The government encourages projects that have a positive environmental impact by making the financing of ‘green projects’ attractive. Through a tax benefit for green savers and investors, a green bank can offer a loan to an investor at a lower interest rate. The amount of the interest and the discount depends on the specific green bank. Green financing can be applied for nearly every construction project.

Benefits and subsidy amount

The amount of green financing that can be provided depends on the building’s sustainability level and its size in square meters. Applications can be submitted throughout the year.

Important terms

For all projects:

• It concerns a project yet to be realized in the Netherlands. An application must be submitted within six months after the start of construction.
• Start of construction work: the first moment that ‘a shovel goes into the ground at the construction site.’
• Start of renovation work: the first moment demolition work begins.
• It is likely that the project will generate some own return;
• All wood used must be FSC or PEFC certified;
• The contractors on the site must also be FSC certified;

For commercial buildings & industry
This theme consists of three categories: renovation of commercial buildings, new construction of commercial buildings, and industry. Within these categories, you must meet at least one of the specified conditions to qualify for green financing.

• For renovations, the energy label must improve by at least 2 levels.
• For new construction, a nearly energy-neutral building (BENG 2 score of 0) or a 50% improvement compared to the current Building Decree is required.
• For a building with an industrial function, a BREEAM Outstanding level or a GPR score of 8.5 must be achieved.

For residential buildings
There are two categories for residential buildings: new construction and renovation. Here too, you must meet at least one of the specified conditions in the category to qualify for green financing.

• For the renovation of residential buildings, the subsidy amount depends on the improvement of the energy label. It must improve by at least 2 steps.
• For new construction, this depends on the primary fossil energy use, which must be zero or 50% better than the current building regulations.

Apply for a subsidy?

A specialist from Van Draeckeburgh can review with you whether your project qualifies for financing and if we can still submit your application on time.

Feel free to contact us for a detailed overview of the conditions per category and a plan of approach for your project application.