To ensure that this label is correct, Woonconcept has also engaged SKB-IKOB, an independent agency that nationally monitors the process surrounding the awarding of energy labels. “This label is very well drafted,” the agency said. “The company that did it before did a number of things demonstrably wrong.”
For example, renovations that were not carried out were included in the process and a label for one home was included for a large group of other homes. Director Van Halteren also points out that many homes at that time received an energy label in one fell swoop.
This is a reason for Woonconcept to go over everything again. She is having an energy label issued again for all her homes in the Koedijkslanden. “And we are also going to expand the research,” adds Windy ter Horst, real estate manager at Woonconcept. “Is this just Koedijkslanden, or is it bigger? We are also going to look at other neighborhoods in Meppel.” Homes in Steenwijk and Hoogeveen are also included in the research.
Not only the energy label will be taken into account, but also everything that comes with it. For residents, it is often about the rent. This has been increased following an energy label. “Maybe residents have paid too much. We would like to investigate together with the residents what is a good way to deal with this,” says Van Halteren.
The director says he is shocked by the results. In any case, he learned a big lesson through the research. “We have to take matters into our own hands. We have relied for too long on what was in our systems. But the residents were right. They, as experts of their own home, had a better view of the home. We want to start tonight to communicate better with tenants.” It has been agreed to meet together at least every month.