BENG standard

The new dutch BENG standard stands for Almost Energy Neutral Buildings

These new dutch BENG requirements have replaced the EPC method for new buildings as of 1 January 2021. For government buildings, the obligation already applied as of 1 January 2019.

BENG-INDICATORS

In the Netherlands, we define the energy performance for almost energy neutral buildings on the basis of 3 requirements:

1. The maximum energy requirement in kWh per m² of usage area per year
To determine the energy demand, the energy demand for heating and cooling is added. For non-residential buildings, the energy demand for lighting is also added. The energy demand can be met by renewable or fossil energy.

2. The maximum primary fossil energy use, also in kWh per m² of usage area per year
Primary fossil energy consumption is the sum of primary energy consumption for heating, cooling, hot water preparation and ventilators. For non-residential buildings, the primary energy consumption for lighting and humidification (if present) also counts. For both residential and non-residential buildings, if PV panels or other renewable energy sources are present, the generated energy is deducted from the primary energy use.

3. The minimum renewable energy share in percent
The share of renewable energy is determined by dividing the amount of renewable energy by the total of renewable energy and primary fossil energy use.

Metallised internal blinds: solution to BENG standard

As of 1-1-2021, the new dutch BENG standard for new buildings is a fact. The new standard makes the use of glazing applications increasingly difficult, while it is a trend to build as transparent as possible.

BENG in new buildings

Evert Bos, product manager at Verosol, explains that three indicators are important for the BENG calculation in new buildings. First, the maximum energy requirement of a building, where it is important to reduce energy consumption. The second is the reduction in the use of primary fossil fuels, and the third is the minimum proportion of renewable energy.

Blinds

The first indicator describes the valuation of sun protection as a policy measure and should therefore be included. This has recently been extended to include blinds. "Provided that it is an integral part of the climate control system," says Bos. That means that it is automatically controlled and linked to a building management system that controls the climate control.

Solar and insulating function

Whereas in the past people only looked at how to keep out heat in the summer and thus achieve reductions in cooling (lower ZTA or g-value), nowadays better insulation is also achieved when internal blinds are closed at night during the heating season. This prevents cooling, so that less heating is required (lower U-value). Bos: "It is an absolute bonus that the solar and insulating effect of interior sun blinds can now be included in calculations of a building's energy performance."

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