Compensation scheme Filling the Gaps 2026
The Filling the Gaps Compensation Scheme programme by the Dutch Environmental Database Foundation (Stichting NMD) was set up to supplement missing environmental data in the Dutch Environmental Database – the so-called 'Witte Vlekken'. With the Filling the Gaps Compensation Scheme, the Dutch Environmental Database Foundation encourages the industry to submit verified, product-specific environmental data.
What is the compensation scheme Filling the Gaps
The Filling the Gaps programme, established by the Dutch Environmental Database, was designed to supplement missing environmental data in the database. Through the Compensation Scheme Filling the Gaps, the Dutch Environmental Database encourages industry to provide verified, product-specific data. Launched in January 2022, the project has proven successful: nearly all 380 available compensations have been reserved or paid out. Meanwhile, demand for continuity remains high, partly because 90 applications from 2024 required more time to complete their LCAs.
The compensation scheme for Filling the Gaps in the Dutch Environmental Database has been extended. In 2026, it will still be possible to receive financial support for preparing and registering environmental declarations for construction products with insufficient data in the database.
Which products are eligible?
- Products on the ‘Filling the gaps’ in NMD priority list.
- Products within the National Approach to Biobased Building (NABB) scheme.
- Innovative products that contribute to CO₂ reduction in the Netherlands.
Who is the Compensation Scheme Filling the Gaps for?
- For manufacturers, producers, suppliers and subcontractors of construction products, building systems and industry associations that have an LCA drawn up and publish the LCA data in the form of an environmental declaration in the NMD.
- For startups and small enterprises that need additional support to comply with regulations.
- Manufacturers and producers of innovative products that contribute to CO2 reduction in the Netherlands.
Applicants who previously participated in the Compensation Scheme Filling the Gaps may apply again, provided they meet specific preconditions.
Why include an environmental declaration in the Dutch Environmental Database?
1. Insight into the production chain
A life cycle analysis (LCA) gives you valuable information about the environmental impact of your product and the production process. This insight helps you improve your business operations and make them more sustainable.
2. Visible to construction professionals
Is your product included in the environmental database? Then it becomes visible to sustainability professionals who calculate with EPB and ECI tools. This increases the chance that your product will be used in sustainable building projects.
3. Transparant and future-oriented
The requirements for environmental performance calculations will be further tightened in the coming years. Products with approved, testable environmental data (category 1 or 2 data) will soon be essential. By starting now with an LCA, you are prepared and prevent delays.
If the design of a structure cannot be covered by category 1 or 2 environmental declarations, you have to fall back on category 3 declarations. Since category 3 declarations have a 30% surcharge, the MPG/ EQI calculation with category 3 declarations is always higher than the actual environmental impact.
Successful compensation scheme
John Drissen examined where the gaps are. ‘Our inventory in of product groups showed that the gaps were mainly in the ‘installations’, ‘bio-based materials’ and ‘aluminium’ product groups,’ he said. The compensation scheme is a success, because by 2022, so much Aluminium products data has been delivered that this group is no longer a ‘gap’. We are therefore happy to continue this scheme in 2023 for the groups that still need supplementation.
Furthermore, from a strategic point of view, we are also focusing on products released for reuse and recycling and those launched by startups.’
The ultimate goal of the Filling the gaps project is to develop a total of 380 new category 1 or 2 environmental declarations that fulfil the gaps.
In addition to biobased materials and installations, the scheme now also targets:
- Products available for reuse or recycling
- Products from startups offering innovative solutions
Thanks to this scheme, companies have already developed many new environmental declarations. In 2025, we will continue building on that. Join us and strengthen the sustainable position of your product.
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