WLC-GWP Assessment Method

For the calculation of WLC-GWP, Stichting NMD has developed the WLC-GWP Assessment Method, in line with the EPBD IV. This still needs to be designated in the Omgevingsregeling (Environment and Planning Regulation). This page explains the process behind the development of this Assessment Method and the planning for its entry into force.

WLC-GWP Assessment Method

The WLC-GWP Assessment Method describes the approach for calculating, in a consistent and reproducible way, a building's global warming potential across its full life cycle over a 50-year reference period: the Whole Life Cycle Global Warming Potential (WLC-GWP), expressed in kg CO₂-eq/m²/year.

This integrated calculation method captures both the material-related greenhouse gas emissions and the emissions from building-related energy use during the building's use phase (including any energy fed back to the grid).

The WLC-GWP Assessment Method is based on the Eindrapportage WLC-GWP: Methode bepaling WLC-broeikasgasemissie: Final Report WLC-GWP: Method for Determining WLC Greenhouse Gas Emissions, drawn up by LBP|Sight, which sets out the calculation principles and underlying assumptions.

European obligation (EPBD IV)

The WLC-GWP Assessment Method stems from the European directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD IV). Member states will be required to report on greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings. WLC-GWP calculations will become mandatory from 2028 for new buildings larger than 1,000 m². The calculation results must be included on the energy label. From 2030, this calculation obligation applies to all new buildings, and limit values will also apply to all new buildings.

Member states must, by 1 January 2027 at the latest, present a roadmap, including requirements and target values, showing how greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings will be reduced to climate neutral by 2050.

Status and planning of the Assessment Method

In October 2025, Stichting NMD published version 0.9 of the WLC-GWP Assessment Method. This version was not yet final, but was published with the aim of making the method accessible to parties involved in the WLC-GWP Roadmap process.

Public consultation on version 0.95 is opened since September 28. After that, Stichting NMD will publish a definitive version (1.0), which will be designated through the legislative process as the applicable version for calculating the WLC-GWP.

In the meantime, BZK is working on the decision-making process for WLC-GWP. The Minister of BZK will make choices regarding the content of the Roadmap and the Assessment Method. In parallel, policy decisions are also being made on the practical implementation (operationalisation) of WLC-GWP within the Dutch system. This includes, among other things, practical alignment between the existing systems (MPG and EPG).

WLC-GWP Assessment Method interim version 0.95

Because these policy processes may still influence the content of the WLC-GWP Assessment Method, Stichting NMD will present a 0.95 version for consultation.

Process towards the calculation obligation

After the consultation period, version 1.0 will be drawn up based on the policy input and additional feedback from the consultation. This version will then be the definitive version that can be designated in the Omgevingsregeling for the calculation obligation from 1 January 2028.

From November onwards, calculation tools can start implementation, and Stichting NMD will begin the process of validating the calculation tools so they are ready in time for the calculation obligation. Stichting NMD is factoring in a practice period starting 1 July 2027.