The energy crisis is pushing Belgians to build and renovate differently, mainly to reduce their energy bills, according to a study by Bobex, a site for comparing quotes from construction and renovation companies.
This can be seen from a 195% growth in demand for solar panels registered this year and an almost fourfold increase in requests for roof insulation in September.
Charging stations are also booming (+194% this year), and while Belgians still invest in bricks, they now do so in a very targeted manner.
The energy crisis has therefore had a positive impact on 'sustainable sectors' (+100% to +200%) and a negative one on the aesthetic or energy-consuming sectors (+10% to -30%).
The insulation of roofs, walls and floors is on the rise due to the increase in electricity and gas prices. Bobex noted an 86% growth for cavity wall insulation and 91% for that of roofs.
September alone saw a nearly 400% increase in roof insulation, which provides a more immediate return, compared to September 2021.
Due to the energy crisis, Belgians are also looking for new condensing boilers and demand is increasing by 22%. Heat pumps are doing even better, with 215% growth. Nevertheless, customers are often shocked by the initial outlay required to install a heat pump (€5,000 to €15,000).
