The energy transition in the Netherlands is already in full swing. More and more homes, offices, schools, and other buildings are well insulated and free from natural gas. Those who invest today in the sustainability of a home or other building benefit from lower energy costs, more comfort, and work towards a property that is ready for the future. Clarity about the end goal and the steps to be taken helps further the transition.

From 2030, all new buildings must be energy-efficient and emission-free on-site. Instead of fossil fuels, owners must use as many renewable energy sources as possible, such as solar energy or wind energy. Additionally, they can connect their building to a local heating network.

From 2030, there will also be regulations on how much greenhouse gases may be emitted during the entire lifespan of a new building. This concerns the emissions from the building materials used, the installations in the building, and the energy consumed by the building. The directive introduces a new measurement tool for this: the whole life cycle global warming potential (wlc-gwp). In 2027, a roadmap will be established in the Netherlands outlining which wlc-gwp requirements will apply to new construction from 2030 and how greenhouse gas emissions can be gradually reduced to 2050.

Existing buildings must be emission-free by 2050. Good insulation will become the standard in the Netherlands. Additionally, owners will be encouraged, through information provision and subsidies, to insulate and replace their fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps. A National Building Renovation Plan will be developed outlining how the Netherlands will achieve the sustainability of the built environment between now and 2050. The concept of this plan will be ready by the end of 2025.

There will be no obligations for homes. However, requirements will apply to shops, schools, and other utility buildings. Buildings with the worst energy performance must be improved by 2030 or 2033 at the latest. The exact obligations will be included in the Environmental Protection Act (Bbl) by 2027 at the latest.

In 2030, a new classification of the energy label for buildings will be introduced, ranging from A to G. The current highest energy label classes (A+ to A+++++) will be abolished. At the same time, a modernized method for determining the energy label will be introduced. This will provide a better picture of the energy consumption and energy performance of a building.

The EPBD IV will be implemented in phases. The letter to the parliament contains an overview of when which changes will be made. This will provide building owners and other stakeholders insight into what will happen and when.