Which energy label is mandatory for your business?

Are you an entrepreneur or property owner in the Netherlands? Then you have to deal with the energy label for your business premises. But which label exactly is compulsory for offices, shops, industrial halls and other utility buildings? And what are the consequences if you do not comply? In this blog you will read all the basic information, plus how you can improve your energy label with the help of Shift to Solar.

What is an energy label and why is it mandatory?

A energy label shows how energy-efficient a building is. The labels run from G (red, very inefficient) to A (green, very economical). With a better label, you use less fossil energy and emit less CO₂.

• European obligation: Across Europe, a valid energy label is required when properties are sold, leased or handed over.
  
• Objective: Making people aware of the energy performance of buildings and encouraging owners to become more sustainable.

Practically speaking, then, as an owner you should be able to produce an energy label when you sell or rent your business premises. This includes not only offices, but also shops, restaurants, healthcare and government buildings.

When is an energy label mandatory?

Basically: sale, rental or completion of virtually any property? Then you need a valid label. A label is valid for ten years, so always check that it has not expired.

Energy label C for offices from 2023

There is an additional requirement for offices:

• Office buildings ≥100 m² must have at least energy label C since 1 January 2023.
  
• Premises labelled D or worse? If so, it may no longer be used as an office.

This rule was introduced to speed up energy efficiency in offices. For monuments or offices smaller than 100 m², this specific obligation does not apply. Still, you would be wise to make sustainability efforts in time, as rules may be tightened further in the future.

Exceptions: when no label needed?

There are situations where you don't have to show an energy label, for example:

• Monuments (according to the Heritage Act)
  
• Houses of worship (churches, mosques, temples)
  
• Buildings <50 m² (e.g. small kiosks)
  
• Industrial halls without any significant air-conditioning system

If you are unsure whether your premises fall under an exception, consult the official regulations or seek advice from a recognised energy adviser.

Consequences of no (valid) energy label

The lack of a valid label can financial and legal problems deliver:

• Fines: The Environment and Transport Inspectorate can impose fines of up to thousands of euros.
  
• Ban on use (office): An office with too low a label (D to G) may no longer be used as an office.
  
• Loss of value: A property with poor label is less attractive to buyers or tenants.
  
• Image problems: At a time when sustainability is high on the agenda, a bad label can damage your reputation.

Here's how to improve your energy label

Fortunately, you can often significantly improve the energy performance of your property by investing in energy savings and sustainable generation. Consider:

• Better insulation (roof, facade, glass)
  
• More economical installations (heat pump, high-efficiency boiler, ventilation)
  
• Smart lighting (LED, sensors)
  
• Own energy generation (solar panels on roof or grounds)

The more fossil energy you save or replace with green generation, the higher your energy label (and the lower your energy costs). There are also subsidies and tax breaks (such as the Energy Investment Allowance) that lower your investment costs.

Shift to Solar: a boost for your energy label

Want to take immediate steps to make your premises more sustainable? Shift to Solar helps companies with:

• Solar panels on roofs - Lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
  
• Solar carports - Use car parks as energy sources, possibly with charging stations for electric cars.
  
• Solar bicycle stands - Protect and charge e-bikes or e-scooters with self-generated electricity.
  
• Business battery for energy storage - Store excess solar energy and use it when you need it.

With these solutions, you not only reduce your energy costs, but also your fossil energy consumption. This way, you climb towards a better energy label and comply with laws and regulations. At the same time, you build a sustainable image, which benefits customers, investors and employees.

Ready for the next step?

The energy label is much more than a formality. A good label increases the value and attractiveness of your premises and prevents fines or restrictions. Want to know how you can quickly make your premises more sustainable and boost your energy label?

Feel free to contact on with Shift to Solar. Our experts will be happy to think with you about the best solutions for your situation. Make the shift to solar and ensure future-proof business premises with lower costs and fewer CO₂ emissions.