What is an EBS and why is it required in your building?
EBS is an acronym with several meanings, but in the context of energy management in Dutch buildings it stands for Energy Registration and Monitoring System, also known as an energy management system. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?
Measuring means knowing
An EBS is a smart system that monitors your building’s energy consumption. It uses data from smart meters to give you insight into your use of electricity, gas and heat. With this data, you can create reports that show how your consumption develops over the day, week or year. These insights help you take targeted actions to make your building more energy efficient.
What does an EBS offer you
- Insight: see exactly where and when energy is being used
- Overview: compare usage across different periods or locations
- Control: fine tune your systems and reduce energy waste
For example, by adjusting your climate system based on actual usage, you can avoid unnecessary energy loss.
Why is an EBS legally required
Using an EBS is not just a smart move, in many cases it is also a legal requirement. In the Netherlands, buildings with high energy usage are subject to the energy saving obligation. This means you must take measures to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
The government has published a list of recognised energy saving measures that are proven to deliver a quick return on investment. One of those measures is implementing an Energy Registration and Monitoring System.
What does the law say exactly
This obligation comes from the Environmental Regulation and the Building Works Decree. These rules include the following:
- Article 5.29 of the Environmental Regulation requires you to use an EBS if your type of building is listed in the recognised measures list
- Article 3.84 of the Bbl obligates you to implement recognised energy saving measures unless you can prove that an alternative is equally effective
What are the minimum EBS requirements
The regulations also specify how the EBS must function:
- Electricity use must be recorded every 15 minutes
- Gas and heat use must be recorded every hour
- The system must automatically collect this data
- You must produce an annual report on how your climate system is performing
If you do not comply, you are at risk of violating these legal obligations, and the government can require you to take corrective action.
Why does the government require this
The reason is simple. You cannot manage energy efficiently without insight. An EBS is meant to be the first smart step toward energy savings. With EBS data, you can often make simple improvements to your systems and reduce waste, without making major investments.
Checklist: Do you need an EBS?
Not sure whether you need an EBS? Use this checklist:
Does your organisation consume more than 50,000 kWh of electricity or 25,000 cubic meters of gas per year
Yes? Then the energy saving obligation applies to you
Is your building type included in the recognised measures list?
Yes? Then you must implement the associated measures including an EBS.
Do you already have an EBS that records and reports automatically?
No? Then you may not be compliant with Article 5.29 and 3.84.
Is your electricity recorded every 15 minutes, and gas or heat every hour?
No? Then your system does not meet the minimum requirements.
Do you produce an annual report on your climate system’s performance?
No? Then you are missing a key part of your legal obligations.
Tip: Want to be sure you are compliant? Talk to your energy consultant or check the recognised measures list at RVO.nl.