Becoming a calculation tool owner with Stichting NMD
For software providers that want to develop a calculation tool to perform calculations using data from the Dutch Environmental Database. This page explains what becoming a calculation tool owner involves, which calculation applications are available for validation, and how the process works.
Are you a software provider that wants to support environmental performance calculations based on NMD data? As a calculation tool owner, you develop calculation software that uses environmental data from the Dutch Environmental Database and the Assessment Method Environmental Performance of Buildings. Stichting NMD validates your tool and, upon successful validation, includes it in the official list of validated calculation tools. This page explains what it involves, what the process requires, and how to get started.
What is a calculation tool owner?
Calculation tool owners are private software providers that develop and offer calculation software with which users can carry out an environmental performance calculation. To do so, they use the environmental data and calculation methods managed by Stichting NMD.
Validated calculation tools are an essential part of the environmental performance system: without calculation software, architects, consultants and clients cannot apply data from the Dutch Environmental Database in design and procurement. Calculation tool owners therefore contribute directly to the functioning of the system.
What does calculation tool ownership offer you?
As a validated calculation tool owner, you give your users the ability to carry out official environmental performance calculations based on NMD data. This makes your tool relevant for architects, consultants, project developers and clients working with the MPG for new construction, the MKI in GWW tenders, or environmental performance calculations for existing buildings. Your tool is included in the official list of validated calculation tools on milieudatabase.nl.
Once validated, you gain access to the full Dutch Environmental Database via an API, technical and content documentation and support, and you take part in the bimonthly consultation with calculation tool owners. This gives you early insight into new developments in the Assessment Method.
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In the first phase, you become acquainted with the content-related, technical, legal and financial conditions. You receive information about the Assessment Method, the data model and the API. Stichting NMD discusses the terms of the licensing process, including the licence agreement, the SLA and a confidentiality statement. The environmental data in the Dutch Environmental Database is confidential and may not be shared with third parties under any circumstances. Signing the confidentiality statement is therefore a condition for receiving access to the API.
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In the second phase, you develop your software. After payment of the first part of the entry fee and receipt of the signed confidentiality statement, you receive API access for a period of six months. During this period, you are entitled to support on regulatory and data-related questions.
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In the third phase, you go through the validation process. Stichting NMD assesses your tool against the validation protocol: has the Assessment Method been correctly implemented, and is the correct environmental data applied? Successful completion of validation is the condition for inclusion in the official list of validated calculation tools.
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After successful validation, the licence agreement is signed in the fourth phase and your tool is included in the official list of validated calculation tools. You are included in Stichting NMD's communication channels and connected to the ongoing consultation structures.
Validation
Validation by Stichting NMD ensures that all calculation tools apply the Assessment Method in the same way, so that calculation outcomes are comparable. Stichting NMD offers validation for the following calculation applications:
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MPG calculations for permit-required new construction (B&U), based on the Assessment Method Environmental Performance of Buildings.
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MKI calculations for the GWW sector.
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Environmental performance calculations for existing buildings (optional), based on the Assessment Method Environmental Performance Renovation & Transformation. The validation option for this calculation method is available from 2026.
Within B&U, validation applies to calculations using the A1 and/or A2 dataset. Which combination applies to your tool is determined during the intake process.
For the Assessment Method Environmental Performance Maintenance (MPO), the validation option is still being developed. This page will be updated once more information is available.
Costs
Obtaining a licence as a calculation tool owner involves a one-off entry fee. In addition, annual licence fees are charged for the management, use and further development of the Dutch Environmental Database. Rates are published on the Rates page.
Interested?
Contact Stichting NMD to schedule an introductory meeting. We will discuss the conditions, the process and how it fits with your software development.
Please fill in the form at the bottom of the page. We will contact you.