Energy label for commercial buildings: Everything you need to know for 2026

Last checked on: January 13, 2026 Category: Building and Living

Does your office building, shop, or healthcare facility already have a valid energy label? The rules for non-residential buildings have been tightened considerably in recent years. Whether you are selling or renting a property, or are affected by the new obligations that will come into force in May 2026, as a building owner you need to be aware of the latest developments. In this blog, we summarize the most important facts.

What exactly is the energy label?

An energy label shows at a glance how energy efficient a building is. The class is determined based on primary fossil energy consumption, expressed in kilowatt hours per square meter per year (kWh/m² yr).

The less fossil energy a building consumes, the better its label. The scale ranges from G (very inefficient) to A+++++ (the best possible label). For several years now, energy performance has been determined according to the NTA 8800 method, which complies with European standards.

When is an energy label mandatory?

For non-residential buildings — buildings not intended for habitation — an energy label is mandatory at three crucial moments:

1. Sales
2. Rental
3. Completion

This applies to a wide range of functions, such as offices, schools, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, sports centers, and shops. In addition, the label class must be stated in commercial advertisements in which the building is offered for sale or rent.

Please note: An energy label is valid for a maximum of 10 years. Check the expiry date of your current label in good time.

Important changes in 2026

There are two major changes coming that you, as an owner, need to take into account:

1. Monuments lost their exemption

From May 29, 2026, the current exemption for listed buildings will expire. From that date, listed buildings must also have a valid energy label when sold or rented out.

2. Extension of obligation to display visibly

Currently, government buildings and publicly accessible buildings larger than 250 m² (such as hospitals and shops) are required to display the label visibly at the reception or entrance. From May 29, 2026, this will be extended: the obligation to display the energy label visibly will then apply to all non-residential buildings for which a valid energy label has been issued.

How do you have an energy label drawn up?

You cannot apply for an energy label yourself using a simple web tool. This must be done by a qualified energy advisor.

• The consultant must be affiliated with a certified institution (BRL 9500-U).
• The consultant visits the building in person to conduct an assessment.
• After calculation, the label is registered in the national EP-Online database.

Enforcement and fines

The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) is responsible for enforcement. If you do not have a valid label at the time of a transaction, you risk an administrative fine. It is therefore not only a matter of sustainability, but also of legal compliance.

Summary Checklist

• Check via EP-Online whether your building has a valid label.
• Do you have an office larger than 100 m²? Then Energy Label C is now the minimum requirement.
• Is your property a listed building? Then prepare for the labeling requirement that will come into effect in May 2026.
• Ensure that the label is visible to the public from May 2026 onwards.

Would you like to know more about the technical details or find an advisor? Please consult the Central Register of Technology or the ILT website.

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