Environmental performance in new construction
An environmental performance calculation provides insight into and enables comparison of the environmental impact of new construction projects. For new homes and offices larger than 100 m², this calculation is mandatory when applying for an environmental permit.
On this page, you can read how the environmental performance for new construction is calculated, which rules apply, and how the calculation is applied in practice.
For new construction, the environmental performance of a building is calculated to provide insight into the environmental impact of materials and construction processes over the entire life cycle. The calculation is performed according to the Assessment Method for Environmental Performance of Construction Works and uses environmental data from the Dutch Environmental Database. For new homes and offices larger than 100 m², this environmental performance calculation is mandatory when applying for an environmental permit. The result of the calculation is expressed as the environmental performance of buildings (MPG).
For new construction, an environmental performance calculation is the instrument used to provide insight into the environmental impact of buildings. The calculation is performed according to the Assessment Method and using data from the Dutch Environmental Database (NMD).
Legal framework
For new construction, legal regulations apply to the calculation of the environmental performance of buildings. These regulations are established in the Buildings Decree Living Environment (Bbl) and elaborated in the Environmental Regulations.
For new homes and offices larger than 100 m², an environmental performance calculation must be submitted when applying for an environmental permit. The result of this calculation is expressed as the environmental performance of buildings (MPG). The Bbl sets threshold values for the MPG score.
The calculation must be performed according to the Assessment Method for Environmental Performance of Construction Works and using calculation tools that align with this method and the Dutch Environmental Database.
The rules surrounding the MPG requirement are periodically updated. Recent policy developments aim to create a more flexible and weighted application of the MPG requirement. This includes exploring ways to better align the environmental performance requirement with different types of buildings and design choices. Further information can be found in the Staatscourant (Government Gazette) and in explanations regarding the weighted MPG requirement.
How does the calculation work?
An environmental performance calculation maps out the environmental impact of a building over its entire life cycle. This includes assessing the materials used in the building and the environmental effects associated with production, transport, use, and processing.
The calculation consists of three main steps:
- Inventory: Identify which materials and construction products are used in the design.
- Data linking: Link these materials to environmental data and environmental declarations from the Dutch Environmental Database.
- Calculation: Use calculation tools that align with the Assessment Method for Environmental Performance of Construction Works to determine the total environmental impact of the building.
The result of the calculation is presented as an MPG score.
Read more about environmental performance calculation
Practical application
In practice, the environmental performance calculation is used at various stages of the design process:
Designers use the calculation to compare different design variants, exploring alternative materials or construction solutions.
Contractors and developers use it to demonstrate that a design complies with the MPG requirement for the environmental permit.
Municipalities use the calculation to assess permit applications.
For the correct application of the environmental performance calculation, it is essential to clarify which building components are included or excluded. Practical information sheets with explanations and examples are available for guidance.
Read more about legislation and practical explanation on the policy page
Environmental performance in practice
The environmental performance of buildings and infrastructure is applied in different ways, depending on the type of project and the phase you are in. Whether it concerns new construction, existing buildings, or developments in policy and regulations, each application requires a different perspective and, in some cases, a different Assessment Method.
This page is part of an overview that shows how environmental performance is applied in different situations and when to use which approach.
Applying environmental performance in new construction
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