Netherlands Building Codes

Current Codes of Netherlands

Energy Performance Standard for Buildings
The Energy Performance Standard (EPN) is the Netherlands’ building energy code. It incorporates standards on efficiency for non-residential buildings (NEN-2916) and residential buildings (NEN-5128), as well as establishes other requirements such as the use of energy certificates for compliance.

netherland current codes

Building Decree 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012)
This comprehensive regulation applies to all buildings in the Netherlands, integrating and updating previous regulations to ensure safety, usability, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. It is the core regulatory document for both new constructions and renovations in the country.

Energy Performance Standard for Buildings
The Energy Performance Coefficient (EPC) is part of the Netherlands’ building energy code under the Building Decree 2012. It sets stringent energy efficiency standards for both non-residential buildings (NEN-2916) and residential buildings (NEN-5128). The EPC measures the energy efficiency of a building, with lower values indicating higher efficiency. Compliance with these standards is demonstrated through the issuance of energy certificates, which are mandatory for the approval of building plans and the sale or lease of properties.

Environmental and Sustainability Standards
The Building Decree 2012 includes provisions to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, mandating the use of sustainable materials and effective waste management practices during construction.

Future Directions
In line with EU directives, from 2020 onwards, all new buildings in the Netherlands are required to be nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB). This has led to updates in the Building Decree to further tighten the requirements for energy performance.

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History

In 2007, the Netherlands published an Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

As a member of the European Union, the Netherlands was required to comply with the Electronic Energy Performance of Buildings Directive passed in December 2002 (2002/91/EC). However, most of the regulations that the Netherlands had passed in 1995 covered the requirements of the EPBD. The first code they passed was NEN-2916, which set energy requirements for all non-residential buildings, and NEN-5128, for residential buildings. The main focus of the code is on thermal energy consumption. Both standards were included in the 1995 Energy Performance Standard (EPN). It set minimum requirements based on Energy Performance Coefficients for new buildings. The standards have since been strengthened, and has led to an increase of energy efficiency in residential buildings by 50%. The additional code that had to be implemented by the Netherlands was the Buildings Energy Certificate requirement. All buildings, new and existing, are required to obtain a certificate, and government-managed buildings are required to display them. The cost of obtaining these certificates is kept to a minimum, as the Netherlands is committed to keep all administrative costs for its citizens minimized.

1842 The first building regulations are introduced in the Netherlands, focusing mainly on fire safety and structural integrity in urban areas.
1901 The Housing Act (Woningwet) is enacted, marking a significant development in building regulations aimed at improving living conditions. This Act provides the framework for municipal building ordinances across the country.
1962 The Building Decree (Bouwbesluit) is established, standardizing building regulations at the national level for the first time, moving away from local municipal codes to ensure uniform safety and construction standards across the country.
1992 The modern Building Decree is introduced, which consolidates various specific regulations into a comprehensive set of rules applicable nationwide. This Decree emphasizes not only safety but also energy efficiency and environmental protection.
2003 Introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for buildings, which becomes mandatory, reflecting a growing focus on energy efficiency.
2012 The Building Decree 2012 is implemented, integrating and updating previous regulations. It includes stringent requirements for energy performance, echoing the Netherlands’ commitment to sustainability and EU directives on nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEB).
2020 All new buildings are required to meet nearly zero-energy standards, demonstrating the Netherlands’ ongoing leadership in sustainable building practices.

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