Energy class known of over 2 million dwellings

Over 2 million Dutch dwellings had an energy label by the end of 2011. This is over a quarter more than at the end of 2009. So the energy efficiency of these dwellings is now known.

Few labelled owner-occupied dwellings

About 90 percent of all dwellings with an energy label is rented and almost 10 percent owner occupied. In the last two years there has been a sharp increase in the number of owner-occupied dwellings receiving an energy label, but all in all there are still relatively few. Since 1 January 2013 dwellings can no longer change hands without an energy label.

Post-war dwellings are the least energy efficient

Dwellings built between 1945 and 1959 often get an energy label E, F, or G. This means they are not energy efficient. There was a huge shortage of homes after World War II. So because huge numbers of dwellings had to be constructed urgently, the quality of construction was under pressure.

Most dwellings with an inefficient energy label were built in the years 1960–1970. In this period the housing shortage had still not been solved. Building many dwellings was more important than building energy efficient dwellings. Over 202 thousand dwellings from this construction period were labelled inefficient. This is one third of all dwellings labelled energy inefficient.

Energy labels of dwellings by year of construction

More energy efficient since the 80s

Dwellings constructed after 1980 became more and more energy efficient. Hardly any dwellings labelled energy inefficient were built then. Insulation of roofs, walls and floors became standard in newly constructed dwellings in the 80s and double glazing in 1994.

In recent years many dwellings for the rental market were made more energy efficient. On the basis of the energy label a dwelling receives points that influence the rent level. An energy efficient label is currently an exclusive sales argument for dwellings.

Most energy efficient dwellings in Flevoland

The province of Flevoland has most energy efficient dwellings (energy label A or B), namely 21 percent. This is because many new dwellings were constructed in the province, particularly in Almere. Friesland has relatively many energy inefficient dwellings. Almost 40 percent of its dwellings have an inefficient energy label.

Energy labels of dwellings by province

Jérôme van Biezen