SBK VERIFICATION PROTOCOL INCLUSION OF DATA IN THE ......responsible for payment to the SBK 4. the accredited assessor ensures that the product card is entered in the NED This Verification

SBK VERIFICATION PROTOCOL

INCLUSION OF DATA IN THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL

DATABASE

based on the

Environmental Performance of Buildings and Civil Engineering

Works Determination Method

Version 3.0 January 2019

Stichting Bouwkwaliteit (Foundation for Building Quality)

Visseringlaan 22b

2288 ER Rijswijk, the Netherlands

Phone: +31(0)70 3072929

Website: www.bouwkwaliteit.nl

www.milieudatabase.nl

http://www.bouwkwaliteit.nl/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 34 1.1. General................................................................................................................................... 34 1.2. National Environmental Database ......................................................................................... 34

1.3. SBK Verification Protocol (this document) ............................................................................. 45 1.4. Equivalence……………………………………………………………………………………………5

2. Application procedure for inclusion in the NED .............................................................................. 67

2.1. Information on applying for inclusion in the NED ................................................................... 78

2.2. LCA ........................................................................................................................................ 78 2.3. Assessment file ...................................................................................................................... 78

2.4. Selection of an accredited assessor ...................................................................................... 78 2.5. Performing the data assessment ........................................................................................... 78 2.6. Complaints about the assessment ......................................................................................... 78

2.7. Application file ........................................................................................................................ 89 2.8. Assessment of the application to include data in the NED .................................................... 89 2.9. Inclusion of data in the NED .................................................................................................. 89

3. Requirements for obtaining a positive SBK assessment, for inclusion in the NED ..................... 910 3.1. Documentation and managing the project file ................................................................... 1011 3.2. LCA report .......................................................................................................................... 1011

3.3. Assessment by the accredited assessor ............................................................................ 1011

4. Instructions for the assessment by the accredited assessor ..................................................... 1112 4.1. Documents to be assessed ................................................................................................ 1112

4.2. Assessment method ........................................................................................................... 1112 4.3. Assessment by chapter ...................................................................................................... 1213

4.4. Overall assessment ............................................................................................................ 1213 4.5. Contact with the manufacturer and reporting ..................................................................... 1213 4.6. Entering NED data ............................................................................................................. 1213

Appendix A. Assessment tables .............................................................................................................. 1

Informative Appendix B. Reporting requirements.................................................................................... 1 B.1 Project file (based on Determination Method 2.8.4) ................................................................ 1

B.2 LCA report ................................................................................................................................ 2

Appendix C. ............................................................................................................................................. 1

SBK Verification Protocol version 3.0 January 2019

3

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. General

This version of the Verification Protocol replaces version 2.0 of November 2014.

The Verification Protocol describes the procedure to test data for inclusion in the National

Environmental Database. The requirements against which verification is performed are described in

the Environmental Performance of Buildings and Civil Engineering Works Determination Method

(‘Determination Method’).

The Determination Method has been developed to calculate the material-related environmental

performance of buildings, structures, and civil engineering works over their entire life cycle in a clear

and verifiable manner. For more information and definitions of terms used in this Verification Protocol,

see the Determination Method (consultation version August 2018), also available at

www.milieudatabase.nl.

1.2. National Environmental Database

The National Environmental Database (Nationale Milieudatabase) was set up to provide a uniform

calculation of the environmental performance of buildings and civil engineering works in the Dutch

context. The National Environmental Database contains information on products and activities drawn

up in accordance with the Determination Method, in the form of product cards that refer to

environmental profiles. These product cards and environmental profiles are used in the various

calculation tools to calculate the environmental performance of buildings and civil engineering works.

Together with the calculation rules, this ensures verifiable, reproducible, and uniform calculation

results.

The National Environmental Database contains three categories of product information:

Category 1: proprietary data, tested by an independent, qualified third party in accordance with

the SBK Verification Protocol.

Target audience: manufacturers/producers, suppliers.

Category 2: non-proprietary data (unbranded), tested by an independent, qualified third party in

accordance with the SBK Verification Protocol, specifying representativeness (representative of,

for example, the Dutch market or a group of manufacturers) and the participating companies.

Target audience: groups of manufacturers, suppliers, sectors, governments, etc.

Category 3: non-proprietary data (unbranded), owned and managed by SBK, not tested under

the SBK Verification Protocol. All procedures relating to category 3 product information are set

out in Appendix II.

Openness: underlying data (product card structure and basic profiles) publicly available on the

SBK website: www.milieudatabase.nl

The category 1 and 2 data included in the National Environmental Database are supplied by

construction product manufacturers and sectors. They also retain ownership of the environmental

profiles.

