What do we see?
The graph below shows the average EPC score of housing units for the relevant year of submission. Compared to 2013, the oldest year for which VEKA has data available, we see a steady improvement in energy efficiency across all housing types that have been offered for sale or rent over the years. In 2023, the average value is 313 kWh/m², a 21% improvement compared to 2013.
What’s the aim?
By 2050, the Flemish government aims for an average EPC value of 100 kWh/m². This reduction will be achieved through improved insulation and more sustainable energy sources. In the context of the circular economy transition, we know that the energy demand of buildings has a major impact on material consumption. However, there is also a large materials demand associated with building and renovation. It is therefore important to make thoughtful choices of materials and techniques to reduce the environmental impact during a building’s life cycle, and to keep opportunities for reuse and recycling as open as possible. The policy programme Towards Circular Building (Op weg naar Circulair Bouwen) proposes that a quarter of buildings should be designed or renovated according to the principles of circular construction by 2030.
What does this indicator measure?
The EPC score, or energy performance certificate score, represents the calculated energy consumption per year per square metre of usable floor area. Since 2008, it has been mandatory to draw up an EPC when selling or letting existing houses and flats. The data come from the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA).
