc.) Finally, we organise an entire range of training courses and seminars on sustainable construction aimed at training for excellence. We have outsourced a support service for professionals called the “Sustainable Buildings Facilitator” service. As regards assistance for private individuals, every municipality has an EPB official who assists people in understanding the legislation. We also support the “regional information desks” that provide citizens with personalised support for their energy problems.

Translated from French.

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