Insure your property value for the future and act now.
An update on current laws and regulations for your real estate. So you can stop being behind the times and take steps.
Laws and regulations surrounding real estate and sustainability change regularly. As a property owner, it is sometimes difficult to be aware of all the requirements for your property. Novar helps and immediately gives you some concrete ideas to become less dependent from changing laws and regulations to grid operators and fluctuating energy prices.
Changing laws and regulations: how future-proof is your real estate?
While you may expect your real estate to be future-proof, you should also be aware of how quickly laws and regulations are evolving. Together we have set ambitious goals in the Climate Accord, namely: to reduce CO2 emissions by 49% by 2030. By 2050, we even want to achieve a 95% reduction.
These challenges have already led to stricter laws and regulations for real estate, but will only become more ambitious, and therefore stricter, in the future. The time to take concrete steps together is now. Only then will we achieve the sustainability goals. For real estate owners, this means that proactive action is essential to maintain profitability, avoid unexpected costs and stay ahead in the market.
We tell you about existing laws and regulations in this article. That way you are up-to-date and can act to make your real estate (even) more future-proof. We briefly explain the following laws and regulations:
- Sustainability Certification
- Energy conservation obligation
- European Energy-Efficiency Directive
Laws and regulations for property owners
Energy labels property
The energy label of your property is becoming increasingly important. Since Jan. 1, 2023, an office building must have at least energy label C, which means an Energy Index of 1.3 or higher. This legislation applies to existing office buildings and new construction. Does your property not meet this energy label? Then it is important to adjust the energy labels of office properties as soon as possible. Not only for the law, but also for your tenants. An energy label A is a lot more attractive - and thus worth a higher rent - for tenants than energy label D or lower.
EU Taxonomy Regulation
The European Taxonomy Regulation specifies which economic activities are considered sustainable and which are not. This regulation is not yet in force, but will be introduced very soon.
Specifically? Stricter requirements will apply to real estate. For example, major renovations or alterations must lead to a reduction of at least 30% in the energy demand at that time. Because of this regulation, sustainable real estate will increase significantly in value compared to non-sustainable real estate. Lower energy costs are also more attractive to potential tenants and investors. The sooner you get started, the better it is for your wallet and the climate. That way you won't be behind the times.
Sustainably certified real estate
Investing in sustainability certifications pays off. Research shows that having a sustainability certification increases value. In addition, these certifications lead to benefits such as reduced vacancy rates and higher rents. An example of a sustainability certification is the BREEAM certificate (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), but also a scan such as the ESG scan. This is a scan in which real estate is assessed on the themes: Environment, Social and corporate Governance.
Energy Savings Obligation
In addition to these measures, there is also the energy-saving obligation that real estate entrepreneurs must take into account. This duty means that companies are obliged to take energy-saving measures that pay for themselves within five years. This obligation applies to locations of companies and institutions that use from 50,000 kWh of electricity or 25,000m³ of natural gas (equivalent) per year. A good example of such an energy-saving measure is a solar roof. Novar is happy to help you realize a solar roof so that you can meet this energy-saving obligation without too much effort.
Emission Trading System
Through the Emission Trading System (ETS), the EU seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ETS is a so-calledcap and trade system, which means that an upper limit(cap) is set on the total amount of greenhouse gases that certain sectors are allowed to emit. Within this cap, companies are allowed to buy and sell emission allowances.
The ETS has two sides for property owners. If you invest in the ETS and thus in green and renewable energy systems, your properties become more attractive to environmentally conscious tenants. Plus, if the cost of allowances rises, you'll be prepared and avoid unexpected expenses. In short, acting smartly now will give you a stronger market position and more profit in the future.
European Energy-Efficiency Directive
The European EED (Energy-Efficiency Directive) energy audit helps you as a real estate entrepreneur discover how energy efficient your property is. By making your properties more energy efficient, you not only save on energy costs, but also attract tenants who are willing to pay more for a green workspace. Every time you meet EED standards, you take a step toward higher profits.
Act now. Let laws and regulations work in your favor.
Acting earlier means you won't be behind the times later. That way your real estate retains its value and, not unimportantly, you save money. By staying ahead of legislation and regulations, you remain attractive to tenants or buyers. Both now and in the future.
Want to know more? Get 5 concrete ideas for independent energy systems here on how to make these laws and regulations work in your favor. We give you clear information and concrete steps to future-proof your real estate. Don't wait any longer and secure your value now!
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