New energy label since 29 May 2026: what changed and do you need to replace your old label?
Since 29 May 2026 the energy label looks different: more information, laid out more clearly. Do you have to replace your old label because of that? No. A label that has already been issued stays valid for ten years. In this article you read what really changed, what did not, and in which situations you do need a new label.
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Calculate your price →What changed on the energy label as of 29 May 2026?
The label has a new design and shows more than just the letter. This is new:
- 📋 More information on the label - among other things the insulation per part of the home, the installations, CO₂ emissions and the share of renewable energy, plus improvement advice and a QR code to more information.
- 🔋 Home battery counts - a permanently connected battery of at least 5 kWh, combined with solar panels. Read how it works →
- 🏛️ Monuments no longer exempt - for a monument you now also need a label when selling or renting. Read more about monuments →
- 🆕 A0 for new builds - this is not an extra letter class above A++++, but a separate status indication next to the letter, showing that the building meets specific, strict sustainability requirements. Read what A0 means ↓
What has not changed: the label letters and the class limits. A label C is still a label C. The calculation method (NTA 8800) has only been adjusted to a limited extent. You can read more about the technical side in our article on the NTA 8800 method 2026.
What does A0 mean on the energy label?
It is crucial to know that A0 is not an extra plus class, like a superlative above A++++. It is an extra status indication that stands apart from the regular letter bar (A++++ to G). It shows that the building meets specific, strict sustainability requirements: the zero-emission requirements.
It concerns new buildings. For an existing home nothing changes: it simply keeps its letter, without A0. When you look at a new-build home, read the letter and the A0 indication separately.
Do I have to replace my old energy label?
No. A label issued before 29 May 2026 is not adjusted and simply stays valid for ten years from the survey date. Only labels registered from 29 May 2026 get the new design.
So you do not need to act just because the label has been renewed, certainly not if you are not selling or renting out your home. Want to know exactly until when your label is valid? Read how long an energy label is valid →
When do you need a (new) energy label?
You get a new label with the new design when you need a label and your old one is missing or has expired. That applies in these situations:
- 🏠 When selling - you must be able to hand over a valid label at the notary and state the label letter in your listing.
- 🔑 When renting out again - the tenant receives the label with the rental contract. Since 29 May 2026 this also applies when a rental contract is extended or renewed.
- 🏗️ After a major renovation - after a far-reaching renovation of the home a new label is now also required.
- 🏛️ For a monument - the former exemption has lapsed.
- ⏳ When your old label has expired - after ten years you need a new label.
Arranging a valid label in advance is almost always smarter than waiting: without a label you risk a fine from the ILT and the sale or rental gets delayed. You can find the current amounts and rules in our article Energy label mandatory when selling or renting →
Are the plus labels (A+ to A++++) disappearing?
No, not as of 29 May 2026. Many reports online claim the label now only runs from A to G. That is not correct: the plus labels still exist. The larger overhaul, with among other things a different label scale and a renewed calculation method, is planned for 1 January 2030 according to the European EPBD timeline and has not been finalised yet.
What does the new label mean for buyers, sellers and landlords?
For buyers and tenants the label is easier to read: you see at a glance where the home loses energy and what you can improve. For sellers and landlords little changes in practice: you need a valid label and the label letter belongs in your listing.
Do you rent out a home with a low label class? Then keep an eye on the label D requirement for rental homes in 2029 and the influence of your label on the WWS rent points.
We make labels in Woerden and the rest of the Groene Hart, using the current calculation method and registration in EP-online. Want to know how to improve a poorer label class? Read how to get from D to A →
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to replace my old energy label?
No. A label issued before 29 May 2026 stays valid for ten years, counted from the survey date. You only need a new label when your old one has expired or when you need one for a new situation, such as a sale, a new rental or after a major renovation.
Are the plus labels A+ to A++++ disappearing?
Not as of 29 May 2026. The label letters and class limits have not changed. The disappearance of the plus labels belongs to a larger overhaul that, according to the EPBD timeline, is planned for 1 January 2030 and has not been finalised yet.
Has the energy label become more expensive because of the new design?
Not at Hollands Duurzaam. Nothing has been announced about higher costs because of the new design. An energy label still costs from € 220 with us (apartment from € 275), including survey, calculation and registration in EP-online.
What is new on the energy label?
Besides the label letter, the new label shows more information: among other things the insulation per part of the home, the installations, CO₂ emissions and the share of renewable energy. It also includes improvement advice and a QR code linking to more information. New buildings that meet the zero-emission requirements also get the A0 indication. That is not an extra letter class above A++++, but a separate status indication next to the letter, showing that the building meets specific, strict sustainability requirements.
Does a home battery count towards my label now?
Yes, under conditions. A permanently connected home battery of at least 5 kWh has counted since 29 May 2026, but only if your home also has solar panels. Loose plug-and-play batteries do not count. The effect is limited, about 2 percent on the energy performance.
Read also
- NTA 8800 method 2026: what really changes?
- Energy label mandatory when selling or renting
- How long is an energy label valid?
- Does a home battery count for your energy label?
Request an energy label?
Old label expired, or need one for a sale or rental? We arrange the new label from € 220, including survey, calculation and registration in EP-online. We are BRL 9500-MWA-W certified, a member of AVEPA and registered in EP-online.