Knowledge base · offices

Energy label C mandatory for offices

What the label C requirement means, who it applies to and what changes after 2030.

In short

The essentials at a glance

Since 1 January 2023 an office building in the Netherlands larger than 100 m² must have at least energy label C (an energy index of 1.3 or better). Without label C the building may in principle no longer be used as an office. Exemptions include buildings where the office function covers less than 50% and protected monuments. Label A is the intention for 2030.

Since: 1 January 2023
Minimum: label C (EI ≤ 1.3)
Threshold: office function ≥ 100 m² and ≥ 50% of the building
Intention 2030: label A

Which offices are exempt?

The office function covers less than 50% of the building's total usable floor area.
The office function (including ancillary functions) is smaller than 100 m².
The building is a protected monument.

What if your office doesn't reach label C?

Then you must take measures. Tailored energy advice shows which combination of insulation, more efficient installations, LED lighting and solar panels reaches label C (or A) at the lowest cost. We then register a new commercial energy label.

Also check the GACS obligation

Larger offices with a heating or cooling system of 290 kW or more must also have a building automation system since 2026. See GACS obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we are asked most about this topic.

1. Will label A become mandatory for offices?

The government intends to require label A (energy index 1.05) from 1 January 2030. This has not yet been finalised.

2. Who enforces the label C requirement?

The municipality (or environmental service) enforces it.

Last updated: 7 October 2026 · by Hasibo Ingenieurs & Adviesbureau

Sources: RVO — Energy label C for offices (Dutch)