The Determination Method provides guidelines for drafting EPDs, which are such that the

environmental information derived from them, in the form of basic profiles and product cards, is

suitable for inclusion in the National Environmental Database as category 1 and category 2 product

information.

http://www.milieudatabase.nl/http://www.milieudatabase.nl/


4

Category 3 data is a catch-all construction providing the National Environmental Database with

environmental profiles in the absence of, and as a counterpart to, category 1 and category 2 data of a

construction product. SBK is the owner of these profiles, which were either drafted under the SBK’s

responsibility or proposed by a sector in the past.

The category 3 environmental profiles are subject to a surcharge because experience has shown that

untested environmental profiles often indicate too low an environmental impact, because the inventory

data is less complete. This surcharge is set by the manager of the National Environmental Database,

SBK, and is incorporated into the tools using the calculation rules. Appendix II contains an overview of

the rules and procedures for category 3 product cards.

Besides the product cards, the National Environmental Database also contains an LCA database of

raw materials and background processes, based on Ecoinvent 3.41 ‘allocation, cut-off by classification’

and adapted for use in the context of the Determination Method (process database). These processes

form a generic basis for people drafting EPDs if no specific data is available, as included in section

2.6.3.6. in which, in all cases, the representativeness of these processes must be considered in the

LCA report on which the EPD is based.

The Determination Method, the calculation rules, and the National Environmental Database form a

coherent whole in order to arrive at uniform environmental performance calculations for buildings and

civil engineering works. The diagram below shows that the Determination Method serves both as PCR

for drafting EPDs and the resulting basic profiles and product cards, as well as for setting the

calculation rules for the computing engine of the tools.

Figure 1: Determination Method, EPD, NED, and tools for environmental performance calculation

1.3. SBK Verification Protocol (this document)

The environmental data declared in the NED based on the Determination Method is tested in

accordance with the procedure as described in this SBK Verification Protocol. It is the responsibility of

the author of the environmental data to ensure that the latest version of the SBK Verification Protocol

and the submission format are checked. Previous versions cannot be taken into consideration after

any transitional period has expired.

To facilitate the verification in accordance with the SBK Verification Protocol, the LCA executor must

specify in the comments column of the Assessment Tables document where the requested information

1 Appendix II explains how changes to the used Ecoinvent can be made.

Calculation

method

Calculation

method

NED Process

database

EPD Tools Environmental

performance

calculation

Calculation

method rules

NED

Product cards

Environmental

profiles

+ Product

card


5

can be found in the project file, and add this completed document to the project file. The document is

available as a Word file on the NED website: www.milieudatabase.nl

The subject and scope of the Verification Protocol are category 1 and 2 data.

Category 1 and 2 data for inclusion in the NED relate to:

Tested information on the environmental aspects of a construction product generated through an

environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) initiated by the representation of the manufacturer(s), and

which is useful for inclusion in the NED.

Category 1 and 2 data for inclusion are self-declarations, type III EPDs (Environmental Product

Declarations), verified by an accredited third party and specifically intended for the Dutch civil

construction and civil engineering market.

The individual manufacturer or its representative (industry organization, association, holding

company)2 is responsible for providing information on the construction products and the associated

services provided. The manufacturer is therefore the party who prepares, or has a third party prepare,

that data for inclusion in the NED and requests the SBK to include it. After a successful verification

process, the data can be included in the NED. This verification must be performed by an assessor

who complies with the ‘SBK conditions for accreditation of an LCA expert for the National

Environmental Database’, version 2.3 (June 2018) procedure and is on the ‘List of accredited LCA

experts’. Both documents are available at https://www.milieudatabase.nl/index.php?q=erkende-LCA-

deskundigen.

The verification must be performed in accordance with the requirements laid down in this Verification

Protocol.

The verification consists of four steps:

1. an accredited assessor determines whether the data for inclusion in the NED has been prepared

in accordance with the Determination Method

2. the accredited assessor determines whether the formatting for the product cards has been done

correctly and completely

3. the accredited assessor delivers their assessment report to the manufacturer, which is

responsible for payment to the SBK

4. the accredited assessor ensures that the product card is entered in the NED

This Verification Protocol contains the requirements for all four steps.

The Verification Protocol consists of:

the application procedure for inclusion in the SBK’s NED (Chapter 2)

requirements for inclusion of data in the NED (Chapter 3)

instructions for the assessment by the verification agency (Chapter 4)

Appendix A contains the assessment tables to be completed by the verification agency. Appendix B

contains the requirements for the project file and the LCA report.

For all terms and abbreviations used, reference is made to the Determination Method.

1.4 EQUIVALENCE

If the requirements of the Determination Method (Chapter 2) are not met, there may be equivalence.

See the procedure ‘Establishing equivalence and verification data for the NED’, which is set out in

Appendix C.

