EPBD IV: Key Requirements For Commercial Buildings in the Netherlands and How to Manage Building Compliance Reporting
In 2024, the European Council approved the fourth revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This directive, aimed at improving the energy performance of buildings across the European Union, was officially published in May 2024 (read full text here). With 85% of buildings constructed before 2000 and 75% of those performing poorly, action is needed to meet the EU’s goal of a fully decarbonised, zero-emission building stock by 2050.
EPBD IV applies to both new and existing buildings, including residential properties and commercial real estate such as offices, healthcare facilities, schools, and retail premises.
For commercial real estate, the EPBD IV presents both a regulatory challenge and an economic opportunity. Improving energy performance not only reduces operational costs and stabilises long-term asset value, but also alleviates pressure on the energy grid. At the same time, the shift to smarter, greener buildings supports the EU’s broader ambitions: boosting green jobs, driving innovation in the construction sector, and enabling more informed decisions around energy use and investment.
With the first deadlines approaching as early as 2026, it’s crucial for owners and operators of commercial buildings to understand what is ahead. This article outlines what EPBD IV means for the commercial real estate sector and how Next Sense helps building owners & occupiers stay compliant and improve operational efficiency.
Minimum Energy Performance Standards: Thresholds for Existing Buildings
One of the directive’s main pillars is the push to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings. EPBD IV introduces two minimum thresholds. From 2030, existing commercial buildings must perform better than the bottom 16% worst-performing buildings in 2020. This increases to the bottom 26% from 2033 onward.
These thresholds are directly linked to energy performance benchmarking, which helps building owners measure, compare, and improve energy efficiency across their portfolios.
New Construction: from NZEB to ZEB
The standard for new buildings is also changing. The former benchmark, Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB), is replaced by the Zero Emission Building (ZEB) classification. The emphasis now shifts from minimising energy demand to eliminating emissions altogether. Compliant buildings must use very little energy, rely primarily on renewables, and emit virtually no CO₂ or greenhouse gases.
The ZEB requirement applies to new public buildings from 2028 and to all new commercial buildings from 2030. By 2050, the entire EU building stock must meet this standard.
Building Automation and Monitoring
To better manage energy use, the directive requires advanced building automation and control systems. These systems monitor and optimise the performance of technical installations such as heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation. From 2026, buildings with a heating or cooling system generating 290 kW and above must be equipped with a Building Automation and Control System (BACS) that complies with the directives. This threshold drops to 70 kW from 2030.
How Next Sense Supports EPBD IV Compliance
Meeting the demands of EPBD IV requires more than occasional audits. The directive calls for continuous monitoring, proactive performance management, and transparent reporting. That’s where Next Sense comes in.
1. Data platform
Our platform is built to automate compliance from the ground up. By integrating directly with a building’s management system, we continuously monitor and log performance across key systems such as heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. This real-time data collection fulfils one of EPBD IV’s core requirements: continuous insight into how a building performs. The dashboard provides real-time visibility as well as long-term performance tracking.
To support proactive energy management, the system sets automated benchmarks and sends alerts when thresholds are breached. For example, when overheating occurs, ventilation systems underperform, or energy use spikes during low occupancy. This enables facility teams to intervene before issues become structural, while also establishing a reliable data trail for audits and building compliance reporting.
To further reduce manual workload, all performance data is exportable, making CSRD & ESG reporting easy for asset managers.
2. Building Experts
In addition to the platform, our Building Performance Experts (BPEs) provide an extra layer of strategic value. They interpret performance data in context, run scenario modelling, and advise clients on how to prioritise action. Whether it’s pinpointing the cause of inefficiencies or aligning improvement measures with broader sustainability goals, their insights turn raw data into clear, informed decisions.
3. AI Controls
Going the extra mile – with Next Sense AI Control, we can automatically adjust set points of certain systems within the building. For example, our AI-driven controls automatically adjust lighting, HVAC, and shading based on occupancy, weather, and real-time usage. Making manual intervention irrelevant, improving comfort and ensuring that buildings consume only the energy they actually need.
Turning Compliance Into ROI
While EPBD IV compliance is a legal obligation, it also presents a unique opportunity for improving building operations. Properties that meet energy and emissions thresholds don’t just avoid penalties, they gain efficiency, resilience, and long-term value.
By complying with EPBD IV, building owners gain visibility into inefficiencies that would otherwise go unnoticed. For example: energy-intensive systems operating during periods of non-occupancy. These insights often reveal potential energy savings of 20–30%, which translates directly into reduced operating costs.
In addition, the same infrastructure that supports compliance (continuous data, automated reporting, performance KPIs) also enhances portfolio visibility. This helps clients make smarter retrofit decisions, manage sustainability risks, and strengthen their asset valuation in a market that increasingly prioritizes ESG alignment.
In Conclusion
EPBD IV sets a new standard for European real estate, requiring buildings to transition from NZEB to ZEB, with decarbonisation as a focus. By meeting these requirements, property owners can enhance building performance and create measurable business value, making early assessment and planning essential.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're preparing for upcoming legislation or aiming to improve operational performance across your portfolio, Next Sense provides the tools to make it happen. From energy performance benchmarking to smart automation, our platform supports every step of your sustainability strategy.
Want to see how our real estate compliance software can transform your buildings? Request a personalised demo today!
