Energie-Index: the old figure from before 2021
The Energie-Index (abbreviated EI) was, until 2021, the measure of the energy efficiency of an existing Dutch home. Does your energy label show a figure such as 1.2 instead of a value in kWh/m²? Then you have an old label from that period. The good news: it simply remains valid until its expiry date.
What exactly was the Energie-Index?
A figure without a unit. The lower the figure, the more efficient the home — an EI of 0.8 was therefore better than an EI of 1.8. The label letter (A to G) followed from that figure via fixed class boundaries. The EI was thus the calculation core under the old energy label, just as the primary fossil energy use is today.
What replaced the Energie-Index?
On 1 January 2021 the EI was replaced by the NTA 8800 calculation method. The main difference:
| Energie-Index (until 2021) | NTA 8800 (from 2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Figure without a unit (e.g. 1.2) | kWh/m² per year |
| Better is | Lower | Lower |
| Level of detail | More general | More detailed, incl. installations and ventilation |
| Inspection | Not always on site | Always required on site |
Note — not convertible. Labels from before and after 2021 are not directly comparable. A home with an old label B may get a C under NTA 8800, without anything having changed to the house. That is purely because the calculation differs. Only a new inspection gives you your current label.
Is my old label still valid?
Yes. An energy label is valid for ten years from the registration date in EP-online — even if it was calculated with the Energie-Index at the time. A label from 2019 therefore runs until 2029. If you sell your home in that period, you can simply use that old label. Only once it expires do you need a new label under NTA 8800. See also how long is an energy label valid?
And the rental points?
The Energie-Index used to be used in the housing valuation system (WWS) to assign rental points. Since 2021 the label class according to NTA 8800 counts towards the WWS. If you rent out a property, have it checked which label applies now and how many points go with it — that determines your maximum rent. Read more about the energy label and WWS rental points.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Energie-Index?
The Energie-Index, abbreviated EI, was the measure of the energy efficiency of an existing Dutch home until 2021. It was a figure without a unit, for example 1.2: the lower the figure, the more efficient the home. The label letter A to G followed from the Energie-Index.
Is my old label with an Energie-Index still valid?
Yes. An energy label is valid for ten years from the registration date, even if it was calculated with the Energie-Index at the time. A label from 2019 therefore runs until 2029. You do not need to do anything until it expires.
Is an Energie-Index the same as an energy label?
Not quite. The Energie-Index was the underlying figure; the label letter was its translation into a class from A to G. Since 2021 the Energie-Index no longer exists and the label class is determined by the primary fossil energy use in kWh per square metre per year.
Can I convert my old Energie-Index into a new label?
No, and this is a common assumption. NTA 8800 calculates differently and in more detail than the old method, so labels from before and after 2021 are not directly comparable. A home with an old label B may get a C under the new method without anything having changed to the house. Only a new inspection gives you your current label.
Does the Energie-Index still count towards rental points?
Not for new situations. The Energie-Index used to be used in the housing valuation system to assign rental points. Since 2021 the label class according to NTA 8800 counts towards the WWS. If you rent out a property, have it checked which label applies now and which points go with it.
More in the knowledge base
- NTA 8800: the calculation method behind the label
- Provisional and definitive energy label: the difference
- Energy label A to G: what do the label classes mean?
- How long is an energy label valid?
- The energy label and WWS rental points
Old label expired, or due for a new one?
At Hollands Duurzaam you pay from €220 for an official energy label under NTA 8800, including free improvement advice — a fixed all-in price, with no travel costs in our service area. BRL 9500-MWA-W certified, member of AVEPA, registered directly in EP-online.