BENG requirements utilities and homes
BENG the energy performance calculation method for new construction buildings
In the Netherlands, the BENG method has been legally required since Jan. 1, 2021, when applying for an environmental permit and when determining the energy label. BENG stands for "Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings." The BENG method applies to new construction of non-residential and residential buildings.
FACTSHEET: BENG calculation
Want to know more about BENG requirements? Please contact Ronald van Luijk.
BENG requirements
If you have a new construction development or renovation plan for a building then a BENG calculation is required for the application for the environmental permit. Upon completion, a new construction energy label must be prepared for occupancy
There are three categories of BENG values:
- BENG-1: Energy requirement (kWh/m²)
- BENG-2: Primary fossil energy consumption (kWh/m²)
- BENG-3: Share of renewable energy (%).
What do these BENG requirements entail?
The thermal energy requirement (BENG-1) is an indicator of the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. In addition to thermal insulation, things like solar orientation and air tightness affect it. A fixed amount of ventilation air is also taken into account.
BENG-2 and BENG-3 show how much energy is used for building-related functions. Here, BENG-2 is the amount of primary fossil energy required primarily (i.e., including efficiency losses at the power plant) to supply the energy needed to the building. BENG-3 is the proportion of renewable energy generated on or adjacent to the building. This includes not only direct generation, such as in solar panels or collectors, but also the use of ambient heat from, for example, the soil or air via a heat pump.
If BENG-3 is one hundred percent, BENG-2 is zero. Energy positive buildings have a negative BENG-2 value, so then the energy consumption is fully covered by renewable energy sources.
Focus on low energy needs
A low energy requirement (BENG-1) requires a robust energy concept. This is consistent with the "Trias Energetica. The detailed method for new construction offers opportunities to achieve an energy label A+++++.
Therefore, engage an EP advisor in a timely manner to determine the BENG requirements during the design phase and monitor them during the construction phase, after which we can issue the energy label upon completion for the highest sustainable BENG result!
Fact sheet:
Other services
In addition to BENG requirements, we also provide the following services
