Embuild Vlaanderen has welcomed plans announced by Flemish Housing and Energy Minister Melissa Depraetere to simplify and make renovations of apartment buildings more affordable.
According to Embuild, there are 13,000 old apartment buildings in Flanders that do not meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements. They are often also potentially dangerous.
Flanders has a total of 147,500 apartment buildings, comprising 980,000 flats or housing units, with three-quarters located in city centres. While many of these are new and energy-efficient, more than half were built before 1981 and require upgrades. Apartments located under roofs, adjacent to exterior walls, or above cellars or car parks often have poor energy scores.
9%, or 13,000, of apartment buildings lack an energy label D, the minimum requirement for new owners, and urgently need thorough renovation. Older apartment buildings are often dangerous due to stability issues and insufficient fire safety.
Embuild also states that 9 out of 10 apartment buildings in Flanders are awaiting energy renovations to achieve label A. “There are many support measures and digital tools available for renovators, but they are unsuitable for apartment owners,” said Caroline Deiteren, Director-General of Embuild Vlaanderen, in a press release.
Tailored financing, loans, and grants are necessary to support apartment owners. Embuild is pleased that the Minister will enhance support for co-owners with customised guidance. Minister Depraetere announced the initiative on Saturday at the start of Batibouw. She aims to simplify and make apartment building renovations more affordable. In addition to financial support, she wants to eliminate potential obstacles.
Co-owners’ associations will also be able to access “Mijn VerbouwBegeleiding”, the free renovation guidance service for those renovating on a limited budget.
