PEB (Performance Energétique des Bâtiments) certification is compulsory in the Brussels-Capital Region when selling or letting a property. This certificate assesses the energy performance of a property, assigning a label ranging from A (very energy-efficient) to G (very energy-intensive).
But how does an EPB inspection work in Brussels? What are the steps involved, and what can you expect? Here's a comprehensive overview of the process, based on Brussels regulations - with a particular focus on a an essential stage for us: validation by the customer before final recording.
📋 Step 1: Contact an approved certifier
The ILL certificate must be issued by a certifier approved by Brussels Environment. At PEBXL, all our certifiers are accredited and have many years' experience in the sector.
After making contact, an appointment is arranged for a technical visit to the property.
🧾 Stage 2: Preparing useful documents
Before the visit, the owner is invited to prepare any useful documents that might justify energy performance of the property. These include :
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Building plans
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Insulation bills (roof, walls, floors, etc.)
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Proof of type of glazing
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Technical data sheets for boilers, heat pumps, water heaters, etc.
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Proof of maintenance or inspection of the heating system
📝 All the elements taken into account in the calculation must be able to be justified. In the absence of evidence less advantageous default values will be applied.
🔍 Stage 3: Technical inspection of the property
During the appointment, the certifier will carry out a complete survey of the building's energy situation:
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Measuring living space
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Condition of the envelope (roof, walls, floor)
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Checking window frames and glazing
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Identification of the heating and hot water production system
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Possible presence of solar systems or mechanical ventilation
🖥️ Stage 4: Processing the data and drawing up a draft certificate (provisional attestation)
After the visit, we analyse all the data collected and draw up the following documents a provisional ILL certificate. This unfinished document contains :
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The provisional energy score
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On-site observations
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Recommendations for improvement
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A list of supporting documents taken into account
💡 As a customer, this step enables you to check the accuracy of the information, make any comments you may have, or even to provide additional documents (photos, certificates, invoices) before finalisation.
✅ Stage 4 bis: Validation by the customer
We submit the provisional certificate for your approval. Once you agree with the content, and have had the opportunity to add or correct certain elements, we are in the process of finalising.
🔒 Why is this stage so important?
Because once the final certificate has been encoded and entered into the official database, Any subsequent modification is complex. It requires a request for correction from Brussels Environment, which can lead to long lead times.
In a nutshell: we prefer to validate with you before issuing the final certificate, to offer you a reliable service with no nasty surprises.
📤 Stage 5: Encoding in the ILL software and official deposit
With your green light, we will enter the data into the official Brussels Environment. The ILL certificate is then generated and recorded.
You will then receive :
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Le official certificate in PDF format
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A summary sheet with results and advice
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A unique number to be mentioned in all property advertisements
📌 This certificate is valid for 10 years, This is the case unless work is carried out that significantly alters the energy performance of the property.
⚠️ Risks in the event of absence or error
In Brussels, the absence of a valid certificate at the time of sale or rental can lead to a administrative fine. Similarly, if the certificate contains errors once it has been validated, correction times are long and depend on the administration. Hence the importance of prior validation.
🏁 Conclusion
For us, the EPB certification process does not end with the technical inspection. We are committed to get actively involved in the verification of the certificate before finalisation, to guarantee transparency and accuracy of the document submitted. This preventive approach ensures a smooth procedure.
Would you like a quote for an EPB certificate in Brussels? Or would you simply like more information? Contact-Contact us today and we'll be happy to help.
info@pebxl.be
+32 24 107 747