The Latest Developments in Building Regulations in the Netherlands.
- Pierre Van der Woude
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
(April 2025)
The Dutch construction sector will continue to be in full swing in 2025. New and stricter construction regulations require agility and vision from construction companies, project developers and architects. Sustainability , acceleration of housing construction and quality assurance are central this year. In this update we list the most important changes in construction regulations .
1. Environmental Act: A year on the road
Since the Environmental Act came into effect on 1 January 2024, the sector has moved on a year. The law replaces 26 old laws on space, environment, nature and water, and promises faster permit procedures. Simple construction projects will receive a decision within 8 weeks.
The implementation via the Digital System Environmental Act (DSO) is proceeding in a variable manner: not all municipalities have the transition completely under control. That is why it is essential to check the current procedures per municipality. The Environmental Plan offers municipalities room for local customization, which leads to differences in implementation.
2. BENG requirements: Possible tightening in sight
The BENG requirements (Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings), mandatory since 2021, remain an important instrument for sustainable construction. Further tightening is expected in 2025:
• Lower maximum energy requirement per building
• Greater share of renewable energy
• Focus on heat pumps and solar panels in new construction
Although fines for non-compliance are not expected until 2026, it is smart to design now with the stricter requirements in mind. This will prevent delays and adjustment costs.
3. Quality Assurance Act (Wkb): Enforcement is growing
The Wkb (Quality Assurance for Construction Act) will be enforced more strictly in 2025. Independent quality assurance officers are increasingly checking whether buildings meet the construction technical requirements.
Important:
• Contractors are liable for defects unless they can prove that it was not their fault.
• Consumers gain more certainty about the quality of deliveries.
For construction companies, this means that cooperation with recognized quality assurance providers becomes crucial to limit risks.
4. Circular construction: Steps towards obligation
Circular construction will grow from ambition to practice in 2025. Government tenders aim for 50% circularity by 2030 , and the first concrete steps will be taken in 2025:
• A material-related CO₂ performance requirement for tenders is getting closer.
• Large projects register used materials in a material register (such as Madaster).
Companies that invest in circular construction processes now strengthen their position in future tenders and meet new sustainability requirements sooner.
Conclusion: Looking ahead is winning
Building regulations in the Netherlands are changing rapidly.
Construction companies that master the Environmental Act , anticipate stricter BENG standards , embrace the Wkb and integrate circular construction , have a clear lead in the market.
Proactive action is essential to remain successful in an increasingly demanding sector.
Need help staying ahead?
👉 Contact CIA The Insights Agency .
We are happy to help you with an up-to-date quick scan, technical support or a workshop!
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