News item 8

Building energy use is a better measure of energy performance than energy label.

June 6, 2024

Actual energy consumption provides a more accurate picture of the energy performance of buildings than theoretical energy labels. Achieving climate targets requires a significant reduction in energy consumption, for example to the Paris Proof level for offices of 70 kWh/m². Actual energy consumption is easier and cheaper to obtain than energy labels and offers more up-to-date and practical benefits.

Smart meters in buildings provide a current picture of energy consumption. For small consumption (max. 3 x 80A), regional grid operators arrange the data transfer, while for large consumption the owner must choose a metering company. There are various tools and methods available to monitor energy consumption, such as apps and the Data System for Sustainable Utility (DVU).

Insight into energy consumption is essential for both tenants and landlords. Sharing energy data between tenants and landlords can lead to improved sustainability and lower operational costs. However, there are still objections and obstacles from tenants about sharing this data.

Various instruments provide insight into energy use and help compare buildings and achieve climate goals. The WEii (Actual Energy Intensity Indicator) has become a standard for determining actual energy use. Benchmarks from CBS and the WEii methodology are used for monitoring and comparison.

Submeters within buildings provide detailed insight into energy distribution and help identify inefficiencies. From 2024, it will be possible to certify buildings on actual energy consumption using the WEii tool.

There is an increasing amount of regulation focused on energy labels and actual energy consumption. Reporting obligations such as the CSRD require detailed information on energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. There is a need for a central register for heat and cold data and public access to energy data. Up-to-date benchmarks and a uniform classification of building types and usage functions are needed for effective monitoring.

Steering on actual energy consumption offers accurate insights and practical benefits for sustainability. Various tools and methods are available to monitor and optimize this energy consumption, which contributes to achieving climate goals. Collaboration between tenant and landlord, and compliance with new laws and regulations are crucial for success.

The Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) is an organization that focuses on the sustainability of the built environment in the Netherlands. They develop programs in the field of CO₂ reduction, circularity, health and climate adaptation and manage the BREEAM-NL quality mark for sustainable performance of buildings. The above is a summary of the whitepaper "Steering on actual energy use" of the DGBC.

Please contact EG Delft if you have any questions about this topic.