Brussels Environment developed a strategy from 2004-2015 to promote sustainable buildings in Brussels. The strategy aimed to (1) stimulate demand through financial incentives and exemplary projects, (2) improve knowledge and skills, and (3) improve supply through training and partnerships. This led to over 500,000 square meters of sustainable buildings constructed or renovated, including many passive houses. The strategy also grew the energy budget and agency staff. Going forward, Brussels Environment will focus on sustaining the market and ensuring quality through monitoring and skills development.

1. Brussels 2004 - 2015
Learning on
the move
Thibaut HERMANS
Brussels buildings energy policy
Dir.: AIR, ENERGY AND CLIMATE / Dpt.: SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
GreenOV– June 2013

2. 1. BRUSSELS CONTEXT
2. LET’S MOVE ON
3. CONFIRM !
4. NEXT STEPS FORWARD
5. CONCLUSIONS
BxL – Learning on the Move

3. • 162 km²
• 1,1 millions People (7056 inhab./km²)
(+13% 2001-2010 and expected + 25% by
2060)
• Old building stock
• 75% of energy consumption by buildings
• Very low renewable energy potential (3%)
• Large regional competences:
environment, energy, mobility, urbanism,
housing, …
•Ambitious policy: Reduce 30% of
Greenhouse gas emissions by 2025
BRUSSELS CONTEXT
2001 :
worst student in Europe!

4. Before 2004 : no energy strategy !
… but
new policy willing
* Be AMBITIOUS
Set the objectives as high as possible !
* birth of a Strategy
= convince by large scale experiments
BRUSSELS CONTEXT: a success story started from scratch in 2004BRUSSELS CONTEXT

5. Stimulate DEMAND
Energy AllowancesEnergy Allowances
Support FinanciallySupport Financially
Exemplary Buildings ProgrammeExemplary Buildings Programme
Public Authorities set the
example
Public Authorities set the
example
Public ESCOPublic ESCO
Increase, Promote ExamplesIncrease, Promote Examples
Adapt technical frameworkAdapt technical framework
Belgian Certification System (Ref.B)Belgian Certification System (Ref.B)
Technical Guide, Supports & TrainingTechnical Guide, Supports & Training
Improve
Knowledge & know-how
Designers’ trainingDesigners’ training
Train to
excellence
Train to
excellence
Stimulate training sectorsStimulate training sectors
Qualifying training for:
Workers, Students, Unemployed
Qualifying training for:
Workers, Students, Unemployed
Partner:CDR Constr.
Partner:CDR Constr.
Adapt LEGAL framework
EPB Legislation / COBRACEEPB Legislation / COBRACE
PassiveHouse Standard is the normPassiveHouse Standard is the norm
Sustainable Building CertificationSustainable Building Certification
Requiring
QUALITYRequiring
QUALITY
Guide & SustainGuide & Sustain
Professionals: Facilitators…Professionals: Facilitators…
Individuals: House of Sust. BuildingIndividuals: House of Sust. Building
PLAGE programmePLAGE programme
Improve SUPPLYPartners:Cluster EcoBuild
ABE
CCB-CCDR
Partners:Cluster EcoBuild
ABE
CCB-CCDR
Stimulate CompaniesStimulate Companies
AwarenessAwareness
Clustering - Cluster EcoBuildClustering - Cluster EcoBuild
ProActive LobbyingProActive Lobbying
Alliance Employment-EnvironmentAlliance Employment-Environment
GreenBizz (start-up)GreenBizz (start-up)
Social EconomySocial Economy
Adapt LEGAL framework
EPB Legislation / COBRACEEPB Legislation / COBRACE
PassiveHouse Standard is the normPassiveHouse Standard is the norm
Sustainable Building CertificationSustainable Building Certification
……..……..
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move

6. __ Total energy consumption(GWh) __ Total greenhouse gas emissions (ktCO2eq) __ Population __ Employment
A success story, Really ? Results !

