First experiences with NTA 8800
Since 1 January, the new calculation method NTA 8800 has been applied for calculating the energy performance of buildings. What are the first experiences, what have been the benefits, and what are the unexpected windfalls? CFP consultant Ilmar Bouwer talks about the experiences so far.
More focus on technical details thanks to NTA 8800
Several things have changed with the advent of the new methodology, but the biggest change is the focus on the technical details of a building. Previously, when recording EPCs, it was not possible to specify many technical details. But since the introduction of the NTA 8800 certification, the specifications of the technical installations are asked for much more extensively and, for example, things like the CO2 concentrations in a building.
Initial experiences with the NTA 8800 EPC
We are now two months into the new NTA 8800 methodology. For those who think that such a new method takes much more time, this is hardly the case for smaller buildings. Only for large, more complex buildings does it take a bit longer to record an EPC, because more documentation is required. But building owners also get something in return. The new EPC provides much more insight into the energy performance of buildings, making the output more valuable than before.
From EPC A to A+++++
A big advantage of the NTA 8800 is that an EPC for existing buildings is now divided into several A- classes. Previously, breaking down EPC A into classess A+ to A+++++ was only possible for new buildings. The NTA 8800 now also makes this possible for existing buildings, and this can be very attractive for building owners.
The challenges
The first experiences with the NTA 8800 EPC have been positive, but the new calculation method also brings challenges. As more technical information is required, it is especially important for building owners to have all the documentation of the building systems in order. For example, I recently came across a heat pump system where the type plate, after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, had become illegible. If there then there also is no documentation available, it can be difficult to retrieve the right information.
NTA 8800 new benchmark for sustainability
You can see the new EPC as a kind of baseline for the theoretical energy consumption per m2, which can then be compared to other buildings. With this, the NTA 8800 certification creates a new benchmark for measuring the energy performance of buildings. But be aware that it says nothing about the actual energy consumption in a building. If building owners want to further reduce energy consumption, energy management is an important supplement to the NTA 8800.
Written by Ilmar Bouwer, Consultant at CFP Green Buildings
