Energy labels: What you need to know

What does the energy label mean?

The energy label indicates how energy efficient a home is. There are various classes, ranging from A++++ (green) to G (red). Energy label A means the house is very energy efficient, while a home with label G is not energy efficient.

The label clearly shows buyers the home’s energy consumption. It is also used as a benchmark and tool for meeting climate goals.

How do I apply for an energy label?

Since January 1, 2021, homeowners must make an appointment with a qualified energy advisor. The energy advisor visits your home and examines the entire property.

They note features such as the size of the home, insulation, and installations like a boiler or solar panels. The energy advisor calculates the energy required for heating, hot water, ventilation, and cooling.

The energy advisor then determines the energy label and provides suggestions for improvements included with the label. Afterwards, you receive a copy, and the advisor registers the energy label in the national database EP-Online.

What does an energy label cost?

Having your energy label determined will cost about € 300. The cost depends on the type of home and the energy advisor’s rates, which can vary significantly. It’s wise to request multiple quotes from different advisors.

You can compare certified energy advisors through the Central Register of Technology.

If you do not have a valid energy label when the property is for sale, the Inspectorate for Living Environment and Transport (ILT) can fine you. This fine is usually higher than the cost of applying for a label.

Do I already have a valid energy label?

Energy labels for homes have been in existence since 2008. Back then, the government gave each home a provisional label based on public data, such as the year of construction and the type of house.

In 2015, it became mandatory to provide a definitive energy label when renting or selling a property. Based on several property characteristics, this label was known as the Simplified Energy Label (VEL) for homes being sold. It was enough to verify these details yourself and submit them online to an expert.

Since 2021, these methods have been replaced by the current system, which requires a physical appointment with an energy advisor.

Check your current label

If your home’s energy label is older than 2015, then you probably don’t have a valid label anymore. If you already have a Simplified Energy Label (VEL), it will state a “valid until” date. You can check if you have a valid label via Energielabel.nl or EP-Online.nl.

This table shows exactly how much extra you can borrow based on the energy label:

What does an improved energy label do to your mortgage?

Households that buy an energy-efficient home can get a higher mortgage amount. The better the energy label, the higher the maximum mortgage. An energy-efficient home significantly reduces your energy bill, allowing you to spend more on the mortgage and other expenses. The difference can be up to €50,000 extra mortgage.

With a B label or better, you can get a discounted interest rate with some lenders. Sometimes, you can even receive a discount after making the home more energy sustainable. The exact terms vary per lender, so ask your Viisi advisor about this.

Improving your energy label can also increase the value of your home. On average, sustainability improvements and a better energy label increase home value by 7.2% compared to the same home with the old energy label (according to research by Brainbay in collaboration with RVO Nederland).