FAQ

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In all cases, a properly executed energy retrofit improves the energy efficiency of the building and helps to reduce dependence on higher energy prices by reducing energy consumption for heating. In order to guarantee the sustainability of a dwelling and to maintain/increase its value, its maintenance and modernisation need to be considered in view of the long term. Whereas some retrofitted elements might depreciate in 10 or 20 years, for other elements this can happen much faster. To learn more about the potential for improving the energy efficiency of your home, request a free energy assessment with a Klima-Agence adviser.

Various State and municipal aid is also available to help finance your energy retrofitting project.

Benefit from financial support of up to 50% of the investment cost!

Under Article 4(h) of the Law of 31 May 1999, as amended, establishing a fund for the protection of the environmental, municipal administrations, municipal associations and public bodies under the supervision of the municipalities may receive aid covering up to 50% of the investment cost for projects for the rational use of energy and the promotion of new and renewable energy sources. This financial aid is accessible to all municipalities, regardless of their commitment to the climate pact.

Yes, the EPC training courses developed by the Ministry are open to everyone, including municipal employees. They can be booked on the Internet portal www.guichet.lu/experts-energie. In addition, in 2017 a workshop was organised on the subject of site inspections led jointly by the Ministry of the Economy, Klima-Agence and Syvicol. Klima-Agence is also prepared to strengthen its collaboration with the municipalities. If necessary, the municipality can contact the qualified adviser at Klima-Agence. Some additional EPC training courses are also available on the main Luxembourg training portals.

With regard to building permits, the municipalities systematically check that buildings are set back from the municipal public domain or plot boundaries.

As a rule, the planning regulations for setbacks are regulated by the municipalities in their General Development Plan (Plan d’Aménagement Général, PAG) or in the Special Development Plans (Plans d’Aménagement Particulier, PAP).

For municipalities whose PAG has not yet been adapted to include current legislation, the planning regulations relating to setbacks are still included in the written part of the PAG or in the building regulations. For these municipalities, the measurement of setbacks in the event of energy retrofitting is set out individually, by municipality, in those documents.

On the other hand, for those municipalities whose PAGs have been completely revised since 2011, the Grand Ducal Regulation that is the basis for the applicable definitions provides that the building setbacks are to be measured without the additional insulating layer in the case of an energy retrofit.

In both cases, the municipalities can include derogation mechanisms in their regulations in order to promote energy retrofitting, for example through a reduction in the minimum setback to be observed.

Since 1 January 2017, every new construction of a residential building in Luxembourg must be a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in terms of energy consumption. As a rule, the NZEB corresponds to the AAA energy classes. However, certain conditions relating to the construction location may cause variations in these energy classes.

• Demolition: sale of a ruin or a building that does not have a heating installation and which will be demolished after purchase.
• Inheritance or gift.

• New building: any building that is subject to a building permit application. (A feasibility study concerning the use of renewable energies should be appended to the building permit application.)
• Extension of an existing building.
• Modification of an existing building (building permit required), if the surface area of the modified element of the thermal envelope exceeds the surface area of the same existing element (walls, windows, roof, etc.) by 10% and if the modification has an impact on the energy performance of the building. (Issuance of an energy performance certificate for the new planned situation.)
• Substantial alterations to an existing building (without a building permit), if the surface area of the altered element of the thermal envelope exceeds the surface area of the same existing element (walls, windows, roof, etc.) by 10% and if the alteration has an impact on the energy performance of the building. (Issuance of an energy performance certificate for the new planned situation.)
• Change of owner or tenant.
• Demolition: sale of a building that will be demolished after purchase, if the building has a heating installation, exterior walls and a roof.
• Modification of technical facilities, if the modifications of these technical facilities exceed €1,500 (for a single-family house) or €3,000 (for a multi-family house).

The energy performance certificate is a regulatory obligation, therefore no subsidy is provided for its establishment.
The energy performance certificate is issued according to precise rules set out in the amended Grand Ducal Regulation of 30 November 2007 on the energy performance of residential buildings. It is valid for 10 years from the day of its issue. The issuance of an energy performance certificate and the information it contains shall not result in any direct obligation for energy retrofitting.