Energy costs are rising, legislation and regulations are becoming stricter, and residents want to live more comfortably. For homeowners' associations, sustainability is therefore no longer a luxury, but a sensible investment. It reduces energy costs, increases the value of apartments, and contributes to a better environment.
1. What does sustainability mean for a homeowners' association?
Sustainability means making the building more energy efficient and reducing CO₂ emissions.
Consider:
- Insulation: roof, facades, floors, and HR++ or triple glazing
- Solar panels: on the roof or on storage buildings
- Charging stations: for electric vehicles in the parking garage
- Sustainable installations: such as heat pumps and ventilation systems with heat recovery
- LED lighting: in common areas
2. Obligations and regulations
The Decree on Buildings and the Living Environment (Bbl) contains requirements for energy performance.
Offices are already subject to an energy label C requirement, and apartment complexes are under increasing pressure to achieve label B or even A.
In addition, mortgage lenders and buyers are increasingly asking for a good energy label.
3. Financing and subsidies
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Energy Saving Subsidy for Homeowners (SEEH): for insulation and energy advice
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Sustainable Energy Investment Subsidy (ISDE): for heat pumps and solar boilers
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Energy-saving loan for owners' associations: loan with favorable terms
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Municipal regulations: check local subsidy options
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Tip: Combine multiple measures to qualify for higher subsidy percentages.
4. Smart planning: the MJOP as a basis
A Multi-Year Maintenance Plan (MJOP) helps you combine maintenance and sustainability.
Example: if the roof needs to be replaced in 3 years, plan for roof insulation and install solar panels at the same time.
5. Checklist: how to start becoming more sustainable
- Have an energy assessment carried out for the entire building.
- Make a priority list of measures
- Check subsidies and financing
- Involve residents in the plans at an early stage
- Record decisions in the minutes of the general meeting
Want to read more about relevant topics?
Solar panels for homeowners' associations → Tips for safe installation and management
Charging stations in parking garages → Safety and installation advice
Reserve fund → How you can help finance sustainability measures
Help from our HOA experts
We assist homeowners' associations in drawing up sustainability plans, applying for subsidies, and taking out appropriate insurance policies.
Call our HOA experts at 010 – 288 44 73 or send an email to vve@schoutenzekehreid.nl
