Bruxelles Environnement

PAEE or the Plan d’Aciton en matière d’Efficacité Energétique (the Action Plan for Energy Efficiency) was adopted in 2007, with the goal of “achieving energy savings of 9% over a period of 9 years”. The plan has an impact on building, residential, industrial, transportation, and the public sector. This plan has been continued over the years, most recently being published in 2017.

PEB or la performance énergétique des bâtiments (energy performance of buildings) was created in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption of building operations. The PEB pursues action on the basis of three components: technical installations, “PEB Works”, and certification. As technical building installations can contribute to large usage of energy, heating and cooling systems must meet minimum efficiency requirements. “PEB Works” applies to construction and renovation projects, wherein properties must comply with requirements of “high energy performance”. Finally, PEB certification allows tenants and owners to compare properties according to energy performance.

Made obligatory by COBRACE, le Plan Local d’Action pour la Gestion Énergétique (PLAGE), or local action plan for energy management, is mandatory for real estate parks in order to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. This plan does not require large investments to enable more rational energy use and to reduce bills. PLAGE requires tenants and building owners to create a plan of action to occur over a period of three years. Though the planned actions must be met, the participant has the freedom to choose which efforts are taken to achieve energy efficiency. Participants of PLAGE are evaluated by a reviewer, to make sure objectives are being met. According to Bruxelles-Environnement, PLAGE not only improves energy efficiency, but promotes a culture of rational energy use. 

Bruxelles Environnement conducts audits or inspections in order to “promote compliance with environmental and energy legislation”. Audits include five components: inspection, prevention, finding, repair, and repression. Within these components an examination is conducted, measures are taken to prevent harm, infractions are recorded, repairs are made, and reminders are issued and fines requested for further infractions. In order to learn more about the inspection conducted by Bruxelles Environnement, you can review the plans they offer on their website.

Bruxelles Environnement provides financial aid to the public in the form of subsidies and other incentives. Any organization interested in promoting sustainable development can apply for a one-time grant, foundation grants are also available. Other incentives provided by Bruxelles Environnement for buildings and energy management are Energy Savings Investments and Brussels green loans. Energy Savings Investments are provided to businesses that invest in energy reduction in the form of tax advantages. A green loan gives recipients access of up to 2% financing for home energy improvements. See more. 

Pack Energie provides free “energy coaching for small and medium-sized businesses as well as non-profits. Energy advisors from BRUXEO, UCM, santhea, and Comeos support the realization of measures to increase energy efficiency during building development/renovation. The four organizations were given a subsidy to launch their energy efficient proposals. See more. 

Total Environmental impact of Materials, a “digital interface which can limit the environmental impacts of buildings”. TOTEM is intended for key players of the building sector such as architects, contractors, developers, public authorities, etc. who wish to monitor and manager the efficiency of buildings from the design phase to management. See more. 

Bruxelles Environnement provides tips on changing our practices to reduce consumption and increase energy savings. Their materials are available on their website. See more. 

The work of Bruxelles Environnement centers around various themes such as water, animal wellbeing, mobility, and building and energy. The organization carries out projects for schools, to raise awareness in this community and encourage environemental practices. Another is called “Be.Exemplary” which rewards renovation projects that are pursuing positive change in sustainable development. Within the building and energy theme, you can also find various materials regarding energy savings. These tools include games, posters, DVDs, and more. These materials can be found on the website, addressing how to control your consumption and save energy. See more. 

Carte Solaire is an online tool that can be used by any resident of the Brussels-Capital Region. If you enter your address to learn about the solar potential of your roof. This tool allows users to discover the number of solar panels required to maximize production and the cost of installation. If you wish to learn more, you can visit the website and learn about the potential gains of solar panel installation. See more.