Flanders to offer free advice on energy-efficient renovations
Householders who want to renovate their homes can apply for free guidance from the Flemish government as part of a plan to ensure more energy-efficient buildings.
Currently, 35 per cent of homes in Flanders have an E or F energy label, the lowest score in the ratings systems. To improve this situation, a specialist will visit people’s homes and provide information on issues such as the most efficient heating methods and any subsidies they may be entitled to.
Energy minister Melissa Depraetere: “Today, people can already count on a lot of financial support for their renovation, but they often don’t know how to start such a project. And hiring a contractor often costs too much.”
The tool is mainly aimed at the middle and lowest income groups. As well as individuals, associations of co-owners can seek support for works on the common parts of an apartment building.
'Wrong signal'
Bouwunie, the association of Flemish SMEs in the construction sector, called the move “a slap in the face”.
“This is a totally wrong signal,” Bouwunie chief Jean-Pierre Waeytens said. “Who knows better than the contractor who is busy renovating day in, day out how to start such a project and execute it correctly.”
He called for the government to use the money being spent on advice to provide more financial support. At the start of the year, while one subsidy was increased, other measures were reduced or scrapped.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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