answer? From January 1, 2023, it is a requirement that office buildings in the Netherlands have at least energy label C to maintain their status as office space. For buildings that do not meet this requirement, the municipality has the option to take enforcement action and even close them. Fortunately, it seems that municipalities are more inclined to support owners of office buildings in making the building more sustainable, rather than immediately closing them.
October 5, 2023
However, this energy label C obligation entails a series of challenges and choices for the owners of office buildings. While sustainable renovations offer the opportunity to reduce energy costs, repurposing offers opportunities to give existing office spaces a new life.
It is a challenge for municipalities to advise and guide owners of office buildings in the best possible way, as closing office spaces without a well-thought-out plan is not a desired outcome. The graduation research of intern Dirk Meijer shows that making the building more sustainable is preferable to transformation, because this preserves the value of the building, leaves the current activities undisturbed and because a transformation must also comply with the applicable regulations. But how can these owners make their properties more sustainable?
The switch to energy label C is a financially feasible option for owners of office buildings. However, the costs of sustainability measures vary greatly depending on the type of building, the year of construction and the current condition of the building. To achieve energy label C, taking into account the most financially attractive option, the following sustainability steps are often recommended:
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Insulation of the facade;
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Insulation of the roof;
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Use of LED lighting;
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Implementation of motion sensors;
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Application of energy-efficient fluorescent lighting.
The role of the municipality includes informing about the obligation to have energy label C, offering advice and guidance during the sustainability process, offering possible subsidy options and finally, if necessary, enforcing regulations if no steps are taken.
In short, the energy label C requirement offers an opportunity for owners of office buildings to renew their real estate and contribute to the sustainability objectives. With the right guidance and insights from municipalities, these owners can make informed decisions about investing in improvements or transforming their properties into new functions.