Climate change presents a critical challenge worldwide. With the built environment responsible for 37% of the total energy consumption of the Netherlands, it becomes crucial to address this issue. One way to mitigate this issue is through energy labels. These labels offer a method to assess current emission and emission reductions, but there are certain building types, like listed buildings, that are exempted from the requirement to have one. This exemption for listed buildings, around 150.000 in the Netherlands, shows the unique challenges that come with these buildings.

As a result, most listed buildings currently lack an energy label, and among those that do, only 17% has achieved a label C or higher. However, research suggests that this can be improved to up to 90% while preserving their cultural-historical value. This highlights both the challenge and potential of improving their energy performance, emphasising the need for a more tailored approach.

This study therefore aims to tailor the energy label to listed buildings, facilitating their participation in the energy transition. Through interviews with relevant stakeholders, case studies of successful renovations of listed buildings and the analysis of existing green certification systems, including the current energy label of the Netherlands, the research intends to shape and structure a way for these buildings to no longer be an exemption. Ultimately, this initiative strives to balance sustainability and conservation of cultural heritage, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and the bigger picture of a green built environment.