The municipal energy coach — free advice for your home
Trained volunteers at municipality. Free home visit, advice + independent quotes. Not in every municipality — alternative explained.
Energy coaches are trained volunteers via your municipality (often Energy Cooperative Foundation) giving free advice on home sustainability. They: (a) 1-2 hour home visit — insulation, windows, heating inspection; (b) advice on highest-yield measure; (c) subsidy application help (ISDE, municipal, Warmtefonds); (d) independent conversation (no sales, no installer commission). Not all municipalities — check your municipal website or search "energiecoach + [municipality]". Alternatives: (1) Milieu Centraal — national org with online tools; (2) Municipal Energieloket (digital, often at regional RES); (3) Certified energy advisor (€350-€800 for EPA advice, useful for subsidy applications). For SME energy audits: special RVO-certified advisors (EIA deductible). Advantage of municipal coach: free + local knowledge (municipal subsidies + Warmtefonds contacts).