Good preparation is the key to a better EPC certificate. Without evidence, the assessor applies unfavourable default values. With the right documents, your score reflects the reality of your property — often much better.
This guide covers the 3 Belgian regions with the official lists of acceptable evidence.
The assessor records what they visually observe or what acceptable evidence demonstrates. Without proof, they must use default values — almost always unfavourable.
Without document
The assessor cannot see the insulation behind the attic finish → cannot confirm the roof is insulated
With documents
The insulation invoice + jobsite photos prove the attic is insulated with 15 cm mineral wool
→ Up to 2 EPC classes of difference
Without document
Double glazing observed but technical characteristics unknown (U value, year) → default values applied
With documents
The energy grant letter or markings on the spacer demonstrate high-performance glazing (Ug < 1.1)
→ Significant impact on the score
Without document
Insulation visible on the façade but thickness and type unknown → minimum value applied
With documents
Invoice + quote mentioning 8 cm XPS on the façade → real value entered
→ Better wall performance
Here is the list of documents considered as acceptable evidence by the 3 regions. The more you gather, the more accurate and favourable the result will be.
Building plans (floors, façades), building permits, as-built file. Provided for information, they help the assessor understand the geometry of the building.
Contractor invoices specifying the type of insulation, thickness, material and treated surface. The invoice must be linked to the property’s address. Invoices for materials simply delivered are not admissible (Wallonia).
Localisable photo file showing the composition of walls and the presence and type of insulation. The photos must clearly identify the building and allow the materials to be recognised.
Technical sheets of the boiler, water heater, heat pump. Brand, model, output, year of installation. EPB periodic inspection certificates and acceptance reports.
Technical documentation of the ventilation system (single or dual-flow MVHR), commissioning report, EPB calculation note for heat recovery efficiency.
Green certificates, certificate of guaranteed origin (COG), photovoltaic peak power, solar thermal collector area, SPF test report.
Complete energy grant file or tax reduction request for energy-saving works. Including invoices, technical annexes and proof of award.
CE marking, technical approvals (ATG), Ug and g values of glazing (identifiable on the spacer), manufacturer’s technical documentation.
Air-tightness measurement report compliant with the NBN EN 13829 standard and regional supplementary rules.
If your home has already been certified, prepare the reference number and the exact address shown on the previous certificate. In Wallonia, this is mandatory to complete the file.
Each region has its own requirements and specific acceptable evidence. Download the official checklist for your region.
Specific requirements
Specific requirements
Specific requirements
Beyond documents, a few simple actions make the assessor’s work easier and contribute to a more accurate result.
Access to all rooms
The assessor must access the entire home: living spaces, cellar, attic, garage, boiler room and outbuildings. Provide the necessary keys.
Access to technical installations
Clear access to the boiler, water heater, meter and electrical panel. The assessor must record nameplates and labels of equipment.
Historical jobsite photos
Photos taken during insulation, roofing or window works are very valuable visual evidence to improve your score.
Owner‘s presence recommended
You know your home’s history. Your presence helps answer questions about past works and authorise possible partial dismantling.
01
Order online. You receive the preparation checklist for your region.
02
The assessor records the characteristics: geometry, walls, insulation, heating, ventilation, DHW, renewables.
03
Back at the office, data is entered into the official software for your region (PACE, Certibru-res, EPB-software).
04
The certificate is filed in the regional database and sent to you within 30 days.
Certinergie, Belgium’s leader in EPC certification since 2011 — accredited in all 3 regions.
Price varies depending on the surface area and complexity of the building. See our detailed rates.
Visit our dedicated pages for full details on EPC certification in your region.
Bruxelles
EPC Brussels – Heating EPC, 2026-2033 reform
Wallonia
EPC Wallonia – PACE, scale A++ to G
Flandre
EPC Flanders – Labels A+ to F, Woningpas
What happens if I don’t have any documents?
The EPC certificate can be carried out without any documents. The assessor then proceeds by visual observation and applies regulatory default values. However, these values are by nature ‘unfavourable’ and will penalise the final result. The more documents you have, the better the score obtained.
How long does the assessor’s visit last?
The visit usually lasts between 30 minutes (studio) and 2 hours (large house). A well-prepared home with accessible documents allows for a faster, more efficient visit. The assessor then carries out data entry at the office, which takes a similar amount of time.
Do I need to do works before certification?
No, the EPC certificate evaluates the current state of your home. The assessor identifies existing elements and calculates performance as is. If you have ongoing works, it is best to finish them before the visit so they can be taken into account.
Are invoices for purchased materials enough as evidence?
In Wallonia, invoices for materials simply delivered are not admissible as acceptable evidence. Contractor invoices certifying actual installation in the building are required. In Flanders, material invoices are accepted if installation is corroborated by other evidence (visual observation or photos).
What if my apartment has collective installations?
In Wallonia, a partial report on collective installations must be available (provided by the co-ownership). In Flanders, an EPC Common Areas is mandatory for any building with 2+ units. In Brussels, ask the property manager for access to the boiler room and documents related to common installations.
Can the assessor perform destructive tests?
Yes, with your prior authorisation. The assessor may carry out partial dismantling (removing a recessed spotlight, drilling a small hole in a joint) to check for the presence of insulation. They will inform you of the relevance of these steps in light of the expected results.
Is my EPC certificate the same in all 3 regions?
No. Each region has its own certification protocol, calculation software (PACE in Wallonia, Certibru-res in Brussels, EPB-software in Flanders) and performance scales. Acceptable evidence also varies from region to region, hence the importance of consulting the checklist specific to your region.
What is the difference between an EPC certificate and a housing audit?
The EPC certificate is mandatory for sale or rental and provides an overall energy score. The housing audit (Wallonia) is an in-depth planning tool that provides access to renovation grants. These are two complementary documents with different objectives.
Gather your documents, book an appointment and let our accredited assessors produce an EPC certificate that reflects the real quality of your property.