Type of Building Code

Type of Building Code

• Cooling Based
• Prescriptive Codes
• Trade Off
• Performance Codes for Refurbishments

  Partially, see 'Existing buildings'

• Performance Codes for New Builds

  The Bouwbesluit 2012 is a mandatory performance-based code that requires an energy frame calculation to establish the maximum allowed Energy Performance Coefficient (EPN) for residential and non-residential buildings. Energy performance requirements (EPC) with reference to calculation method NEN 7120. Software is available to calculate the EPC based on NEN 7210.

• Energy Declaration
• Model / reference Building
• Mix of different models / Hybrids

Energy Covered

Basis for Energy Requirements

• Overall performance frame

  The energy performance requirements are expressed in terms of the EPN coefficient factor.

• Final Energy
• Primary Energy

  Regardless of the application of the building's characteristic energy, EPTot, determined as the sum of the primary energy converted use of fossil fuels for heating, humidification, fans, lighting, cooling, dehumidification, hot water and the total corresponding auxiliary energy , less primary energy converted to potential private plot production (building related) energy, eg solar electricity and supply of building-related cogeneration.

• Life Cycle Assessment considered (embedded energy)

  Requirements with regard to the EPC are based on cost-benefit analysis throughout the lifecycle of the building.

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code

• Heating

  Included in the EPC calculation, The current Building Act does not contain any specific requirements regarding the energy efficiency of systems. However requirements are foreseen in the new Reg (nieuwe Regeling energieprestatie gebouwen), which will enter into force by july 2013 as part of the implementation of the recast EPBD (2010/31/EU).

• Cooling

  Included in the EPC calculation. The current Building Act does not contain any requirements regarding the energy efficiency of cooling systems. However requirements are foreseen in the new Reg (nieuwe Regeling energieprestatie gebouwen), which will enter into force by july 2013 as part of the implementation of the recast EPBD (2010/31/EU).

• Dehumidification

  Depends on the type of system.

• Ventilation

  There are no prescribed mechanical ventilation efficiency requirements, however any system is included in the EPC calculation.

• Airtightness

  For residential buildings, 200 dm3/s @10 Pa and for non-residential buildings 200 dm3/s per 500 m3 @10 Pa.

• Thermal bridging

  Included in the EPC calculation.

• Hot water

  There are no prescribed DHW efficiency requirements, however all systems are included in the EPC calculation.

• Technical installations

  Not known at this stage.

• Lighting

  Included in the EPC calculation.

• Appliances

  Not known at this stage.

• Design, position & orientation of building

  The energy is passive solar energy, use of daylight and solar thermal energy already included: passive solar energy is included in the calculation of the heat and cooling needs, utilization of daylight is included in the calculation of the energy for lighting and active solar thermal energy is already settled directly in the building installation.

• Heat recovery

  Not known at this stage.

• Passive solar

  Included in the EPC calculation.

• Passive cooling

  Included in the EPC calculation.

• Natural ventilation

  Included in the EPC calculation.

• Solar protection

  Included in the EPC calculation.

• Daylighting requirements

  Included in the EPC calculation.

• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others)

  Partially, no specific requirement, but renewables are included in the EPN calculation. Additionally, there is a separate policy for the overall share of energy from renewable sources in The Netherlands. The ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation is responsible for policy making.

• Local renewable sources
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates

Enforcement

Type of Enforcement

• Local enforcement
  Currently the local authority (municipalities) is responsible for monitoring and enforcement. Proof that the requirements are met must be given before the completion of the building. Verification of this legal provision is the responsibility of the Local Authority where the building is located.
• Third party inspection
  Authorities are examining the possibilities to give the market more responsibility.
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants
• Post Occupancy control
  HVAC systems

On-site Inspections Occur

• On-site inspections
• During construction
• Post completion
  Post completion testing of energy systems
• Post occupancy
  HVAC systems

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
  "Energy Performance Certificate for existing buildings that first came into force on January 1st 2008. The certification of new buildings was already integrated into Dutch law by as early as 1995. Later than 1 January 2013: • Obligation to transfer energy certificate new building • Obligation to transfer energy certificate sale or rental of a building or building unit"
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Existence of EPC register database at national level
  A central database is maintained by NL Agency (www.ep-online.nl or www.energiecijfers.nl)
• Inspection of boilers
  Partially, Working on an agreement with the installation sector to further encourage the voluntary inspection of heating systems.
• Inspection of HVAC systems
  The inspection of air-conditioning systems is fully implemented in The Netherlands. Currently, the inspection of air-conditioning systems is dispersed amongst different parts of national law. A mandatory inspection for larger air conditioning systems is introduced by mid-2013 as part of the transposition of the EPBD recast. We are also working on an agreement with the installation sector to further encourage the voluntary inspection of heating systems.

Penalties for Non-compliance

• None
• Fine
• Imprisonment
• Refusal of permission to occupy
  Regulated by the Housing Act
• Refusal of permission to construct
  Regulated by the Housing Act
• Demolition

Measures Supporting Enforcement

• Commissioning requirements
  Commissioning and inspection of most large energy using systems is required before occpation.
• Airtightness testing required prior to compliance
  Air-tightness is a separate requirement in addition to the EPC in the Building Act. 
• Mandatory Computer Modeling
  Not mandatory for large complex buildings.
• Training of Inspectors
  There are voluntary educations for assessors, but examination by a national board is mandatory. The list of qualified assessors is permanently updated and always available online for the public at the website of KBI, the Dutch quality assurance association (www.kbi.nl).
• Other

Values for New Buildings

Code History and Future Targets

• How far in advance are future targets set?

  2020
• Are stakeholders informed of future targets far in advance?

  Yes

Zero Energy Targets

• Definition of nZEB/ZEB/Plus Energy etc
• Are all end uses considered in the target?
• Is there a realistic roadmap towards ZEB
• National Target date for nZEB

  Energy-neutral by 2020 (proposed).

• Special Requirements for public buildings

Supporting Measures

• Incentives/Rewards to Encourage People to go beyond Minimum Level?
• Involvement of Stakeholders in the Development of Codes
• Level of Training Provided to Stakeholders Following Implementation of Code?
• Provision of Appropriate Information for General Public
• Education Systems to Ensure Capacity
• Supporting Labeling Schemes
• Codes Free to Access?