The energy transition is in full swing and Flanders is tightening regulations step by step to meet the 2050 climate goals. As an entrepreneur, you will have to deal with various legal obligations in the coming years. Below is a brief overview of what is in the pipeline, when these measures will take effect and how you can prepare.
By April 1, 2026, all buildings in Flanders with an annual electricity consumption of > 1 GWh (and for government buildings already at > 250 MWh/year) will be subject to a mandatory installation of solar panels. This obligation rests on the owners, leaseholders and building leaseholders of the relevant offtake point.
The required PV power is calculated based on the horizontal roof area, with a minimum base installation of 12.5 m². You can commission the installation in phases, spreading investment costs and implementation pressure, and under certain conditions alternative renewable technologies (such as wind turbines or heat pumps) may replace the solar panels.
By May 1, 2026, Europe will impose additional obligations on member states for electric vehicle charging. For new or substantially refurbished non-residential buildings with more than five car parking spaces, at least one charge point per five spaces must be installed, with pre-wiring for at least 50% of the number of spaces and conduit for the remainder, as well as bicycle parking spaces equal to at least 10% of the occupancy capacity (or 10% if space is limited). For new office buildings, a stricter standard of one charging point for every two parking spaces applies.
As of Jan. 1, 2027, existing non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces will be required to provide at least one charging point for every 10 spaces and standby tubes for 50% of the spaces. Existing government buildings will have to provide pre-wiring for at least half of their parking spaces by 2033.
And for new or renovated residential buildings with more than three parking spaces, there is a requirement for pre-cabling for 50% of the spaces, the possibility of connecting all parking spaces in the future (via waiting tubes or cable ducts) plus two bicycle parking spaces per residential unit.
From 2027, companies outside the emission-intensive sectors will also gradually be included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2). Unlike ETS1, in ETS2 all obligations around monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions will no longer rest on the end user, but on the excise taxpayer - the legal entity that releases and consumes the fuels - and from that year this party will also be responsible for procuring the necessary emission allowances, the cost of which will ultimately be passed on to the end customer.
The scope of ETS2 includes emissions of carbon dioxide from fuels consumed in the following sectors:
Since Jan. 1, 2025, an EPC NR certificate is mandatory for all non-residential buildings.
In addition, from Jan. 1, 2030, all non-residential units must achieve and be able to demonstrate a minimum energy label E, with public and government buildings required to achieve this minimum level as early as Jan. 1, 2028.
Starting in 2028, Flanders will shift levies (including cogeneration certificates) from electricity to natural gas bills. By making electricity cheaper, the government wants to encourage the switch to electric cars and heat pumps, thereby reducing CO₂ emissions. This measure is part of the Flemish Energy and Climate Plan, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2030 compared to 2005.
In addition, the Flemish government is exploring a broader tax shift with the federal government, which would include shifting federal excise taxes on electricity to natural gas. Such an intervention would go beyond the current decision and provide an additional incentive for transportation and heating electrification.
By December 31, 2024, all new and existing non-residential buildings with a heating or air conditioning system (whether or not combined with ventilation) exceeding 290 kW must be equipped with a building automation and control system. From 2029, that limit will drop to 70 kW, so many more buildings will be covered.
This system must continuously monitor, analyze and adjust energy consumption, test energy efficiency and identify and report loss points to the manager, communicate seamlessly with all technical systems - regardless of technology or manufacturer - and also permanently monitor the indoor environment.
For non-residential buildings, Flanders aims to achieve a carbon-neutral building stock for heating, domestic hot water, cooling and lighting by 2050, with the government leading by example.
For public office buildings, it is proposed to live up to the exemplary role by meeting the long-term goal of a carbon-neutral building stock as early as 2045.
Semi-public buildings (schools, health) and private buildings (offices, commerce, hospitality, etc.) are given until 2050 to meet the long-term target.
The energy transition brings not only challenges, but also great opportunities: lower energy costs and future-proof operations. Therefore, start preparing today so that you will not face any surprises and your company will effortlessly grow into a sustainable future.
At Ingenium we are happy to help you navigate through the complex regulations: we map out which obligations apply to your building, when you need to take action and how you can do that in the most cost-efficient and sustainable way. This way you stay compliant, avoid fines and get the maximum return on your energy-saving investments. Need help? Contact us today!
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