EBECS: accurate energy assessment for every home

What is EBECS?

The energy use of a home depends on more than just the roof and walls. Occupant behaviour, household composition and technical installations all play a role. The EBECS algorithms combine all these factors into one accurate model that closely reflects reality. That model is the calculation core of a wide range of tools and services in the real estate and energy sectors.

Real-world applications

Rock.estate uses EBECS to map the energy consumption and renovation potential of every Belgian building, and to evaluate market value and risks. These insights help banks such as Argenta, Beobank and ING, insurers and homeowners to make faster, better informed decisions.

“We clearly see a strong need for concrete insight into the impact of renovation and the associated costs, both for banks and their customers. That insight not only helps in making good property decisions, but also contributes to the value and sustainability of the real estate.” 

• Brecht Vercauteren, project manager at Rock.estate.

June Energy uses EBECS to give (end) users in-depth insight into their energy consumption and saving potential. Through smart meters, residents discover how they can reduce their energy bills – by living more energy-efficiently or by switching energy supplier.

What makes EBECS different

EBECS (short for EnergyVille Building Energy Calculation Service) builds on EnergyVille’s extensive knowledge of the Belgian building stock and energy consumption patterns. This expertise is the basis for realistic calculations that go beyond standard norms or purely theoretical assumptions. The tool brings together the home, the installations and occupant behaviour into a single whole and adapts flexibly to different contexts – from data-driven renovation advice to property valuation and energy optimisation.

Our algorithms help to analyse the current state of buildings and to evaluate possible renovation scenarios. We calculate the impact of a heat pump [Position Paper Winter is coming. Where are the Heat Pumps?], solar panels or insulation on energy performance and map the associated investment costs and the expected reduction in the energy bill – without time-consuming on-site visits. This comprehensive analysis makes it possible to select the most cost-effective and energy-efficient measures, for both homeowners and banks. Our scientifically underpinned, technology-neutral solution makes us a reliable partner for both parties.” 

• Dorien Aerts, Team Manager at VITO/EnergyVille

Benefits at a glance

EBECS translates complex physical models and energy data into clear, practical insights. The algorithms do not only map the current energy consumption of a home; they also evaluate an extensive set of renovation packages [Position Paper De snelste weg naar A – DUTCH ONLY]. In doing so, the algorithms estimate:

• the expected reduction in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions
• the potential savings on the energy bill
• the investment cost and payback time
• the expected EPC label

Users can easily simulate which measures have the greatest impact: energy-saving measures (e.g. insulation, efficient heating systems), renewable energy (e.g. solar panels), or a combination of both. In this way, EBECS helps both homeowners and professionals to make well-founded choices that match their situation and budget.

Policy and research

In addition to commercial applications, EBECS is also used in research trajectories and innovation projects of the Flemish government. The algorithms contribute to policy development on energy efficiency and sustainable renovation [Position Paper Accelerating the Decarbonization of Residential Heating], while being continuously validated in practice.