Energy performance BENG

The core of BENG is that you not only want to live or work comfortably, but also contribute to a greener future. Thanks to the stricter requirements, you ensure a healthy indoor climate, save on energy costs and increase the value of your building. Are you curious how BENG is structured and what exactly the standards mean? Then read on and get informed about the guidelines that are becoming increasingly important in the construction and installation sector.

What is BENG standard?

The BENG (Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings) standard is a set of more stringent requirements for new construction that aims to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Specifically, this means designing and building your home or building in such a way that hardly any additional energy is needed for heating, cooling, hot water and ventilation.

The BENG standard was created to contribute to European goals for a more sustainable built environment, as described in the European Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) and the Building Works Decree for the Living Environment. In addition, the NTA 8800 is used to objectively measure and assess the energy performance of buildings.

The three indicators of energy performance according to BENG

The energy performance of a Nearly Energy Neutral Building is determined on the basis of three individually achievable requirements. These look at the energy requirement, the primary fossil energy use and the share of renewable energy. Each of these indicators emphasizes an important aspect of energy-efficient construction. Thus, you take into account not only the total amount of energy required, but also its origin. Combining these three indicators provides a complete picture of how sustainable and future-proof your home or building ultimately is.

BENG 1. Energy requirements.

BENG 1 focuses on the maximum energy requirement in kWh per square meter of use area per year. This means that during design and construction, you consider factors such as insulation, air tightness and how you orient a building in relation to the sun. The lower the energy requirement, the less heating and cooling systems you end up needing, leading to a comfortable living or working environment with lower energy costs.

By optimally coordinating the building envelope and installations, you not only reduce the ecological footprint but also increase living comfort because the indoor climate remains more balanced.

BENG 2. Primary fossil energy use.

BENG 2 is all about the maximum allowable primary fossil energy use, expressed in kWh per square meter of use area per year. This means keeping the amount of energy coming from fossil fu els as low as possible. Consider limiting heating systems with high carbon emissions, or optimizing building installations.

Ultimately, reduced dependence on fossil fuels leads to a more sustainable living environment and lower energy bills. By addressing this early in the construction process, you also increase the future-proofing of your project.

BENG 3. Share of renewable energy

BENG 3 emphasizes the minimum share of renewable energy, expressed as a percentage (%). This means that you must get a certain percentage of your total energy consumption from renewable sources, such as through solar panels, wind energy or other forms of green power or alternatives such as green batteries. The greater the share of renewable energy, the less you rely on fossil sources and the lower your total carbon emissions will be.

This not only contributes to a better environment, but also makes you more future-proof: by using renewable energy sources, you are better prepared for fluctuations in the energy market and possible government measures that will increasingly limit the use of fossil energy.

Impact of the BENG standard

The BENG standard has a broad impact on everyone involved in the construction industry: from architects and contractors to installers and building owners. Indeed, since the introduction of BENG, more attention has been paid to how buildings consume their energy, resulting in extra careful consideration of thermal insulation, ventilation and the use of sustainable installations during the design and construction process. This means that as a building owner, you not only benefit from low energy consumption, but also contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.

For professional parties, the BENG standard brings new challenges and opportunities. For example, the stricter regulations around energy performance (as laid down in the European Energy Performance of Building Directive) offers room for innovative building materials and techniques.

At the same time, the administrative pressure has increased, due in part to the obligation to comply with the Building Works Decree and the correct application of the NTA 8800. These changes are causing the role of installer, architect and contractor to shift from traditional performer to sustainable partner, making a full contribution to making new and existing buildings more energy efficient.

BENG provides an energy label

When you complete a new building or a major renovation, you will be given an energy label to show how energy efficient the building is. The BENG requirements form an important basis here, because they provide insight into the degree of energy performance of your home or building. Once you meet the three BENG indicators, you can request an energy label upon completion that shows what energy class the building will have. This label makes it clear not only to yourself but also to potential buyers or tenants how sustainable the building is.

Because BENG follows the European Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) and is anchored in Dutch laws and regulations, you can be sure that the label will be determined in a uniform and reliable manner. This gives you official proof that your building meets the latest requirements and is extra attractive on the real estate market.

Documentation during new construction is essential

In new construction projects, the BENG standard plays a decisive role in achieving the desired energy performance. If you are having a home or building built, you must take all three BENG indicators into account and work them out thoroughly as early as the design phase. This will avoid unpleasant surprises later on. Moreover, laws and regulations, such as the Building Works Decree for the Living Environment, require detailed construction and installation documentation to demonstrate that the design meets the BENG requirements.

For existing homes, it is also wise to consider the principles of BENG when planning major renovations. By investing in good insulation, efficient installations and a sustainable energy concept, you can often take a big step toward an energy-efficient home that continues to meet future regulations. The NTA 8800 provides the foundation for an objective assessment of both new construction and renovation projects. This ensures that measurements and calculations are made in a uniform manner and allows you to clearly present the BENG results, should you wish to rent or sell your home.

Healthy indoor climate with TOjuli

TOjuli is an indicator introduced specifically to reduce the risk of overheating in buildings and thus strengthen summer comfort requirements. With BENG, the focus is not only on energy consumption and renewable energy, but also on indoor climate. When overheating occurs in the warm months, it can lead to less comfort and higher cooling requirements, something BENG aims to counteract.

Since the introduction of the BENG standards on January 1, 2021, TOjuli is therefore a mandatory component when calculating the energy performance of a building, according to the calculation method NTA 8800. This makes it increasingly important to already take into account shading, natural ventilation and other measures that contribute to a healthy indoor climate during the design phase. In this way, you not only avoid high energy costs for cooling, but also meet the stricter requirements set by the European Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) and the Decree on Building Works for the Living Environment, and with which BENG is intertwined.

Make your project BENG-proof with Frax's energy solutions

In conclusion, BENG is not only an obligation from legislation, but above all an inspiring starting point to take your construction or renovation project to the next level. By taking into account the three energy performance indicators and a healthy indoor climate at an early stage, you will be ready for a sustainable future in which comfort and the environment go hand in hand.

Are you ready to make your project BENG-proof? Then choose Frax's energy solutions to ensure you meet all current standards and requirements. Feel free to contact us and discover how a thoughtful approach will not only benefit you from lower energy costs, but also contribute to a greener living environment.