Databases of the NMD
Stichting NMD manages both the Dutch Environmental Database (NMD) and the Process database. Read more about one of these databases directly by choosing below or read more about the main differences between the two databases on this page.
Both the Dutch Environmental Database (NMD) and the Process database contain category 1 and category 2 environmental declarations and category 3 environmental data. Category 1 (product-related) and category 2 (industry-related) data have both been verified according to the NMD Verification Protocol and category 3 (generic) data has not been verified according to the NMD Verification Protocol. So although both databases contain category 1, 2 and 3 data, the content of each differs.
The NMD is a database filled with environmental declarations that show the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. These environmental declarations thus contain environmental data from the production phase (modules A1-5), the use phase (modules B1-5), the end-of-life phase (modules C1-4) and the benefits and costs beyond the system boundary (module D).
The Process database is a collection of international and national processes, which serve as the basis for preparing environmental declarations in the NMD. The category 1 and 2 processes in the Process database contain only one module from the Product life cycle, such as the production phase (module A1-3).
Usage and application
The use and application of the two databases also differ. The NMD is used within validated Calculation tools to perform calculations such as the Environmental Cost Indicator (ECI) and the Environmental Performance of Buildings (EPB). Users of this data can make environmental calculations of construction projects through these Calculation tools. Only validated Calculation tools can currently obtain a licence to access the NMD.
The Process database, on the other hand, is used in SimaPro by LCA practitioners to prepare Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). The processes in this database thus form the building blocks for the environmental declarations in the NMD.
Submitting and entering data
Data for environmental declarations in the NMD are entered and verified via our online entry platform, which is accessible to both LCA practitioners and LCA reviewers.
Data for the Process database can be submitted using this form. Submission is via the appropriate templates, which can be downloaded from our website. The data are entered into the process database by the process database administrators.
Update frequency, versions and reference date
The NMD is updated daily. As soon as a recognised LCA reviewer approves an environmental declaration and confirms publication via the online entry platform, the data are included in the NMD the next day. The NMD does not work with version numbers, but uses a reference date. This reference date refers to the environmental data available in the NMD on that specific date. This makes it possible to use a reference date from the past, for example to verify a construction work calculation.
The Process database is delivered to license holders twice a year, usually in May and November. New processes or modifications to existing processes are not included in the database until such a new delivery. Each delivery results in a new version of the Process database.
Visibility of the data
The environmental declarations in the NMD can be viewed via the viewer and can be used in validated Calculation tools. The Process database is only accessible to license holders, such as LCA agencies and LCA practitioners, who use this database in SimaPro.
Lees meer
