Update on the Revision of End-of-Life Scenarios
Stichting Nationale Milieudatabase (NMD) is working on updating and further standardising the end-of-life scenarios (EOL scenarios) used when preparing Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in accordance with the Assessment Method for Environmental Performance of Buildings.
Why are the end-of-life scenarios being updated?
Experience from preparing and verifying LCAs shows that the end-of-life phase of construction products is not always interpreted in the same way. In addition, data on future processing methods is not always available. This can lead to differences in assumptions and may therefore affect the results, consistency and comparability of environmental performance calculations.
Previous research by TNO and Aveco de Bondt therefore resulted in recommendations to further clarify the principles for end-of-life scenarios and to update the default values for these scenarios.
Where are we now?
An important step has been taken over the past period. The end-of-life scenarios and associated default values have been updated in terms of content. TNO, SGS Search and NIBE have worked out the various processing scenarios for this purpose based on a joint framework and uniform starting points. Experts with knowledge of the (processing of) various material streams were consulted in this process. In parallel, in a separate project, Agrodome updated the end-of-life scenarios for biobased materials.
The proposed updates were subsequently submitted for review by the market. Industry associations and other involved parties were given the opportunity to contribute their practical knowledge and comment on the proposed scenarios and values. The updated biobased end-of-life scenarios also went through a consultation round.
These responses have now been assessed by the experts involved. For each response, it was determined whether it would be incorporated into the final version and, if not, the substantive reasoning for this decision was provided. The update of the end-of-life scenarios is therefore now in its final phase.
Below, you can download the collected comments together with Stichting NMD’s responses.
The results are now final and are no longer open for discussion. In the future, these EOL scenarios will be reviewed again based on the latest developments and practices at that time and may be updated where necessary.
From content update to implementation
Finalising the new scenarios does not mean that they can be applied immediately. The update may affect the results of environmental declarations. In addition, changes are required to Stichting NMD’s systems and software to ensure that the new scenarios can be activated in a controlled manner. We also want to give the market sufficient time to prepare for the new scenarios coming into effect.
Stichting NMD is therefore currently examining how and when the updated end-of-life scenarios can best be implemented. This includes looking at the technical implementation, the impact on calculations and how to ensure a careful transition for users of the NMD and calculation tools.
Stichting NMD expects to have an implementation plan ready around September 2026. This plan will describe how the new end-of-life scenarios will be implemented and what implementation date is feasible.
When will the new scenarios come into effect?
Once the implementation plan has been finalised, the proposal will be submitted to BMNL for approval. The final implementation date can only be determined after this decision-making process has been completed.
The updated end-of-life scenarios are therefore not yet in effect. As soon as the decision-making process has been completed and the implementation date is known, Stichting NMD will inform the market in good time.
This communication will also clarify what the changes mean for LCA practitioners, producers, calculation tool owners and other users of the Dutch Environmental Database.
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