Major renovation

The trigger for new-build rules in existing buildings

A major renovation is the point at which rules written for new buildings reach existing ones. Article 8(1) requires the energy performance of a building undergoing major renovation, or of the renovated part, to be upgraded to meet the national minimum energy performance requirements, in so far as technically, functionally and economically feasible. Article 14(1) applies the recharging and bicycle parking rules for new non-residential buildings to non-residential buildings undergoing major renovation, and Article 20 requires an energy performance certificate after one.

The definition offers two tests, and each Member State picks one. The cost test compares the cost of work on the envelope or the technical building systems with the value of the building, land excluded. The surface test looks at the share of the envelope that is renovated. Both use 25 % as the line.

The Netherlands uses the surface test. The Bbl defines ingrijpende renovatie as a renovation of a building in which more than 25 % of the surface of the building envelope, determined according to ISSO 75.1 or ISSO 82.1, is rebuilt and the work concerns the integral envelope. Staatsblad 2026, 103 carries that definition and applies the charging duties for new non-residential buildings to ingrijpende renovatie from 29 May 2026.

For an owner, the choice of test matters more than the number. Under the Dutch surface test, an expensive replacement of all installations does not count as a major renovation if the envelope is left alone.