In 2025, the city of Tournai (Wallonia, Belgium) begins enforcing updated energy efficiency requirements for residential buildings. These regulations aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while improving living standards. They affect both property owners and tenants. This article outlines the new rules, estimated renovation costs, and available financial support.
Key Legislative Changes
Mandatory Energy Performance Certificates (PEB)
As of 2025, all residential properties in Wallonia, including Tournai, must have a valid PEB certificate (Performance Energétique des Bâtiments). This document is required when selling or renting a property and assigns an energy class from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The certificate is valid for 10 years or until major structural or energy-related modifications are made.
Minimum Efficiency Standards
The new legislation introduces a phased timeline for minimum energy performance:
- By 2030: Minimum required rating = Class E
- By 2035: Required minimum = Class D
- By 2040: Target for all residential buildings = Class C
Non-compliance may result in the property being deemed uninhabitable and subject to administrative penalties.
Estimated Renovation Costs
Upgrading homes to meet energy standards can require significant investment, particularly in older buildings. Below are average estimated costs in euros:
Insulation
- Roof insulation: €5,000–€10,000
- External wall insulation: €10,000–€20,000
- Floor insulation: €3,000–€7,000
Windows and Doors
- Triple-glazed windows: €8,000–€15,000
- Energy-efficient entry doors: €1,500–€3,500
Heating and Ventilation
- Condensing boiler installation: approx. €7,500
- Heat pump system: €10,000–€20,000
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery: €5,000–€10,000
Renewable Energy
- Solar panels (6–8 kW system): €6,000–€12,000
- Energy storage battery: approx. €7,000
Additional Works
- Electrical system upgrade: €4,000–€8,000
- Lighting modernization: up to €1,500
Total renovation cost can range from €50,000 to €150,000, depending on building size, age, and technology used.
Financial Support Options
Ecopack (Interest-Free Loan)
Available in Wallonia, this program offers loans up to €30,000 with a 0% interest rate for eligible households. Repayment terms range from 5 to 12 years. Qualification depends on household income and requires at least two types of energy-saving works totalling a minimum of €2,500.
Subsidies and Grants
Low-income households, seniors, and large families may receive subsidies covering up to 40% of renovation costs. Eligibility and grant amounts vary by income and project type, with priority given to insulation and heating upgrades.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Homeowners
- Conduct an energy audit. This evaluates the current energy class and identifies key areas for improvement.
- Develop a renovation plan. Break the work into stages over multiple years, starting with the most urgent upgrades.
- Apply for funding. Contact local or regional offices for information on available support.
- Hire certified contractors. Only licensed professionals can carry out eligible renovation work.
- Renew the energy certificate. After improvements, update the PEB to reflect the new energy class.
Housing Market Impact in Tournai
Tournai has a large share of homes built before 1980. Over 60% of properties are currently rated E, F, or G. Energy reform is particularly relevant in this context.
As of early 2025:
- Older apartments (pre-renovation): €1,600/m²
- Renovated apartments: €2,400/m² and above
- New energy-efficient units (Class A–B): €2,800–€3,300/m²
Upgrading energy class can increase a property’s market value by 15–25%. It also improves rental demand, as tenants increasingly value energy-efficient housing.
Practical Tips for Cost-Effective Renovation
- Start with roof and wall insulation — it yields the biggest energy savings.
- Replace outdated boilers as early as possible — this can reduce heating bills by 30%.
- Use local financial aid — many communes and provinces offer additional support.
- Keep all invoices and documentation for future audits or subsidy claims.
Conclusion
The new energy efficiency rules in Tournai are both a challenge and an opportunity. Proactively upgrading a home offers long-term savings, improved comfort, and added market value.
Delaying compliance may mean missed funding, higher costs later, or legal restrictions. Strategic renovation, supported by loans and grants, ensures homeowners stay ahead of regulation — and ahead in the property market.
