Making homes and buildings more sustainable: in full swing

The sustainability of homes and buildings is receiving a significant boost. With a broad package of subsidies, loans, and regulations, the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) is working to make sustainability feasible and affordable for everyone. Outgoing Minister Mona Keijzer explained this in a recent letter to the House of Representatives.

More support for sustainability
The government is supporting homeowners, landlords, homeowners' associations (VvEs), social property owners, and municipalities with subsidies, attractive financing, advice, and clear information. Municipalities are receiving additional resources and guidance to provide residents with practical assistance with insulation and energy conservation. Lower-income households are receiving special attention. For example, €7.5 million has been made available for local initiatives through the Energy Assistance Action Network.

Results in 2024
By 2024, more than 253,000 sustainability projects will have been supported with subsidies and loans. In addition, an additional €20 million has been added to the Natural Gas-Free Rental Housing Incentive Scheme. Since 2020, subsidies have been applied for over 79,000 connections to district heating networks. The CBS Energy Subsidy Dashboard allows the Ministry to monitor where these funds are being used.

Improvement and expansion of subsidies
Starting in 2026, important schemes will be improved and extended. For example, the Sustainable Energy Investment Subsidy (ISDE) will be expanded to include energy-efficient ventilation measures. Additional funding will also be allocated to the Sustainability Subsidy Scheme for Owners' Associations (SVVE) until 2030. Additional measures, such as insulating window frames, will be available for rental properties through the SVOH.

Increased focus on rental properties and social real estate
Owners of rental properties with energy labels E, F, or G must upgrade their properties to a minimum of D by January 1, 2029. Various subsidies and loans are available for this purpose. More financing options will also be available for schools, sports facilities, healthcare institutions, and cultural buildings, including low-interest loans and a new Social Real Estate Guarantee Fund.

Better energy labels and clarity on heating plans
The quality and reliability of energy labels are being improved, so that owners and tenants gain better insight into the energy performance of their home or building. In addition, new legislation provides municipalities with more clarity and time to develop heating programs, outlining how and when neighborhoods will transition from natural gas. With these measures, the Ministry is fully committed to a sustainable built environment: good for living comfort, energy bills, and the future.

Would you like to know more about making homes and buildings more sustainable?

Please contact Aart van der Vlist, aart@sblc.nl