Publications by the EEM NL Hub
This page provides access to key documents and publications developed by the Energy Efficient Mortgages Hub Netherlands (EEM NL Hub). Here you will find the latest frameworks, reports, and guidance materials that support the Dutch mortgage sector in aligning with European sustainability regulations and advancing green finance. All documents are available for download below.
New joint white paper released: Making the EU taxonomy more usable for real estate finance
EEM NL Hub and the Association of German Pfandbrief Banks (vdp) have published a joint white paper, “Climate ambition intact, usability enhanced – A market-based proposal to update the EU taxonomy for residential and commercial real estate.”
The paper explains that while the EU Taxonomy is crucial for steering capital towards sustainable buildings, current criteria are too complex, difficult to apply at property level and insufficiently aligned with national building standards.
Based on experience from the Dutch and German mortgage markets, it identifies seven structural obstacles, including misalignment with EPBD implementation, narrow renovation criteria, complex DNSH rules, data and GDPR barriers, and unclear minimum safeguards for households.
In response, the authors propose seven market-based solutions to keep climate ambition intact while making the framework more practical and scalable for day-to-day lending and investment decisions.
The publication is intended as a concrete contribution to the 2026 review of the EU Taxonomy, helping policymakers and supervisors to better support renovation, investment and climate impact across Europe.
10 changes to make the EU Taxonomy revision a success for residential mortgage loans
This white paper outlines 10 concrete recommendations to improve the EU Taxonomy framework for residential mortgage loans. It highlights practical barriers that financial institutions face in applying current Taxonomy criteria, particularly for renovations and new constructions. The report draws on Dutch market experience and emphasizes the need for simplification, regulatory alignment, and homeowner-friendly criteria. It also discusses legal inconsistencies, data limitations, and the role of GDPR in sustainable finance reporting. The paper is intended to support policymakers in shaping a more effective and usable Taxonomy for the housing sector.