Sustainable building and renovating mean respect for people and the environment. You're economical with water, energy and materials as well as space. That means that you're not necessarily aiming for a large house or apartment, but to make maximum use of the living space.

Thanks to good insulation and alternative energy sources, you also consume less or even nothing at all, if you use solar panels, for example. 

Energy-efficient construction is good for your wallet, too: your energy bill will be significantly lower. No wonder, as you'll consume much less or use energy you generate yourself. 

In the long term, ecological measures increase the value of your home. As you might already have found out... The government is making more and more energy-efficient measures, such as insulation, compulsory. If you get ahead of what you're required to do, you won't need to carry out work in a rush. Your home is ready for the future.

The Flemish and Federal governments reward you for your efforts. This takes the form of a variety of bonuses and perks.  Find out which grants you can apply for.

Your bank can also assist you with energy-efficient building and renovating. With a KBC Energy Loan, you also get a great rate. You can apply so long as you invest at least half of the amount you borrow in green or fire or burglar security improvements.

There are many different options that fall under 'energy-efficient construction/improvements'. You can go further than just insulating your home better. Some examples are shown below. But remember that this list doesn't cover the full range. As technology is constantly developing, there'll be lots more options in a few years' time.

See this as an introduction. Specialists such as architects and contractors will be able to give more information. 

Half or even more of the energy consumption of Belgian households goes towards heating their homes. So it comes as no surprise that this is what most people think of first when they want to carry out energy-efficient improvements.

Some energy-efficient heating systems:

• Condensing boiler
• Low temperature boiler
• Pellet boiler
• Wood-fired boiler
• Heat pump

Efficient systems for controlling the temperature can also help, such as a room thermostat that adjusts the heating based on your behaviour – when you come home in the evening, for example. 

There's not much point in having energy-efficient heating if the heat can escape all over the place. That's why you need good insulation.

Going for the cheaper option here can come back to bite you. For instance, badly installed insulation can lead to mould and damp patches. Look into it thoroughly.

It's not just the type of glass that can help save energy. How and where it's installed is also important. For example, you can make sure you have enough daylight to light your house almost all day long. Then you don't need to waste any energy on artificial lighting. Making the most of the sunshine during the winter can also help keep heating costs down. 

• Talk to contractors, architects, building firms and specialised tradesmen to be fully informed of the options open to you.
• Contact KBC Live to find out more about financing options for your improvements.
• Contact KBC Live or drop by your KBC branch or KBC insurance agency to learn more about insurance for your building work.
• Get in touch with the relevant authorities to find out more about available subsidies.