From 2023 office buildings – including embassies and consular offices – must at least have an energy C-label. What does that mean? Does this requirement also apply to your building? Which measures do you have to take?
Energy labels A to G
Since 2008, building owners are required to have an energy label. An energy label shows the energy efficiency of a building compared to other buildings, with an A-label building being the most energy efficient and a G-label building the most inefficient.
Lessors must provide lessees with an energy label at the commencement of the lease, and the new owners of a building must be provided with a label upon delivery of the building. An energy label can be requested from a certified consultant and is valid for a period of 10 years.
Energy labels A to C
From 2023, higher standards will be demanded from owners of office buildings of more than 100 m². They will have to fulfil the standards of an energy C-label or more efficient.
2023 may seem far away but we recommend you start or prepare to start taking measures. Before you know it another five years will have passed. If your building will not be “green” enough for an energy C-label then, there will be far reaching consequences. Office buildings with energy D to G-labels may then no longer be used until they will at least have a C-label.
Measures to be taken
But which measures do you have to take to get at least a C-label? This will vary per situation and per building. Some buildings will fulfil sustainability standards without construction measures by, for instance, substituting old tube lights for high frequent fluorescent lighting or LED lighting.
More measures than just exchanging the lighting will be required for other buildings and the owner will need to think about insulating roofs, windows, floors and facades, and installing new heating and cooling equipment. It is expected that the energy performance level will be tightened up in phases after 2023, until office buildings will at least be energy neutral.
More information
This newsletter provides a brief insight into Dutch real estate law and the potential consequences for your Embassy. But the Embassy desk of our firm also focuses on:
- Employment law / Labour law
- Rent law
- Investment / Doing business in the Netherlands
- Matrimonial issues
- Immunity issues
Ynze Kliphuis,
Real estate lawyer of Embassy Desk
embassydesk@russell.nl