The Brussels Green Loan: encouraging citizens to energy retrofit their homes

WeLoveBrussels came across an interesting article at the Energy Cities website and we think it was neccessary to share it with our readers. We always supported innovative initiatives and incentives which aim to improve sustainability of our city. So here is the story about one of these initiatives…

Did you know that buildings are responsible for 72% of the energy consumed in the area of Brussels-Capital Region? Since 2004, the region has launched a number of incentives, encouraging homeowners to improve energy performance of their dwellings. After an ‘energy grant’ and a ‘renovation grant’, the region has recently launched a revamped Brussels Green Loan.

What do I do if I am a homeowner or tenant residing in the Brussels Capital region and want to make my home more comfortable and healthier while reducing my energy bill?

First of all, I get a personalised advice from independent energy advisor who will help me to identify and prioritise measures with the biggest energy saving potential while targeting ambitious energy saving goals. The region has opened a ‘Energy House’ – an independent energy advice centre which provide households with technical, administrative and financial advice related to ambitious energy retrofitting. Moreover, during a free house visit, advisors can also implement easy-to-do and free of charge measures such as insulate a window or door frame, replace a shower head, put insulation on a boiler.

Second, if my energy retrofit works (insulation, ventilation, heating system) meet ambitious energy objectives set by the region, I am eligible for ‘energy grants’ which can in some cases reach up to 30% of investment costs. Between January and September 2016, the region has already treated nearly 9000 applications and the budget of 22 million EUR is already approved for this purpose for 2017!

Third, I am also eligible for a ‘renovation grant’ which can finance any works related to building renovation such as scaffolding, façade, renovation of electrical system, etc.. Depending on my revenues, I can receive smaller grant (if my revenues are high) or bigger grant (if my revenues are small). Combined with the ‘energy grant’, I can finance up to 50% of my investment via grants!

Finally, let’s imagine I do not have enough money on my bank account to be able to pay all the invoices at once. Well, I am lucky because I can apply for the Brussels Green Loan! I can get a loan of between 500 EUR and 25,000 EUR. I have a choice between a short-term ‘consumer credit’ with an interest rate between 0 or1% which I have to reimburse until up to 10 years or a long-term ‘mortgage’ with interest rate between 0 to2% that needs to be reimbursed within max. 30 years. Interest rates will again depend on my revenues but are in every case very advantageous comparing to standard market conditions.

More info on the Brussels Green Loan (in French and Dutch): http://www.maisonenergiehuis.be/fr/pret-vert-bruxellois

Brussels Environment has upgraded the Brussels Green Loan thanks to the INFINITE Solutions project coordinated by Energy Cities. Feel free to contact the team and consult the website for more information! www.energy-cities.eu/infinitesolutions

*This article was shared from Energy Cities website.
**Photo and more info: Maison Energie Huis