Energy Performance Standards for Buildings (EPG)

The main requirement for the energy performance of new buildings is the energy performance coefficient (in Dutch the “energieprestatiecoefficient'), setting minimum energy performance (MEP) for new buildings. This indicator is based on the estimated total primary energy consumption of a building based on a series of indicators, e.g., heating, ventilation and lighting, adjusted to the useful floor area and the renewable energy produced by the building. This indicates the building energy performance in MJ/m2.

 

The calculation of the energy performance coefficient is mandatory for all new buildings and for large renovations in houses and offices.

 

The energy performance coefficient calculation is part of the building permit application. A project developer has to demonstrate full compliance with the energy performance requirements to receive a building permit for a new building or a major renovation. Permits are checked and issued by local municipalities before construction.

 

Monitoring and enforcement is carried out by the regional environmental services. These are separate entities to reinforce regulation on behalf of the municipalities. These entities are part of the Dutch provinces.

 

Municipalities are responsible for compliance checking during construction. In case of non-compliance, they issue a “cease-work” order that remains valid until the requirements are met. As such, there are no financial penalties. Buildings that do not comply do not get built, and if builders deviate, construction is ceased until it is in line with the permit.

 

Every year, a sample is drawn by the RVO to check if all permits are in line with the legal requirements. If the permits are not in line with the legal requirements, the RVO will report this to the municipalities who will take legal action.

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