7. 1. BRUSSELS CONTEXT
2. LET’S MOVE ON
3. CONFIRM !
4. NEXT STEPS FORWARD
5. CONCLUSIONS
BxL – Learning on the Move

8. Stimulate DEMAND Improve
Knowledge & know-how
Adapt LEGAL framework
EPB Legislation / COBRACEEPB Legislation / COBRACE
PassiveHouse Standard is the normPassiveHouse Standard is the norm
Sustainable Building CertificationSustainable Building Certification
Improve SUPPLY
Adapt LEGAL framework
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move

9. 2005, INITIATIVES to promote EXAMPLES :
VOLUNTARY /
INCENTIVES /
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Local Action Plan
for Energy Management :
 Public authorities
 Experiences on life-size
scale
Energy challenge :
 Household
 Modification in
Behaviour
Energy Grants:
Everybody
Ask & Support The Makers
DEMAND

10. Since 2007 …INCREASE EXAMPLES :
BatEx - Exemplary Buildings:
 Calls for Projects
 Quality control
 High visibility
Public Authorites as an Example
 Public Buildings must be Exemplary Buildings
PRIMES and PLAGE STILL ALIVE and KICKING !
Ask & Support The Makers DEMAND
Energy Houses for Citizen
 Support local structures for households (quick scan at
home, small measures, advisor for refurbishment…)
Guide, Facilitators (supports services)
Brussels Green LOAN

11. Ask & Support The Makers DEMAND
Visit at home
(quick scan)
Free small measures
(radiator reflector, pipe
insulation, …)
Advisor for refurbishment and
financial aspects
Differentiated
Target groups
(tenant, owner, co-owner)
Information counter

12. Ask & Support The Makers DEMAND

13. Ask & Support The Makers DEMAND

14. Today
125.229m² of projects already
finished (64 projects)
132.155m² under construction (46
projects)
Exemplary buildings

15. Exemplary buildings – Who - How?
WHO, WHAT?
* New construction & refurbishment
* ALL purposes of use (housing, school, hospital, office, commercial or
industrial facility,…)
* ALL contracting authorities (private individuals, public bodies, semi-
state bodies, private enterprises,…)
 in Brussels
HOW ?
*Application file (design process)
*Technical analysis
*Evaluation by a jury
*Selection by the Regional Government
*Follow up
*Monitoring

16. Exemplary buildings – Evaluation criteria
*ENERGY
High performances
= minimums energy demand
Near Zero Energy Buildings
*ECO CONSTRUCTION
Minimum environmental negative impact
*PROFITABILITY &
REPRODUCTIBILITY
Reasonable solutions
*ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY
Patrimonial respect
Visibility

17. Exemplary buildings- Regional Grants and support
*FINANCIAL
100€/m²
→ 28 Mio € over 5 years
Investissement budget : 677Mio€
*TECHNICAL SUPPORT
quality control
*PROMOTIONAL
publications, website, …

18. Passive Buildings
Floor Areas :
105.000 m² (collective and individual housing)
119.000 m² (Offices / shops)
68.000 m² (Facilities)
= 292.000 m²
energy consumption 4X less than
a standard new construction
Exemplary buildings – Results
193 projects selected in 5 calls for projects
Floor areas of constructed or refurbished buildings
= 522.000m²
27% in refurbishment

19. Listed building
Apartments
Pool
Mosque
Exemplary buildings – Results - Selected projects

20. CEPEZEDCOOPARCH

21. cooparch
architectes associés

24. Exemplary buildings – More and more Sustainable Buildings…
*Since 2010 - Commitment of the public authorities
Contrats Quartiers Durables 12.000m²/year (120 housing
units) 8 collective facilities
SDRB 54.000m² (P) + 25.000m² after 2014
26.500m² (P) urban industry
SLRB 231.000m² (P, VLE, LE)
Bruxelles Environnement 17.000m² (P)
MRBC 45.000m²
Local authorities ?
 In Brussels there will be much more than
500.000 m² of Passive buildings built by 2015 !
*37% of Exemplary Buildings’ areas come from public authorities

25. Stimulate DEMAND
Energy AllowancesEnergy Allowances
Support FinanciallySupport Financially
Exemplary Buildings ProgrammeExemplary Buildings Programme
Public Authorities set the
example
Public Authorities set the
example
Public ESCOPublic ESCO
Increase, Promote ExamplesIncrease, Promote Examples
Improve
Knowledge & know-how
Adapt LEGAL framework
EPB Legislation / COBRACEEPB Legislation / COBRACE
PassiveHouse Standard is the normPassiveHouse Standard is the norm
Sustainable Building CertificationSustainable Building Certification
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Guide & SustainGuide & Sustain
Professionals: Facilitators…Professionals: Facilitators…
Individuals: House of Sust. BuildingIndividuals: House of Sust. Building
PLAGE programmePLAGE programme
Improve SUPPLY
Adapt LEGAL framework

