Three in four households cannot afford energy-efficient renovations
Only a quarter of Belgian households can afford to renovate their homes to meet the 2050 energy standards, De Tijd reported on Wednesday.
"For 73 per cent of Belgian families, the cost is an obstacle," according to a comprehensive report by the Central Economic Council (CCE), which brings together organisations representing employers, employees and consumers.
The report states that many families lack sufficient financial reserves and borrowing capacity, and do not benefit financially from energy-efficient renovations.
The CCE based its analysis on previous studies and data from sources including the European Commission, the statistics service Statbel and the National Bank.
Social challenge
The renovation rate of Belgian housing stock must increase "rapidly and drastically" if it is to meet energy standards by 2050, said the council.
The CCE describes the energy renovation of Belgian homes as "one of the greatest social challenges of the coming decades". In Flanders, the pace of renovation will have to triple for all homes to comply with the energy-efficient EPC label A by 2050.
The council is calling for a major awareness campaign about the stricter obligations that are coming into force. According to the CCE, the government should initially focus on citizens with sufficient resources.
© PHOTO MATHIEU THOMASSET / HANS LUCAS
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