The Office of the Future: Ready for 2025 and beyond? Recent sustainability figures speak volumes!

The Dutch office market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by new working concepts and stricter sustainability requirements. As the owner, manager, or user of commercial real estate, you are faced with strategic choices. The NVM Business Office Market Report 2025 confirms the crucial role of energy performance and sustainability.

The Energy Label C Requirement: More Than Just a Requirement (Since 2023)

Since January 1, 2023, all office buildings measuring 100m² or larger must have at least an Energy Label C in order to remain in use. In principle, a non-compliant building may no longer be used as an office, with the risk of penalties. But what is the real situation?

The figures for January 1, 2025 (Source: RVO):

• 82% of office space (in m²) now complies with Energy Label C or better. This represents an impressive increase of 5 percentage points compared to the beginning of 2024!
• However, a significant proportion— 14% of offices—do not yet have a registered energy label. This indicates a major challenge and a missed opportunity.
• The proportion of highly inefficient offices (label D or worse) has fallen from 10% to just 4%.

These figures show that the market is changing, but that there is still a large group that is lagging behind.

Why Invest in a Sustainable Office Now?

1. The New Role of the Office & Attracting Talent:Hybrid working is the norm, but the need for a physical meeting place is growing. Organizations are therefore investing heavily in high-quality, inspiring, and healthy office environments. A sustainable building is essential for attracting and retaining talent and contributes to the corporate culture and collaboration.
2. Financial Benefits & Banks as a Driving Force:Sustainability is directly linked to finance.
   • Rental prices for offices with an A label are significantly higher.
   • Lower energy costs reduce your operating expenses.
   • Banks play a crucial role: they are increasingly linking financing to sustainable performance. Those who fail to become sustainable can expect higher interest rates or no financing at all.
   • The business case for redeveloping less sustainable offices is promising, especially in prime locations.
3. Future-proofing & Stricter Regulations:Legislation is only getting stricter. Energy label A is expected to become mandatory for offices by 2030! In addition, new EU rules (CSRD) require large companies to provide more insight into their CO₂ emissions and sustainability plans. This makes WELL or BREEAM certification increasingly relevant.

Your Strategic Steps to a Sustainable Office:

1. Check your obligation: Is your office subject to the Energy Label C requirement?
2. Know your label: Do you already have a valid energy label? If so, what is the score? Check this via EP-online.
3. Request tailored advice: An energy advisor can draw up specific energy performance advice (EPA) to bring your property up to at least label C (and beyond!).
4. Take advantage of subsidies and financial arrangements: The government offers various subsidies (such as ISDE, DUMAVA) and financial arrangements to reduce your investment.
5. Go for implementation: Implement the recommended energy-saving measures.
6. Apply for a new energy label: After improvements, the label must be reassessed.

Renewable Partners: Your Guide to the Energy Transition AtRenewable Partners, we guide you through this entire process. From accurately drawing up your Commercial Building Energy Label (NTA8800) to providing detailed sustainability advice and assistance with subsidy applications. We help you turn an obligation into a profitable investment.

Is your commercial property ready for the requirements of 2025 and beyond?Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and take the step towards a more sustainable, valuable, and future-proof office!