Installations within the Compensation scheme Filling the Gaps programme

Within the Compensation scheme Filling the Gaps, the Dutch Environmental Database is actively working on improving and expanding environmental data for building installations. The aim is to enable consistent modelling at building level and to ensure a level playing field within environmental performance calculations.

Within the Filling the Gaps programme, the Dutch Environmental Database is working to improve and expand environmental data for building installations. An analysis conducted in 2024 shows that classification, completeness and scalability of installation data require improvement.

Through targeted prioritisation and the strengthening of Category 3 environmental declarations, efforts are focused on achieving consistent modelling and a more usable database.

What is the reason?

The inventory conducted in July 2024 shows that:

improvements are needed in the structure and classification of installations
the coverage of installation components with Category 3 environmental declarations needs to be enhanced
the database is not yet sufficiently complete to enable consistent modelling of installations

Although the number of installation products in the database is increasing, they currently represent only a limited part of the overall installation structure. This creates risks such as:

incomplete input in environmental performance calculations
limited ability to steer design decisions
inconsistency between projects

Foundation: Framework and roadmap

The improvement of installation data builds on previously developed instruments.

Framework for installations

The Framework for installations describes the methodology for structuring and modelling building installations within the Dutch Environmental Database. It provides a reference for:

classification according to NL-SfB
scalability of products
distinction between system level and component level
positioning of replaceable components

Download: Framework for installations (2022) or the description of the methodology for classification and modelling of building installations in the NMD.

Why does this require specific attention?

Building installations consist of assemblies of multiple components. For an accurate environmental performance calculation, it is essential that:

systems can be modelled in a complete and coherent way
scalability aligns with practical application
classification is consistent
Category 3 environmental declarations cover the appropriate components

If components are missing or not logically classified, this can lead to unusable or misleading input.

Approach in three steps

Based on the analysis, a phased approach has been defined.

Step 1. Complete list of elements with minimum coverage

identification of required installation elements within the scope of the Bbl
development of functional descriptions
initial, basic Category 3 coverage where needed

Step 2. Elements with high impact and design influence

Priority is given to installations with a high environmental impact and significant design flexibility, such as:

cooling
heating
energy generation and energy storage
air handling systems in non-residential buildings

Step 3. Assessment of additional use functions

Verification of whether additional installations are required based on new building functions or the scope of the Bbl.

Link with Category 3 and quality improvement

The improvements for installations are aligned with the project Quality improvement of Category 3 data.

The objective is to achieve:

a consistent structure for both construction and installation elements
improved product delineation
better applicability in environmental performance calculations

Planning

2024: inventory and analysis
2025: prioritisation and implementation of improved classification
2025–2026: execution within the Category 3 quality improvement programme

Submit installation data

Would you like to contribute to expanding installation data in the Dutch Environmental Database? Find out how to submit and register your data.

Submit data to the Dutch Environmental Database

Summary of the inventory and analysis of environmental data for building installations in the Dutch Environmental Database, including recommendations for classification and prioritisation.