EPC guide Wallonia
What is a PEB officer and when is one needed?
Direct answer
The PEB officer (responsable PEB) is an expert certified by the Walloon Region who oversees the energy performance of new builds and major renovations subject to a building permit. They draw up the initial PEB declaration (attached to the permit application) and the final PEB declaration (once the works are complete). Appointing one is mandatory in these cases.
- Mandatory for
- new build & major renovation
- Initial declaration
- attached to the permit application
- Final declaration
- sent once works are complete
- Simple renovation
- simplified declaration via the architect
- Energy PEB certification
- PEB-05132
- Penalty
- administrative fine for non-compliance
What is the role of the PEB officer?
In Wallonia, any construction or renovation requiring a building permit must meet energy performance requirements. The PEB officer is the technical guarantor of that compliance: they calculate the targeted performance, check the insulation and system choices, and formalise the declarations required by the administration.
In practice, they draw up up to four documents depending on the project: the initial PEB declaration (the energy performance 'plan' to be achieved, attached to the permit application), the provisional PEB declaration (a status report on the project in case of a sale during the procedure), the final PEB declaration (the measures actually implemented, sent to the administration once works are complete) and, for new buildings, the PEB certificate of the completed building.
When is appointing a PEB officer mandatory?
Two cases require a certified PEB officer: constructing a new building (or equivalent) and carrying out a major renovation subject to a building permit — for example adding a storey, a significant extension, or a renovation affecting a large share of the envelope and systems.
For simple renovations and changes of use, the procedure is lighter: a simplified PEB declaration form, completed by the architect, is enough. A tip: if you are unsure which category your project falls into, have it checked before applying for the permit — a procedural error can hold up the file.
- New build: PEB officer mandatory + feasibility study (renewable energy) by a certified feasibility study author.
- Major renovation subject to a permit: PEB officer mandatory (initial and final declarations).
- Simple renovation or change of use: simplified declaration via the architect, no PEB officer needed.
- Sale of a property during a PEB procedure: provisional PEB declaration required.
How does the support process work?
Ideally, the PEB officer should be involved from the preliminary design stage, before the permit application is filed. They review the plans and the contractors' quotes, check that insulation thicknesses, window frames, ventilation and the heating system will meet the requirements, and then draw up the initial declaration.
During the works, they remain available to arbitrate any adjustments. Once the works are finished, they gather the evidence (invoices, technical data sheets, installation reports), draw up the final declaration and, for a new building, the PEB certificate. At Energy PEB, this follow-up is provided by a civil engineer, a certified PEB Officer under number PEB-05132, as part of the PEB Forms & Declarations service (from €350) or the Renovation Pack.
Taking over an ongoing PEB declaration
Sometimes a PEB officer is no longer reachable, or the company handling the follow-up has gone bankrupt. The file then remains blocked: without the final declaration, the permit is not closed and a future sale or rental may be compromised.
Energy PEB takes over these files. We collect the plans, quotes, invoices and any declarations already submitted, complete the final declaration and send it to the administration. The aim is to unblock the situation quickly, without starting from scratch.
| Type of project | Document required | Who is involved |
|---|---|---|
| New build | Initial + final declarations + PEB certificate + feasibility study | PEB officer + feasibility study author |
| Major renovation (subject to a permit) | Initial + final declarations | Certified PEB officer |
| Simple renovation / change of use | Simplified PEB declaration | Architect |
| Sale during the procedure | Provisional PEB declaration | PEB officer |
Concrete example
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PEB assessor and a PEB officer?
The PEB assessor issues the certificate for an existing building for sale or rental. The PEB officer oversees new builds and major renovations subject to a permit: initial, provisional and final declarations. Energy PEB holds both certifications.
Is a PEB officer mandatory for an extension?
Yes, if the extension amounts to a major renovation subject to a building permit, which is the case for most heated extensions. For minor works not requiring a permit, no declaration is needed.
When should you contact the PEB officer?
As early as possible, ideally before filing the permit application: the initial PEB declaration must be attached to the file. Involving them early avoids having to change plans or quotes later on.
What happens without a final PEB declaration?
Failure to comply with PEB procedures or requirements exposes the owner to administrative fines, and can complicate a future resale of the property.
My PEB officer is unresponsive or the company has gone bankrupt: can I switch to Energy PEB?
Yes. Energy PEB can take over the completion of ongoing PEB declarations. We collect the available documents, complete the final declaration and submit it to the administration so the file can be closed properly.
Who is the PEB officer for a major renovation?
For a major renovation subject to planning permission (more than 25% of the building envelope), the accredited PEB officer draws up the initial declaration attached to the permit, the provisional declaration after the structural works and the final declaration once the works are complete. Energy PEB holds both PEB assessor and PEB officer accreditations: one contact from permit to closure.
Who is the PEB officer for a new build?
Every new build in Wallonia requires an accredited PEB officer from the permit stage: initial PEB declaration with the permit application, provisional declaration during the works, final declaration at completion. Energy PEB supports new builds across every Walloon province.
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