The sustainability performance of Dutch retail properties continues to lag behind, while regulatory pressure is accelerating. Only around 43% of the 170,000 retail units currently have a registered energy label. This is one of the conclusions presented by Savills in its report Dutch Retail Real Estate: The Power of Bricks in Retail.

According to Savills, 2026 marks the beginning of a new phase in which energy performance will no longer be a voluntary ESG ambition, but a direct determinant of lettability, value development and regulatory compliance within the retail real estate sector.

Iris Kampers, Head of Sustainability & ESG at Savills Netherlands, states:
“Retail real estate is on the verge of a structural shift. Energy efficiency is becoming a hard requirement, not only from a regulatory standpoint but also for the market positioning of assets. Owners who anticipate now will reduce the risk of misaligned assets.”

Monuments to Lose Exempt Status from May 2026
A significant turning point will occur next year. Historically, listed buildings have been exempt from the energy label requirement, but this exemption will be removed. As of 29 May 2026, an EPC obligation will apply to listed buildings when being let, sold or when leases are renewed.

Savills has calculated that at least 841 retail properties in the Netherlands are designated as national monuments, of which only 22.4% currently have an energy label.

Renovation Obligation for the Worst-Performing 26% of Commercial Stock
In addition to the label requirement, EPBD IV introduces a renovation obligation for the poorest-performing segment of the commercial building stock. Member States must ensure that the lowest-scoring 26% is upgraded to a minimum standard by 2033. The exact Dutch implementation is expected in early 2026.

From 2030, a harmonised European A–G label scale will also be introduced, which may result in reclassification of buildings that have not undertaken improvement measures.

Alexander de Jong, Director Retail Transactions at Savills Netherlands, comments:
“Many retail properties still lack sufficient EPC coverage, exposing them to a double risk: uncertainty about their energy performance and an accelerating obligation to invest. This is particularly relevant in the retail sector, which is characterised by fragmented ownership structures and challenging market conditions, where landlords typically lease shell space and uncertainty persists regarding the division of sustainability responsibilities between landlord and tenant.”

Quick Wins and Green Leases Can Mitigate Risks
Savills points out that relatively simple measures can already generate substantial impact. Switching off lighting outside trading hours alone could save approximately 536 million kWh annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of more than 150,000 households.
In addition, optimising HVAC installations, improving insulation and implementing green leases can all contribute to reducing costs, lowering emissions and creating future-proof operations.

According to Savills, investors, owners and retailers will need to make strategic decisions in 2026: timely investment in energy performance will be essential to preserve asset value and comply with the new European framework.

The full report Dutch Retail Real Estate: The Power of Bricks in Retail can be downloaded here.