Background information

In late 2019, the Flemish government already approved a general Flemish Climate Strategy 2050. This strategu includes the target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the non-ETS sectors (this includes mobility, agriculture and non-ETS industry in addition to buildings) by 85% by 2050, with the ambition to move towards full climate neutrality as soon as possible after 2050.

The long-term strategy for buildings is a further elaboration of the overall Flemish Climate Strategy 2050, specifically aimed at reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions following the heating of Flemish buildings.

Content of measure

For buildings, the Flemish Climate Strategy 2050 proposes a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80% compared to today. For residential buildings, this amounts to a reduction of almost 75%, while for non-residential buildings, carbon neutrality is targeted by 2050.

To achieve these goals, existing residential buildings must achieve a similar energy performance level to new-build homes with permit applications in 2015 by 2050 at the latest. On an annual average, 3% of existing homes must be renovated to the A-label. The strategy puts a strong emphasis on thorough renovations at key moments such as purchase of a property, inheritance, tenant change,... However, even outside these key moments, increasing the renovation rate remains a permanent necessity.

To increase the renovation rate, the following concrete measures, among others, will be used:

• Energy premiums and loans as an incentive towards energy renovations.
• Ensuring that the asbestos-proofing of residential roofs includes the installation of roof insulation via an asbestos premium.
• Extension of the demolition and reconstruction premium in 2020 for €18 million.

Use of measure

No data available

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Local / regional government	Regional funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement as case not in social partner domain	No involvement as case not in social partner domain
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No involvement as it is generally not part of their competences.

Views and reactions

No public statements published.

Sources

• 29 May 2020: Vlaamse langetermijnrenovatiestrategie voor gebouwen 2050 (www.vlaanderen.be)