Integrated assessment and quantifiability of sustainability are important in creating sustainable real estate. Quantifiability facilitates communication concerning the degree of sustainability of a project. In addition to external communication, such as within the context of CSR policy, clear communication to parties in design and execution is also essential. This namely enables aiming for performance in an integrated fashion. BREEAM, LEED, Greencalc+, and GPR Gebouw are all very suitable tools.
BREEAM is a standard-setting system used domestically and internationally for sustainable construction (and use). The program was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom, and it has been adapted for use in the Netherlands by the Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC). BREEAM stands for BRE Environmental Assessment Method. Performance is measured in the categories Management, Health, Energy, Transport, Water, Materials, Waste, Land Use, Ecology, and Pollution. BREEAM grades five sustainability levels, from Pass through Outstanding.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is also an internationally used standard-setting system. The program was developed by the US Green Building Council and it was launched in 1999. The portfolio of LEED covers derivative standard-setting systems for various types of buildings and markets. Performance is measured in the categories Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Quality of the Surroundings, and Innovation in the (design) process. LEED grades four sustainability levels, from Certified through Platinum.
GPR Gebouw is a domestic yardstick for sustainable buildings. GPR stands for “Gemeentelijke Praktijk Richtlijn” (Municipal Practice Guideline), but it is also often used in the commercial market. Moreover, this yardstick has been adopted by the government in the criteria for Sustainable Purchasing/ Tendering.
Greencalc+ is very suitable in the design phase for comparing the sustainability and overal environmental impact of the various chosen building variables. It concerns an integrated tool to analyze the energy performance at the neighborhood and building level, as well as to clarify the environmental impact as a consequence of the use of materials, water, etc. It uses an underlying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) database.
Consulting
DHV has extensive experience with Greencalc+ and GPR Gebouw and uses both tools extensively in design processes. Our experts have a broad vision of sustainability, which allows them to use the tools to their maximum potential in order to support decision-making and the design process.
Although BREEAM and LEED are relatively new to the Netherlands, DHV has already accumulated practical domestic and international experience in both methods. DHV is a founding partner of DGBC and is closely involved in the implementation of BREEAM NL. In addition, DHV is responsible for the assessment of one of the first buildings to be certified under BREEAM NL. DHV employs multiple BREEAM Experts and Assessors as well as LEED Accredited Professionals in the Netherlands.
Our consulting services vary from a selection of a yardstick and a first performance scan to determine which sustainability level is attainable for your project and which costs and returns this will engender, to consulting during design and engineering or comprehensive process management of the certification of your project.