New energy label requirement for homes from 1 January 2021
The Dutch government has introduced changes for the energy label for homes and utility buildings. The current Simplified Energy Label (VEL) will be replaced by a new, more detailed energy label as of 1 January 2021.
As a home-owner, you can apply for the energy label by submitting your home specifications online. From 1 January 2021, this procedure will change and it will become more expensive to apply for an energy label. Find out why you should apply for a new energy label before 31 December 2020.
Applying for an energy label from 1 January 2021
From 1 January 2021, there will be a new application process for the detailed energy label. Instead of applying for the energy label online, you need to make an appointment with an energy consultant. He or she will visit you at home to inspect the specifications, such as:
- House dimensions
- Current insulation, such as the roof and walls
- Current installations, such as the central heating boiler and solar panels
Based on this, the consultant calculates how much energy is needed for heating, hot water, ventilation, and cooling of the house. This way, the new energy label becomes more accurate and it is possible to offer tailor-made improvements for sustainability.
Costs for the new energy label
Costs for the new energy label from 1 January 2021 are expected to average € 190 for single-family houses and € 100 for apartments. The price will be based on the following factors:
- House type
- Available documentation on the house
- Time needed for the energy consultant to record all house specifications
Why apply now
Applying for the Simplified Energy Label before 31 December 2020 will save you time and money. As a home-owner, you can request for the energy label online using DigiD. You fill out the form and choose an expert from the list with prices, who will check your house specification and issue an energy label (upon approval) remotely. This will cost around €10 and will be valid for 10 years. Check out the instructions to apply (in Dutch).
Simplified Energy Label remains valid
If you already have a registered Simplified Energy Label, this will remain valid for 10 years.
Advice to improve your house sustainability
If you are looking for advice for the sustainable maintenance of your home, you can seek advice at ‘Hou van je Huis’. ‘Hou van je Huis’ is an initiative from The Municipality of The Hague to provide you with sustainable solutions in your home. You can contact them for help to make your home more energy efficient. Find more information about ‘Hou van je Huis' here (in Dutch).
Please refer to the original article on energy label requirements (in Dutch) on Rijksoverheid.nl