The certificate consists of 2 parts, namely an Energy Score and an EPC label.

The EPC label indicates a percentage 'Share of renewable energy'. This is the ratio between:

The amount of renewable energy generated and used locally
The amount of renewable and non-renewable energy used by the building unit

We believe the EPC for non-residential buildings should be an important part of the sustainability strategy of companies, organisations and governments. The EPC can help create a culture of energy conservation and sustainability, where making buildings more sustainable is not just an obligation, but also an opportunity to cut costs and improve operations. Freestone

So what is mandatory when?

The obligation to have an EPC NR will tighten step by step until every major non-residential building unit has an EPC by 2026, even without being transferred or leased.

Below are the milestones set by the Flemish government regarding the EPC NR:

From 1 January 2023, every non-residential building unit must have an EPC NR when sold, leasehold, superficies or when entering into a new lease.
From 1 January 2024, all building units of public buildings and government buildings must have an EPC for non-residential buildings. Public buildings with a usable floor area larger than 250 m² are also subject to a sign-out obligation.
From 1 January 2025, every large non-residential building unit with a usable floor area greater than or equal to 1000 m² must have an EPC NR, regardless of transfer or rental.
From 1 January 2026, every large non-residential building unit with a usable floor area less than 1000 m² must have an EPC NR, regardless of sale (and other transfers) or rental.

How do you obtain an EPC-NR label?

A Type D energy expert should take the following steps to prepare an EPC-NR certificate:

Collecting information on the building, such as its dimensions, building construction, materials used, heating system and ventilation, as well as energy consumption, such as bills from the energy supplier.
Preparation of an energy audit to determine the building's energy performance. This will include the insulation, airtightness, heating system, ventilation and the use of lighting and appliances.
Energy performance calculation: Based on the above collected data. Specific software and calculation methods are used.
Preparation of the EPC report: This report includes an overview of the building's energy performance, CO2 emissions, recommendations for energy-saving measures and the validity period of the EPC.
Registration of the EPC in a central database of the Flemish government and transfer of the report to the owner or user of the building.
Providing energy advice: Besides preparing the EPC score and the EPC label, the type D energy expert has an advisory role. Here, the client is informed about the potential measures that can be taken and what impact this has on the energy performance of the building and the share of renewable energy.

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