26. *SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION FOCUS
*Develop an offering of local businesses in the construction sector capable of
responding to the challenge of the new energy ambitions for buildings
*Adapt the training offering : workers trained in the new challenges
*Multi-sectoral pact between public authorities, companies, social partners and
those involved in the sector
Cluster ECOBuild
Stimulate COMPANIES
SUPPLY
Environment-Employment Alliance:
*Structuring and forming a network in the eco-construction sector with high
potential for growth and creation of jobs
*Synergies between the various parties in the sector
*Support structure (personnel and buildings) that welcomes expanding
green businesses and new economic actors
*Guides businesses in terms of logistics and
the search for financing
GREENBiZZ – Environmental INcubator

27. Improve
Knowledge & know-how
Adapt LEGAL framework
EPB Legislation / COBRACEEPB Legislation / COBRACE
PassiveHouse Standard is the normPassiveHouse Standard is the norm
Sustainable Building CertificationSustainable Building Certification
Improve SUPPLYPartners:Cluster EcoBuild
ABE
CCB-CCDR
Partners:Cluster EcoBuild
ABE
CCB-CCDR
Stimulate CompaniesStimulate Companies
AwarenessAwareness
Clustering - Cluster EcoBuildClustering - Cluster EcoBuild
ProActive LobbyingProActive Lobbying
Alliance Employment-EnvironmentAlliance Employment-Environment
GreenBizz (start-up)GreenBizz (start-up)
Social EconomySocial Economy
Adapt LEGAL framework
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Stimulate DEMAND
Energy AllowancesEnergy Allowances
Support FinanciallySupport Financially
Exemplary Buildings ProgrammeExemplary Buildings Programme
Public Authorities set the
example
Public Authorities set the
example
Public ESCOPublic ESCO
Increase, Promote ExamplesIncrease, Promote Examples
Guide & SustainGuide & Sustain
Professionals: Facilitators…Professionals: Facilitators…
Individuals: House of Sust. BuildingIndividuals: House of Sust. Building
PLAGE programmePLAGE programme

28. Training Programme
 18,000h/year
designers, tradesmen, unemployed, students
Adapt Technical Framework :
 Technical Analyses Guide & Supports
IMPROVE KNOW-HOW & KNOWLEDGE
KNOW
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING QUALITY LABELLING
Evaluate the environmental and energy performance of
Belgian buildings with a view to international recognition

29. 1. BRUSSELS CONTEXT
2. LET’S MOVE ON
3. CONFIRM !
4. NEXT STEPS FORWARD
5. CONCLUSIONS
BxL – Learning on the Move

30. Improve
Knowledge & know-how
Adapt LEGAL framework
EPB Legislation / COBRACEEPB Legislation / COBRACE
PassiveHouse Standard is the normPassiveHouse Standard is the norm
Sustainable Building CertificationSustainable Building Certification
Improve SUPPLYPartners:Cluster EcoBuild
ABE
CCB-CCDR
Partners:Cluster EcoBuild
ABE
CCB-CCDR
Stimulate CompaniesStimulate Companies
AwarenessAwareness
Clustering - Cluster EcoBuildClustering - Cluster EcoBuild
ProActive LobbyingProActive Lobbying
Alliance Employment-EnvironmentAlliance Employment-Environment
GreenBizz (start-up)GreenBizz (start-up)
Social EconomySocial Economy
Adapt LEGAL framework
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Brussels Environment’ Sustainable Buildings’ Strategy 
Learning on the move
Stimulate DEMAND
Energy AllowancesEnergy Allowances
Support FinanciallySupport Financially
Exemplary Buildings ProgrammeExemplary Buildings Programme
Public Authorities set the
example
Public Authorities set the
example
Public ESCOPublic ESCO
Increase, Promote ExamplesIncrease, Promote Examples
Guide & SustainGuide & Sustain
Professionals: Facilitators…Professionals: Facilitators…
Individuals: House of Sust. BuildingIndividuals: House of Sust. Building
PLAGE programmePLAGE programme
Adapt technical frameworkAdapt technical framework
Belgian Certification System (Ref.B)Belgian Certification System (Ref.B)
Technical Guide, Supports & TrainingTechnical Guide, Supports & Training
Designers’ trainingDesigners’ training
Train to
excellence
Train to
excellence
Stimulate training sectorsStimulate training sectors
Qualifying training for:
Workers, Students, Unemployed
Qualifying training for:
Workers, Students, Unemployed
Partner:CDR Constr.
Partner:CDR Constr.

