Building regulations
Your business premises in the Netherlands must comply with the building regulations. You will find these regulations in the Building Decree 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012) as well as in your local building by-laws.
You must also comply with building regulations and layout requirements that are relevant to your specific business activities. Moreover, if you plan to build, rebuild or renovate, in most cases you will need an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects (omgevingsvergunning).
Building Decree 2012
If you plan to refurbish, build, demolish or occupy a building, you must comply with the Building Decree 2012. This decree contains the technical regulations that represent the minimum requirements for all structures in the Netherlands. The requirements relate to safety, health, usability, energy efficiency and the environment. The Praktijkboek Bouwbesluit 2012 (in Dutch) guides you through the Building Decree 2012.
Energy saving measures
Business in the Netherlands are required to take energy saving measures by reducing their energy demand, by applying sustainable technologies and by using renewable energy sources.
BENG
All new buildings must also meet the Almost Energy Neutral Building requirements (Bijna Energieneutrale Gebouwen, BENG). These are strict requirements that result from the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and are meant to reduce energy consumption. These requirements (in Dutch) replace the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements. There are different requirements for different building types. BENG requirements are assessed with NTA 8800. There is a separate requirement for the exterior of buildings. These should be designed in a way that reduces energy consumption as much as possible.
Municipal building rules
The municipal building rules relate to urban planning, building on contaminated land and requirements regarding the external appearance of buildings. Building rules can differ from one municipality to another.
This article is related to:
Related articles
- Applying for an all-in-one permit for physical aspects (omgevingsvergunning)
- Applying for an all-in-one permit for physical aspects (omgevingsvergunning)
- Fire safety measures and permits
- Building materials, soil, and dredging spoil
- Working with the environment plan
- Taking measures to save energy
- Energy labels
Amendments
External links
- Praktijkboek Bouwbesluit 2012 (Government of the Netherlands, in Dutch)
- Building Decree online 2012 (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, in Dutch)
- Building Decree 2012 in English, French and German (Draft texts, European Commission)
- Energy performance BENG (Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVO, in Dutch)
- Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Government of the Netherlands)
- Revision of Environment and Planning Laws (Government of the Netherlands)