BENGregeling

BENGregeling, short for Bijna Energieneutrale Gebouwen, is a Dutch regulation governing the energy performance of new buildings and major renovations. Introduced as part of the Netherlands’ climate and energy policy, it requires new buildings to achieve almost energy-neutral operation. The regulation supersedes previous EPC requirements and emphasizes near-zero energy consumption for the building as built and operated.

Compliance with BENG can be demonstrated through one of three allowed routes: BENG-E, BENG-N, or BENG-G. BENG-E focuses on the building’s energy use for its technical installations and domestic hot water, ventilation, lighting, and other end-use energy, expressed as annual final energy use per square meter. BENG-N uses the net energy consumption drawn from the electricity and gas grid, allowing on-site generation to offset grid use; only energy drawn from the grid is counted. BENG-G evaluates total primary energy consumption per square meter per year, incorporating the upstream energy conversion losses of electricity and gas.

Calculation is performed with standardized energy-performance methods and inputs such as the building design, insulation, airtightness, heating and cooling installations, ventilation, and on-site generation. The chosen route sets corresponding numerical limits that buildings must meet.

BENG applies to new buildings and certain major renovations and is enforced through the permit process and energy-performance documentation. It aims to stimulate the use of energy-efficient building envelopes, heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, and other measures that reduce net energy demand.

Related terms include EPC and energy labeling.