The Netherlands

The pilot is part of the regulatory and policy framework aimed at improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings in the Netherlands, specifically those built between 1950 and 1980. These buildings, known as system buildings, are suitable for prefabricated renovation techniques due to their uniformity and scale, covering around 600,000 square meters. In cities like Rotterdam and Arnhem, privately owned homes represent a significant portion of the residential stock (34% and 44%, respectively), with most being first homes and highly occupied (95-96%).

Several key policies and initiatives shape the regulatory context to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, such as:

• Aardgasvrije Wijken (Gas-Free Districts): A national and municipal initiative encouraging the transition from natural gas to alternative heating sources in entire neighbourhoods. - REKS-Plans and Warmtevisies: Regional energy strategies and municipal heat visions guiding sustainable energy use in building stock, aligning local development with national sustainability goals.

• Circular Economy Initiatives: Programs promoting the adoption of circularity principles in building practices to emphasise the reuse and recycling of materials, in addition to energy efficiency measures. However, the Dutch regulatory landscape currently lacks a fully implemented Building Renovation Passport (BRP) system. Although the government and various organisations are developing data standards to facilitate the creation and use of BRPs, the absence of such regulations and tools limits the systematic tracking and planning of deep renovation projects. This presents challenges for comprehensive renovation planning and execution despite existing regulations supporting energy efficiency improvements.

• "Bijna Energieneutrale Gebouwen" (BENG) standard, which translates to Nearly Energy Neutral Buildings. BENG regulations are crucial in the Netherlands as they set strict requirements for energy performance in new buildings and significant renovations. This standard mandates that buildings must achieve a high level of energy efficiency, focusing on reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

1. Availability of Suitable Buildings: Identifying appropriate buildings within the target construction period is crucial. If suitable assets are unavailable in the proposed areas, we need to find similar alternatives from other locations in the Netherlands.

2. Regulatory and Financial Support: Initiatives like Aardgasvrije Wijken and Warmtevisies provide a framework for sustainable renovation. However, the lack of a fully implemented Building Renovation Passport (BRP) system complicates the planning and execution of deep renovations. The standardised regulations and tools for BRPs is necessary for the systematic tracking of renovation progress and energy efficiency improvements.

3. Technological Integration and Growth: The pilot must ensure that tools used for managing building stock data are not just improved, but continuously so. They must be adapted to meet the evolving needs of energy-efficient renovations. This requires ongoing collaboration between software developers and stakeholders in the renovation process.

4. Stakeholder Engagement: Achieving the pilot's objectives will require more than collaboration among various stakeholders, including municipalities, housing corporations, private homeowners, and financial institutions. It will require their strong engagement. Ensuring that all parties are aligned and committed to the renovation goals is not just essential; it's integral to success.

1. The OCR system aims to tackle the challenge of finding suitable buildings for renovation by providing automated, archetype-based BRPs tailored to different building types. By categorising the building stock based on local typologies, the OCR platform will enable the identification of the most suitable renovation strategies for various residential buildings, even when specific types of dwellings are not available in the proposed areas. This approach ensures that relevant buildings across the Netherlands can be effectively included in the renovation process regardless of location.

2. The OCR BRP will directly integrate information about regulatory requirements and available financial incentives into the renovation planning process. This includes aligning the renovation roadmaps with existing regulations, such as the EPBD recast, and incorporating up-to-date data on public support schemes like Aardgasvrije Wijken and REKS plans. By offering homeowners and professionals detailed, compliant BRPs that include information on financial and technical support, the OCR platform will significantly reduce the complexity and cost associated with meeting regulatory demands. This cost-saving potential makes deep renovations more accessible and financially viable, providing a strong incentive for all stakeholders to participate in the renovation process.

3. OCR will enhance technological integration by connecting various energy performance calculators and renovation design tools through a web environment. This connectivity allows for the seamless generation of BRPs that are compliant with current regulations and customised to the specific needs of each building and user profile. By automating the process and continuously updating the tool with new data and functionalities, OCR will ensure that technological advancements are consistently incorporated into the renovation process, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the targeted buildings.

4. It will engage stakeholders by providing a user-friendly, one-click tool that simplifies the renovation process for all involved parties. Homeowners will receive clear, step-by-step renovation plans that are easy to understand and implement, increasing their willingness to participate in deep renovations. For professionals, the platform offers pre-compliant BRPs that streamline their work and ensure compliance with regulations, making it easier to deliver tailored renovation solutions. Policymakers can use the platform to align local incentives with the BRP-generated renovation strategies, facilitating the effective implementation and monitoring of their policies. By involving stakeholders from design to testing, OCR ensures that all parties are actively engaged and invested in the renovation process. This collective effort will drive higher renovation rates and deeper energy efficiency improvements, inspiring a positive change in the building renovation industry.

Overall, the OCR BRP system provides a comprehensive, automated tool that simplifies the renovation process, ensures regulatory compliance, and engages all relevant stakeholders, thereby accelerating the transition towards a zero-emission building stock in the EU.