Making the right move: How housing choices influence air quality in Belgium
You’ve probably seen the news about air pollution and how it affects our health. But did you know your home can play a big role in the air quality of your neighborhood? When you’re looking for a new place, think about how it impacts the air, not just the design and price. Let’s explore how homes contribute to pollution, what makes a home “air-friendly,” and how you can save money by going green.
What's polluting our Air?
When we talk about outdoor air quality, we’re mainly looking at two things: PM (Particulate Matter) and NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide). These nasty pollutants often spike in crowded cities, going over the recommended limits set by Europe (see Figure 1). This can lead to health problems like asthma, respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
Figure 1 : European thresholds for PM and NO2
Where do these pollutants come from?
The most important direct source of these pollutants is domestic heating. It contributes mostly to PM2.5 (73% of PM2.5 in the EU comes from residential heating), and accounts for 33% of NO2 emissions. There are several ways to keep your home warm, each with a different impact on the surrounding air quality. These tables show a ranked list for both pollutants, with the first option being the best solution and the last one the worst, both for type of fuel and type of technology.
Heating systems ranked best to worst per pollutant (PM 2.5)
Heating systems ranked best to worst per pollutant (NO2)
- Electric heating using renewable energy (like solar panels or wind turbines) is the cleanest choice.
- Pellets, made from recycled wood, are better than regular wood but can still pollute.
- Wood, unfortunately, is a major PM emitter (85% of household pollution!) and has become more popular due to the energy crisis.
- Heating oil is the worst offender. Flanders has banned new heating oil boilers since 2022 (unless you can’t access natural gas).
Beyond Heating: Other Things That Matter
While heating affects particulate matter, traffic is a big source of NO2 in cities. That’s why where you live matters. When searching for a home, check for nearby public transport, carpooling options, and bike-sharing programs.
Cooking is another factor. If you use the same system for heating and cooking, the rankings stay the same. Induction cooking, which uses electricity, creates less NO2 than a gas stove.
Finally, proper insulation and windows can cut down on energy use, improving outdoor air quality. Insulation like glass wool or hemp, and vacuum-sealed windows, boost your home’s PEB/EPC score, which can unlock financial perks.
What's Belgium Doing About It? (Regulations and Money-Saving Perks)
Belgium is getting rid of polluting heating systems, but the rules vary depending on where you live:
- Flanders: New heating oil boilers are banned (unless you have no gas access). New buildings can’t connect to the gas network after 2025.
- Wallonia: New heating oil boilers will be banned in 2025, followed by gas boilers in 2035.
- Brussels: New heating oil boilers will be banned in 2025, with a complete phase-out by 2035. Gas boilers are still allowed for now.
Good news: the government offers subsidies to help you upgrade to energy-efficient systems!
- Flanders: Check out MijnVerbouwPremie to see what you qualify for.
- Wallonia: Similar subsidies are available, plus low/zero-interest loans. Click here
- Brussels: Look into ‘Renolution‘ subsidies. Keep in mind that the program may change in 2025 based on new government decisions.
Simple Ways to Make a Difference Today
Want to improve the air in your community?
Small changes at home can have a big impact:
- Burn less wood (especially if it’s just for those cozy winter vibes)
- Turn off the heat when you leave and close curtains at night to save energy.
- Use public transport instead of driving to reduce NO₂ emissions.
- Plant greenery around your home, some plants fix pollutants or disperse them helping improve local outdoor air quality.
These easy, affordable actions create a healthier environment for everyone.
Airscan: Monitoring and Improving Air Quality
At Airscan, we use advanced sensors and data to monitor and improve air quality. Our projects include mapping urban air pollution (like Pure Cities) and helping organizations get green building certifications and smart ventilation control. We track pollutants like PM and NO2, giving you real-time data to make smart decisions. We also engage with the public through screens, reports, and news articles, promoting healthier environments through education.
Conclusion: You Can Make a Change!
By making smart choices about heating, cooking, and transportation, you can help improve outdoor air quality.
Choose energy-efficient systems, sustainable fuels, and good insulation. Simple actions like burning less wood and using public transport also make a difference. With regulations phasing out polluting systems and subsidies available for sustainable upgrades, improving air quality is becoming easier and more affordable. These steps not only save you money but also create a healthier place to live.
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