New EPE strategy

The Dutch subsidy scheme established as part of the so-called BANS climate agreement (2003) contains the provision that “if the Energy Performance Co-efficient (EPC) for dwellings is tightened in the course of the subsidy scheme, the Energy Performance of Estates (EPE) standard for new dwellings should, if necessary, be tightened proportionally”. On 1 January 2006 the EPC was indeed tightened, from 1.0 to 0.8, and the question therefore arises whether and to what extent EPE targets need to be raised. This report consists of an argued recommendation for a new EPE standard for dwellings under the BANS agreement and a set of Frequently Asked Questions on the consequences of a tighter EPC for the EPE standard.