WLC-GWP

The WLC-GWP provides insight into a building's global warming potential, assessed over a 50-year period across the full life cycle.

This page provides more information on the methodology, the European regulation behind the method, its application within the Dutch system, and available documentation.

WLC-GWP stands for Whole Life Cycle Global Warming Potential. This new calculation methodology stems from the obligations set out in the EPBD IV directive.

The WLC-GWP captures both the material-related greenhouse gas emissions and the emissions from building-related energy use during the use phase (including any energy fed back to the grid) through this integrated calculation method.

Regulation from 2028

From 2028, new buildings larger than 1,000 m² will be required to provide insight into their contribution to global warming through the mandatory WLC-GWP calculation. The result will become part of the building's energy label. From 2030, this calculation obligation will extend to all new buildings, and limit values will also apply. View the latest information onthe timeline for this process at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK).

How is the WLC-GWP calculated?

The WLC-GWP Determination Method, drawn up by Stichting NMD, describes the approach for the WLC-GWP calculation. The content of this determination method is still under development. In the autumn of 2026, Stichting NMD will publish a definitive version, which can then be designated by the Ministry of BZK. The calculation must be carried out using the calculation tools validated by Stichting NMD.

What is the difference between MPG and WLC-GWP?

The environmental performance calculation (MPG) and WLC-GWP are not the same:

MPG considers all 19 environmental impact categories of materials in buildings, excluding operational energy use (Module B6) and the benefits and loads from exported use commodities (Module D2).
WLC-GWP focuses specifically on the three environmental impact categories related to climate change (fossil, biogenic, and land use & land use change), combined with operational energy use (B6) and the benefits and loads from exported use commodities (Module D2).

Both methodologies have a different focus and can complement one another.

Read more about WLC-GWP

WLC-GWP brings together material-related and operational greenhouse gas emissions in a single calculation covering the full life cycle of buildings. Read more about the meaning of WLC-GWP, its relationship with Whole Life Carbon and the role of greenhouse gas emissions within buildings.

This section contains the official methodological documents and technical background for WLC-GWP. The Assessment Method describes how the calculation is performed and which starting points and system boundaries apply.

View the Assessment Method

WLC-GWP is linked to the European EPBD IV Directive and the transition towards zero-emission buildings. These pages provide further information on the European context, the development of the methodology and the planning for WLC-GWP.