31. CONFIRM !
* Voluntary  Mandatory
PLAGE
Passif Concept 2015
Public Authorities engagement
* Legal Regional Framework
COBRACE
* Fit to the evolution of EU ambitions
SECURE

32. Quality Check by Externals
CONFIRM ! SECURE
High Visibility Promotion
EUsew
EU Green Capital 2015
EU programs

33. Energy Agency Employees:
2004 (5 FTE) – 2013 (116 FTE)
Global Energy Budget :
2004 (5Mio €) – 2013 (60 Mio €)
Evolution of the regional financial implication for implementation of this strategy
CONFIRM !
*Energy Grants : 2004 (1 Mio €/y)  2013 : 21 Mio €/y)
*BatEx : period 2007-2013 : 29 Mio € for 5 calls
(193 buidings, 520.000 m²)
*PLAGE: period from 2005-2013 : 13 Mio € for 5 calls
(313 buidings ; 2 mio m²; -14% (-10 to -18%) for fuel
consumption and CO2; stabilisation (-4% to +1%) for electricity
consumption; 4,25 millions € / 5,5 Mio $ saved

34. BxL – Learning in the Move
1. BRUSSELS CONTEXT
2. LET’S MOVE ON
3. CONFIRM !
4. NEXT STEPS FORWARD
5. CONCLUSIONS

35. Next Steps Forward 2013…2015
● Continue to sustain the market to the targets of
sustainable building :
We want facilitators going inside institutions to realise the
passiv ambitions
push up the refurbishment rate
Ensure quality level including building-management
● Monitor actions & Keep quality control
● Continuing the up-grading of professional skills
● Find alternative financing schemes

36. 1. BRUSSELS CONTEXT
2. LET’S MOVE ON
3. CONFIRM !
4. NEXT STEPS FORWARD
5. CONCLUSIONS

37. CONCLUSIONS
 Be ambitious !
 Show that‘s possible
 Be proactiv !
 Act examplary
 Organise, Coordinate
 Ensure quality check
 Support
 Open new ways !
Energy  sustainable
buildings!

38. CONCLUSIONS

39. Thank you !
Thibaut Hermans –
thermans@environnement.irisnet.be
KEEP ON MOVING!

40. Rue Wauters
Floor area :
313m²
Contracting authority :
I.Camacho
Developer :
I.Camacho
Exemplary buildings – Individual housing

41. Rue du diamant
Floor area :
172 m²
Contracting authority :
Mr. Schuijt & Mme Maher
Developer :
Modelmo
Exemplary buildings – Individual housing

42. Rue Loossens
Floor area :
277 m²
Contracting authority :
Commune de Molenbeek-St-Jean
Developer :
A2M
Exemplary buildings – Collective housing

43. Avenue Dubrucq
Floor area :
1.490 m²
Contracting authority :
Commune de Molenbeek-St-Jean
Developer :
B architecten sprl
Exemplary buildings – Collective housing

44. Rue de la brasserie
Floor area :
1.307 m²
Contracting authority :
Commune d’ixelles
Developer :
R2D2 architect
Exemplary buildings – Collective housing

45. L’espoir
Floor area :
1.833 m²
Contracting authority :
Fonds du Logement RBC
Developer :
D. Carnoy architecte
Exemplary buildings – Collective housing

46. Aéropolis
Area :
7.388 m²
Contracting authority :
Maison du Travail asbl
Developer :
Architectes Associes sprl
Exemplary buildings – Office

47. Loi 42
Area :
2905 m² & 739 m²
Contracting authority :
Credibe
Developer :
Synergy International
Exemplary buildings – Office

48. Exemplary buildings – Office
Science Montoyer
Area :
6.879 m²
Contracting authority :
sa FEDIMMO
Developer :
ARTEPOLIS

49. Exemplary buildings – Facilities
Crèche Saint-françois
Area :
627 m²
Contracting authority :
Commune de Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
Developer :
O2