News item | 15-07-2025 | 14:15
The government starts the internet consultation with which the first part of revised European agreements on energy performance of buildings is implemented. The agreements are laid down in the revision of the European Directive on the energy performance of buildings (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive IV). On 29 May 2026, all EU countries must have started with step-by-step introduction of this directive. In the letter to Parliament of 14 July, Minister Mona Keijzer of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) informed the House of Representatives about how the Netherlands will introduce the directive. The internet consultation about the first part of the implementation started this week.
The EPBD IV aims to make buildings energy -efficient and emission -free by 2050 at the latest. This contributes to a built environment with lower energy costs and more comfort, without natural gas. The guideline includes new requirements for new construction, making existing buildings more sustainable and an improved energy label.
New rules for buildings
The first part of the implementation of the EPBD IV that is now being submitted for consultation leads to new rules on:
- The generation of solar energy on buildings
- Charging posts and charging infrastructure in buildings
- Smart control systems for energy management
- Improved energy label
- inspections of building installations
To regulate this, the Decree on Building Living Environment, the Decree on Quality of Living Environment and the Environmental Decree will be amended. The starting point is to follow the European directive, without extra national requirements on top.
When do the rules apply and what does that mean in practice?
The rules take effect step by step. The first rules will apply from 29 May 2026, such as for the improved energy label and for charging points for new construction or renovation of buildings. Energy labels must now also be available for renovation or rental extension, and must be displayed in public buildings. Monuments must also have an energy label for sale or rent. Smart control systems for energy management are mandatory for more types of buildings. The existing inspections of installations will be canceled; There will be a new approach with smart and digital meters.
Other components will follow later: rules for creating sufficient charging points for existing buildings will apply from 2027 and the rules for a certain amount of generation of solar energy on existing buildings apply from 2028, starting with government buildings larger than 2,000 m².
Research into regulatory pressure
Research indicates that the new requirements for charging infrastructure, smart control systems for energy management and Zon on the roof provide extra loads for building owners. This varies per requirement and per type of building. The cancellation of the rules on inspections, on the other hand, structurally reduces the burdens. According to the research, the other new requirements do not cause additional costs.
Think along the internet consultation
Everyone can think along and respond to the elaboration of the new rules of the draft decision up to and including 25 August 2025.
To do this to the consultation.