Since 1 January 2023, office buildings in the Netherlands must have at least energy label C. For most owners that is now arranged. But the question remains: how do you keep that label, and how do you go further?
What the rule means
The label C requirement applies to office buildings. There are exceptions, for example for listed buildings and for buildings where the office part is smaller than 100 square metres. For the exact rules, check the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Where smart systems help
The energy label calculation does not only include insulation and installations, but also how those installations are controlled. Building automation can therefore contribute to a better label. How much depends on the building. An energy performance adviser can calculate it for you.
Even more important is actual consumption. A label is a calculation. What a building really uses depends on how it is controlled and used. That is where smart systems make the biggest difference:
- Occupancy sensors make sure empty rooms are not heated, cooled or lit.
- Smart meters show where the energy goes, per floor or per installation.
- A building management system controls everything centrally and reports anything unusual.
The condition: a good digital foundation
All these systems send data. They need a stable connection, and they belong on their own, separate network. In many offices that is not yet the case. Then systems work in isolation, or control fails during an outage.
What you can do now
- Check whether you can see consumption per floor or per installation.
- Find out whether heating, cooling and lighting adapt to occupancy.
- Have a pre-inspection assess whether the digital foundation is ready.
That way your building is not only compliant on paper, but also efficient in practice.
