There were high expectations about the sustainability goals for the coming 6 years, in the run-up to 2030. With a cabinet consisting of the PVV, VVD, NSC and BBB, expectations were already somewhat less high and that turned out to be right, because the coalition agreement contains many different points, but with regard to the sustainability of homes and business premises, the control seems to have to come from the market itself. In any case, we will not see a real acceleration of developments from The Hague in the coming years. What does the coalition agreement contain and what can you do if you want to make things more sustainable yourself?
No additional sustainability rules from the government itself
The coalition agreement does not contain any new, additional sustainability rules when it comes to new construction. However, there are many plans to better divide and use the available space and the quality of life in the Netherlands must be increased, partly through more spatial division and more greenery in urban areas.
This means that no additional sustainability is being stimulated within the new construction itself, something that was in line with expectations. However, large companies and organisations, including the DGBC itself, indicate that there is more than enough ambition on the market itself. This may be a reason why the governing parties have decided to leave this out of the coalition agreement. However, the fact that the EU objectives have been considered (partially) contradicts this.
We should add here that there is a good reason why the cabinet decided not to introduce new sustainability rules after a consultation of about 170 days. The plan is to build at least 100,000 homes annually and to have a coordinating minister who must ensure that everyone in the Netherlands will soon have a roof over his or her head. There is therefore a real chance that in the long term additional sustainability rules will be chosen with regard to the construction of sustainable homes, but then the housing shortage must first be significantly reduced because otherwise preference will be given to new construction (of homes that will probably have to be adapted again in the future).
EU targets are maintained
The EU's objectives will be included in the coalition agreement and will serve as a guideline for the cabinet's plans when it comes to reducing the use of natural gas, reducing CO2 emissions in new construction and ultimately even CO2-neutral buildings, something that has been receiving attention in the new construction sector for much longer.
However, these are not new, surprising plans or objectives. In fact, it is something that has been on the agenda for a long time and that The Hague has already agreed to (given that the Netherlands is still part of the European Union).
The role of real estate owners in climate adaptation
Climate adaptation is a key concept within the coalition agreement, which mainly revolves around the balance between sustainability and affordability. This climate adaptation can be seen in the strengthening of rivers and dikes, the sustainability plans in the field of natural gas (although this cabinet wants to extract more natural gas in the North Sea) and CO2 reduction.
Here, property owners must also lend a helping hand, because the Netherlands is facing a major challenge. One of the larger, overarching plans is to build energy independence, a situation in which the Netherlands is not or hardly dependent on electricity from other countries. To make this possible, energy consumption in the Netherlands must be significantly reduced, and/or more electricity must be generated by the property owners themselves.
Making homes and business premises more sustainable is therefore important. Not only with a view to CO2 emissions, but also when looking at the balance between generated and consumed energy.
This means making homes and commercial buildings more sustainable
In most places, sustainability mainly involves new construction, partly because this government has indicated that a lot of construction will be needed in the coming period to compensate for the housing shortage, which has caused a very tense, tight housing market. However, it is good to continue to look at existing buildings that can be adapted at the same time. It is not inconceivable that regulations or possibilities will be set up for people who want to adapt an existing home or an older business premises, in order to better align with the sustainability plans.
There is a good chance that in the coming years, subsidies or schemes for home batteries, insulation, generating electricity from renewable sources (private or business) and other adjustments that can make existing buildings more sustainable will be considered. The coalition has already indicated that small entrepreneurs and many households with average or low incomes can count on help with the adjustments.
Assistance with sustainability
Small businesses and people with a middle income or low income can get help from the government when they want to make their homes or business premises more sustainable. There is also help for households that are struggling with high energy bills due to the heating networks. If you are planning to make your home more sustainable, this is a good time to keep an eye on the government's plans, because there is a big chance that you can ask for help.
