Energy label C for offices

From 1 January 2023, energy label C becomes mandatory for office buildings larger than 100 m². From that date, primary fossil energy consumption may not exceed 224 kWh per m² per year.

Why does the energy label C requirement apply to offices? How can you ensure your office meets it? This blog explains the background and possible solutions.

Why is energy label C required for offices?

In 2015, the Paris Agreement was presented at the Paris Climate Conference 2015. It set an upper limit of 2 degrees of global warming compared with pre-industrial levels. By March 2021, 191 countries had signed the agreement, including the Netherlands. Each country can set its own targets to meet the Paris Agreement and limit global warming. The climate agreement's target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49% in 2030 compared with 1990.

Everyone has a part to play in reaching this target. Various measures are therefore needed to make energy-efficient living and working possible. The requirement for offices to have at least energy label C in 2023 is one way the Netherlands is working towards the climate agreement.

Consequences of not having energy label C

If your office building does not have at least energy label C, it may no longer be used as an office from 1 January 2023. From 2030, this rule is tightened further, requiring all office buildings larger than 100 m² to have at least energy label A. It may be difficult to imagine now, but your office would have to close. Clearly that is not an option, so action is needed. You will need to take steps, as the rules are strict.

How do I achieve energy label C for my office?

New buildings now take account of the requirement for offices to achieve at least energy label C. Existing offices often do not yet meet the new rules.

If your office building does not meet the new requirements, you will need to raise its rating to at least energy label C within a reasonable timeframe to avoid problems.

Before taking action, it is important to understand your office building's current energy consumption. Does it fall just short of label C, or is more work needed? There are several ways to improve its energy rating.

Installing window film is a practical, budget-friendly and relatively simple option. Some other solutions only work while the building is in use, usually during the day. Window film is effective day and night, which is a clear advantage.

Energy label C for offices: the benefits

Fitting solar-control and heat-rejection window film is therefore a useful step towards improving your office building's energy rating. As an added benefit, it can reduce your energy costs.

Compared with other energy-saving solutions, window film is cost-effective and minimally disruptive. Generating your own electricity with solar panels or heating the building using geothermal energy, for example, involves considerably more work and expense than installing window film.

An office building can often be fitted with window film within a few days, with little or no disruption to office work during installation. Window films are therefore an attractive, straightforward way to work towards energy label C for offices.

The various subsidies available for window film installation are also attractive, and installation costs can be recouped in just 3 to 5 years. Energy label C for your office or offices: achievable, with a short payback period.

What options are available?

Three types of solar-control and heat-rejection film are recognised by Bureau CRG: 3M Thinsulate Climate Control, 3M Prestige PR 70 and 3M Prestige PR 40 Exterior. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so here is a brief overview.

Thinsulate Climate Control

As well as helping insulate buildings, this film blocks a substantial amount of UV radiation. Applying it to windows helps slow the fading of furnishings inside. The film has also been tested to EN 12600, so Thinsulate film can also be used as a safety film.

Sun Control Prestige & Sun Control Prestige Exterior

3M Sun Control Prestige film is another effective option for reducing heat inside your building. It rejects up to 97% of the sun's infrared rays, helping keep the interior cooler and reducing energy use by lowering the need for air conditioning. It also blocks up to 99.9% of harmful UV radiation. 3M Sun Control Prestige PR 70 is suitable for installation on the inside of the window. The film is highly transparent and completely metal-free.

Alongside the interior version of 3M Sun Control Prestige solar-control film, there is an exterior version. 3M Sun Control Prestige Exterior PR 70 shares the interior version's qualities but allows less heat through the window and provides greater solar heat reduction. This is because the film intercepts the sun's rays before they reach the glass; with the interior version, the rays first pass through the glass before the film reflects them. For the greatest solar control, choose the exterior version of 3M Sun Control Prestige where possible. Note that it makes the window tint slightly darker.

A straightforward step towards energy label C

The mandatory energy label C requirement for offices is approaching fast. From 1 January 2023, your building or buildings will have to meet these new environmental requirements. Failure to do so has significant consequences.

Choose our high-quality, cost-effective window films today. There are options for your situation too, helping your office building reach at least energy label C quickly.

For more information about the options for your office, please contact our specialists without obligation. We are happy to help.