Functional descriptions
The data structure of the Dutch Environmental Database is based on the functions that products, processes and energy carriers fulfil within a construction work. These functions are laid down in functional descriptions. On this page you can read what functional descriptions are, how the classification structure is organised and how environmental declarations are classified.
This page is intended for producers, LCA practitioners and other parties who register environmental declarations or want to understand how the Dutch Environmental Database is structured.
The Dutch Environmental Database is built around functional descriptions: established definitions of the function that a product, process or energy carrier fulfils within a construction work. They form the basis for registering, classifying and comparing environmental declarations. The Dutch Environmental Database has four classification systems: NL/SfB for the buildings sector, RAW for the civil engineering sector, Processes and Energy. An environmental declaration is always linked to one element within a classification system. Products that fulfil multiple functions can be linked to multiple elements through clones
Functional descriptions
The data structure of the Dutch Environmental Database is based on the functions that products, processes and energy carriers fulfil within a construction work. These functions are laid down in functional descriptions. A functional description defines the performance or application that a product, process or energy carrier delivers, regardless of manufacturer, material type or design.
Functional descriptions form the basis for registering, classifying and comparing products and processes within the Dutch Environmental Database. They ensure that products with the same function are recorded in a uniform way and applied consistently in environmental performance calculations.
On this page you can read what functional descriptions are, how the classification structure is organised and how environmental declarations are classified.
A functional description describes:
- which function a product, process or energy carrier fulfils
- which element and scope of application this function falls under
- how an environmental declaration is classified within the Dutch Environmental Database
- at what level declarations can be compared and applied in calculations
This creates a consistent structure with which environmental declarations can be registered and used in calculation tools for EPB, ECI, MEPG and WLC-GWP calculations.
Structure of the Dutch Environmental Database
The classification structure of the Dutch Environmental Database is hierarchically organised. Products, processes and energy carriers are classified step by step from a general level to an increasingly specific level.
Classification system
The classification system determines within which scope of application a declaration is classified. The Dutch Environmental Database has four classification systems: NL/SfB, RAW, Processes and Energy. Each classification system corresponds to a specific sector or application within the built environment.
Element
A classification system is divided into elements, which group functional descriptions relating to the same building component, process group or category of energy carriers. An example of an element is 'Roofs; structural' within the NL/SfB classification system, and 'Railway and tram works' within the RAW classification system.
Component
A component is a further breakdown of an element into a specific part. This is where the function is defined for which an environmental declaration can be included. Within the element 'Roofs; structural', for example, the components 'Gutter structures and roof edges' and 'Thermal insulation' can be found.
Functional descriptions
Each component contains a functional description, consisting of a description of the function and a functional unit. Functional descriptions ensure that products or processes with a comparable function are registered within the same group and can be compared with each other.
Use in environmental declarations
An environmental declaration is always linked to one element. When a product, process or system fulfils multiple functions, the same declaration can be linked to multiple components within that element. This makes it clear which functions are covered by one declaration.
An example is a window system consisting of a frame and glazing. When these components are included together in one environmental declaration, the same declaration can be linked to multiple functional descriptions within the element 'Exterior wall openings; filled with windows'. In this way, the full functionality of the product is represented without the need for multiple separate environmental declarations.
Overview of classification systems
Environmental declarations are classified into four classification systems, each with its own application
NL/SfB – Buildings sector (B&U)
NL/SfB is the classification system for construction products and building components in the buildings sector. The structure is based on architectural elements and is used for classifying products that form part of buildings and building-related structures. Used for, among others, architectural products, structural elements, facade elements, finishing products and installation-related building components.
View the overview of functional descriptions – NL-SfB B&U
RAW – Civil engineering (GWW)
RAW is the classification system for products used in infrastructure works. The classification aligns with the RAW methodology widely used in the civil engineering sector. Used for, among others, roads, hydraulic engineering structures, civil engineering works, underground infrastructure, railways and public space.
View the overview of RAW functional descriptions
Processes – Generic and specific processes
The Processes classification contains functional descriptions for individual processes rather than complete products. This classification is primarily used in the civil engineering sector, but can also be applied across sectors. Processes generally consist of one clearly defined activity or operation, such as transport processes, construction processes and specific project activities.
View the overview of functional descriptions for processes
Energy – Energy carriers
The Energy classification contains energy carriers used to determine the environmental impact of energy use during the use phase of construction works. The declarations can, depending on the type of calculation, be applied in both the buildings and civil engineering sectors. This classification is used in MEPG and WLC-GWP calculations. Only category 3a declarations are included in this classification. Examples include electricity, natural gas, district heating networks and other energy carriers.
Download
Veelgestelde vragen over functionele beschrijvingen
Some products can be applied within different elements and scopes of application. An insulation material, for example, can be used in a floor, roof or wall. Because an environmental declaration is always linked to one element, so-called clones are used in the Dutch Environmental Database. A clone is a copy of the same environmental declaration linked to a different element. The environmental data remains identical; only the classification differs.
An element is a main category within a classification system, such as Floors, Roofs or Road surfaces. A component then describes a specific function within that element. Environmental declarations are linked to one element and to one or more components within that element.
The Dutch Environmental Database is organised around the function that a product, process or energy carrier fulfils. This allows different solutions with the same application to be included within the same functional description and compared with each other. This aligns with the purpose of environmental performance calculations, where the function delivered is central.
Choose the functional description that best matches the function the product fulfils in practice. If in doubt, look at the scope of application, the element under which the description falls and the explanation accompanying the functional description.
The construction, infrastructure and energy sectors are constantly evolving. New products, techniques and applications may give rise to new functional descriptions being added or existing descriptions being clarified. This keeps the classification structure of the Dutch Environmental Database current and useful for the market.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up now and receive our newsletter (in Dutch) 10 times a year!
