EPC guide Wallonia
What do the PEB labels A, B, C and D mean?
Direct answer
The PEB label ranks a home according to its theoretical primary energy consumption, expressed in kWh per m² per year. The Walloon scale runs from A++ (very efficient, below 0 to 45 kWh/m².year) to G (very energy-hungry, over 510 kWh/m².year). A and B correspond to recently built or thoroughly renovated homes, C and D to partially renovated homes, and E to G to poorly insulated or uninsulated homes.
- Unit of measurement
- kWh/m².year (primary energy)
- Best label
- A++
- Average label of Walloon housing stock
- E to F
- Well-designed recent building
- A or B
- After partial renovation
- C or D
How the label is calculated
The label does not measure your actual bills but the theoretical performance of the building: insulation of the envelope, quality of the window frames, efficiency of the heating and domestic hot water systems, ventilation and renewable energy production. Two households with different habits living in the same house get the same label.
This is what makes the label comparable from one property to another: it describes the home, not its occupants.
What each letter means in practice
Beyond the ranking, the letter indicates an order of magnitude for energy spending and the type of works still to be carried out.
- A++ to A: very well-insulated envelope, high-performance systems, often renewable. No major energy works needed.
- B: recently built or fully renovated. Only minor optimisations remain.
- C: good basis, usually insulated roof and recent window frames. Walls or heating still to address.
- D: partial renovation. One major item is missing, often wall insulation.
- E: poor insulation, often outdated heating. High improvement potential.
- F and G: old, uninsulated building, single glazing common. Deep renovation to be planned.
Does the label affect the value of the property?
Yes, increasingly so. The label must appear in listings, which makes it an immediate point of comparison for buyers and tenants. A poor label does not block a sale, but it becomes a bargaining point, while a good label shortens the time a property spends on the market.
| Label | Specific consumption | Type of home |
|---|---|---|
| A++ / A+ / A | ≤ 85 | High-performance new build or deep renovation |
| B | 86 – 170 | Recent, well-insulated building |
| C | 171 – 255 | Advanced renovation |
| D | 256 – 340 | Partial renovation |
| E | 341 – 425 | Poor insulation |
| F | 426 – 510 | Little or no insulation |
| G | > 510 | Old, uninsulated building |
Concrete example
Frequently asked questions
What is the average PEB label in Wallonia?
The Walloon housing stock is old: most certified homes fall between E and F. A and B labels are mainly found in recent builds and deep renovations.
Does the PEB label depend on my energy bills?
No. The calculation is theoretical and standardised: it describes the building (insulation, window frames, systems), not the occupants' consumption habits.
Does a G label prevent renting in Wallonia?
A poor label does not currently prohibit renting, but it must be shown in the listing. European regulatory trends point towards stricter requirements: planning insulation works ahead remains the best protection.
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