Become a recognised LCA consultant or LCA expert
As a recognised LCA consultant or LCA expert, you contribute to the quality and reliability of environmental data in the construction sector. Considering this step? This page explains which requirements apply, how the assessment process works, and what's needed to keep your accreditation.
For the assessment of a category 1 or 2 environmental declaration, a recognised LCA expert is always required: without this assessment, data cannot be included in the Dutch Environmental Database. This requirement does not apply to preparing an LCA: this can also be done by a non-recognised consultant. Accreditation as an LCA consultant is therefore a choice, not a requirement, but it is the first step towards accreditation as an LCA expert. This page explains the conditions for both accreditations, how to apply, and what's needed to keep your accreditation.
Two accreditations, two obligations
Stichting NMD has two accreditations: recognised LCA consultant and recognised LCA expert. The difference lies not only in the requirements, but also in the status:
- Accreditation as an LCA expert is mandatory. Category 1 and 2 data must always be assessed by a recognised, independent LCA expert before it can be included in the Dutch Environmental Database. Without this assessment, data cannot be included in the Dutch Environmental Database.
- Accreditation as an LCA consultant is voluntary but of great value to the system. An LCA can also be prepared without accreditation, for example by someone who only does this for their own company. Even so, Stichting NMD recommends this accreditation: it demonstrably shows that you prepare LCAs independently and responsibly, increases clients' confidence in your work, and is the first step towards accreditation as an LCA expert.
Requirements for accreditation as an LCA consultant
Choosing to be accredited as an LCA consultant? Every newly recognised consultant contributes to the quality and growth of the system. You qualify if you have sufficient work experience and knowledge of LCAs, construction products, and the Assessment Method for Environmental Performance of Construction Works, and have prepared and completed at least three verified LCA reports in the past two years, in accordance with the NMD Assessment Protocol.
To apply, submit a motivation letter, a CV, the relevant LCA reports with assessment reports, and the application form. The full requirements and submission conditions are available in the download at the bottom of this page.
Want to prepare LCAs without this accreditation? That's possible too, for example as a data owner preparing LCAs for your own products: see: Register without accreditation
Requirements for accreditation as an LCA expert (mandatory)
Because every category 1 and 2 environmental declaration must be assessed by a recognised, independent third party, stricter requirements apply for this accreditation. You qualify if you have extensive work experience and knowledge of LCAs, construction products, the Assessment Method, and working with background databases such as Ecoinvent, and have prepared and assessed a sufficient number of verified LCA reports (via one year as a recognised consultant, or via a higher number of reports over two years).
To apply, submit a more extensive motivation letter, a CV, the relevant LCA reports with assessment reports, and the application form. The full requirements and submission conditions are available in the download at the bottom of this page.
For LCA professionals: apply for accreditation
How do you become recognised?
NMD recognises LCA practitioners and reviewers based on a fixed assessment protocol. Anyone who meets the stated requirements is included in the list of recognised practitioners and reviewers. The requirements for becoming a recognised LCA reviewer are stricter than the requirements for a recognised LCA practitioner: accreditation as a practitioner can be seen as a first step towards that qualification.
Read more about accreditation for practitioners and reviewers
Recognized LCA reviewer
A recognized LCA reviewer is an independent qualified third party specializing in LCA creating and reviewing LCAs. The requirements to become a recognized LCA reviewer are therefore more stringent than the requirements for a recognized LCA practitioner.
Would you like to apply to become a recognized LCA reviewer?
Recognized LCA practitioner
A recognized LCA practitioner has the necessary knowledge and experience to independently write detailed and reliable LCAs of materials and products used in the construction industry. This recognition can be seen as a first step towards qualification as an LCA reviewer.
Would you like to register as an accredited LCA practitioner?
Looking for professional information as an LCA practitioner or recognised reviewer?
Go to Information for LCA practitioners and reviewers for, among other things, PCRs, energy parameters, and biogenic carbon content.
Register environmental data without accreditation
In addition to recognised LCA practitioners, non-recognised practitioners can also submit data. This is mainly intended for people who only prepare LCAs on behalf of the producer of the construction materials, for example for their own product range. You can request login credentials for this.
Frequently asked questions
Both routes are possible. You can have been a recognised LCA consultant for at least one year and completed three verified reports in that year, or have prepared and completed at least eight verified reports over two years.
No. Accreditation as a consultant is voluntary: you can also prepare LCAs without accreditation, for example as a data owner for your own products. For the assessment of category 1 and 2 data, a recognised LCA expert is always required.
You will receive a written, substantiated decision. You can lodge an objection with the Policy Committee for Environmental Performance Netherlands (BMNL) within six weeks.
Yes. Every three years you must demonstrate that you are still actively preparing or assessing LCAs. As a consultant, you're asked to take part in meetings organised by Stichting NMD; as an expert, in the biannual Recognised Experts Meeting (ETO).
There is a one-off fee for processing your application and an annual fee for maintaining accreditation. Current rates are on the .Rates page.
