The Brussels regulatory framework on the energy performance of buildings (EPB) is being further tightened. In the future, every building located in the Brussels-Capital Region will be required to hold a valid EPB certificate, even if the building is neither sold nor leased.
Currently, an EPB certificate is only mandatory in the event of the sale or lease of a building. The new regulation extends this obligation to all buildings and all owners.
This reform stems from the Ordinance of 7 March 2024, while the specific date of entry into force was determined by Ministerial Decree of 19 February 2026 (Belgian Official Gazette, 9 March 2026; entry into force: 19 March 2026).
EPB reform in Brussels: what is changing?
Through the Ordinance of 7 March 2024, the Brussels Code on Air, Climate and Energy Management was amended in order to support the Brussels renovation strategy.
The reform introduces, inter alia:
- an obligation to obtain EPB certification for all buildings
- stricter energy performance standards in the medium and long term
- specific rules for associations of co-owners
- obligations for owners to provide data and access to EPB experts
The practical implementation of these rules was further detailed in Decrees of the Brussels-Capital Government of 3 July 2025.
When will the new EPB rules enter into force?
Initially, the Government had not yet determined an exact date for the entry into force of certain provisions.
By Ministerial Decree of 19 February 2026, it was ultimately decided that the new rules will enter into force on 1 July 2028.
The choice of this date is linked to the development of new EPB software required to apply the new calculation method and certification procedure.
EPB certificate mandatory for all buildings by 2033
The regulation provides that, within five years following the entry into force of the provisions, every holder of a real right over an EPB unit must hold a valid EPB certificate.
Given that the rules will enter into force on 1 July 2028, this means in practice that:
by 1 July 2033, every building in the Brussels-Capital Region must have an EPB certificate.
If a building does not yet have a certificate, the owner will be required to appoint a certified EPB expert to have one issued.
New energy standards for buildings
In addition to the certification requirement, stricter energy performance targets are also introduced.
For residential buildings, this includes the requirement that primary energy consumption:
- must not exceed 275 kWh/m² per year within 10 years
- must not exceed 150 kWh/m² per year within 20 years
These standards form part of the European strategy to achieve a climate-neutral building stock by 2050.
Conclusion: preparing in time for the new EPB rules
The new Brussels EPB rules will play a significant role in real estate law and practice in the coming years.
Owners, investors and associations of co-owners are well advised to assess in due time the potential impact of this regulation on their buildings and to determine which steps may be required to comply with future energy standards.
Although the general obligation will only fully apply as of 1 July 2033, decisions taken today regarding renovation and energy performance will increasingly affect the value, operation and marketability of real estate in the Brussels-Capital Region.
The Andersen Real Estate team closely monitors developments in Brussels EPB regulations and renovation requirements and advises owners, investors and co-owners on their legal impact on real estate. You may contact our team at any time should you have further questions.