2 referred to below as ‘the manufacturer’.

http://www.milieudatabase.nl/


6

2. APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR INCLUSION IN THE NED

Figure 2 shows the application procedure. The various components are detailed under the figure.

Figure 2. Application procedure

Manufacturer wishes to

apply for inclusion

Collects information

Performs LCA (also see Fig. 1)

Compiles assessment

file

Selects an accredited assessor

Assessor tests data

Accreditation scheme

Verification Protocol Chapter 4

Accepted?

Payment

arrangement

SBK sends

confirmation to

applicant

-

Producer lodges an appeal

outcome:

accepted?

Yes

No

No

No 1x

Appeal procedure

Collects information

Performs LCA (also see Fig. 1)

Determination

Method

Accreditation scheme

SBK application

Accredited

assessor enters

data

- Requests reasoning /

information

Producer lodges an appeal

Rejected

Yes

Yes

No

No

No 1x


7

2.1. Information on applying for inclusion in the NED

Information on applying for inclusion in the NED can be found in the ‘Process diagram outlining how to

submit data for the NED’ (see www.milieudatabase.nl).

2.2. LCA

The requirements for the LCA are set out in the Determination Method.

2.3. Assessment file

The manufacturer must submit an assessment file to the verification agency containing at least:

- the LCA report as described in the Determination Method

- the product card according to the most recent submission format and other data necessary for

proper inclusion in the NED, as described in the Determination Method

- the completed assessment table

- a declaration that the methodological requirements of the Determination Method have been met

and that the input data complies with the requirements of the Determination Method

Additional information in support of the data in the LCA report or on the product card may also be

submitted.

2.4. Selection of an accredited assessor

The manufacturer selects for verification an accredited assessor / verification agency that appears on

the ‘List of accredited LCA experts’ for the verification. The manufacturer makes arrangements with

the verification agency regarding the planning and costs of verification.

2.5. Performing the data assessment

The verification agency assesses the data for inclusion in the NED in accordance with the procedure

laid down in Chapter 4 of this Verification Protocol. The verification agency reports its final assessment

to the manufacturer.

2.6. Complaints about the assessment

If the manufacturer does not agree with the final assessment or has other complaints about the

verification, this can be reported to the SBK. The ‘Appeals and Objections Board’, which the SBK has

instituted for objections against any of its measures or decisions, will then deal with the complaint.



8

2.7. Application file

The manufacturer submits the following when applying for inclusion of data in the NED:

the report of an accredited verification agency showing that the LCA and the product card comply

with the requirements of this Verification Protocol and with the SBK’s requirements for inclusion in

the NED.

2.8. Assessment of the application to include data in the NED

SBK issues an invoice based on the application. SBK informs the accredited assessor when payment

has been received.

2.9. Inclusion of data in the NED

The accredited assessor ensures that each product card is entered in the NED. SBK sends confirmation to the applicant after the entry. The LCA executor and the assessor for each product card are listed on the NED website.


9

3. REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A POSITIVE SBK ASSESSMENT,

FOR INCLUSION IN THE NED

Figure 3 shows how the LCA project file is prepared and can be submitted for verification. The

preparation of the LCA project file is part of the complete application procedure for inclusion in the

NED, which is represented schematically in Chapter 2 (figure 2).

Figure 3. Performing the LCA and preparing the project file

Producer

Start LCA

Determine initiator

Other purpose - and scope determination

Selection of product/ - group

Calculations

Data collection

Selection of reference - unit

Calculations

LCIA

(environmental

Representation

Data for inclusion in the

NED, assessment file -

LCI

to verification

Procedures and methods - ISO 14044 - - ISO 14025:2006 -EN 15804

- EN 15804 Self-declaration

Other input data

Processes

database

Secondary

Process data

Primary

Suppliers, customers Producer

Start LCA

-

-

Data collection

- unit

-

LCI

to verification

-

-

Secondary

Process data

Primary

Suppliers, customers

Calculation

method


10

3.1. Documentation and managing the project file

The project file of the LCA survey must comply with the Determination Method. The project file

remains with the manufacturer. It must be made available for inspection by an independent party

appointed by the SBK, if so requested for the purpose of verifying the assessment system, or if an

objection and appeal procedure arises from the procedure for assessing complaints referred to in

section 2.6.

3.2. LCA report

The LCA report must be made in accordance with the Determination Method. This LCA report

contains at least the components mentioned in section 2.8 of the Determination Method. An

informative checklist is included in Appendix B.2 of this Verification Protocol; the Determination

Method is the guiding principle for the verification. The LCA report also contains the tables in Appendix

A to this Verification Protocol, in which the LCA exporter has entered references in the ‘comments’

column to the places in the LCA report where the information on the relevant subject is stated. The

LCA executor may not enter the assessment itself (accepted: yes/no) in the tables.

3.3. Assessment by the accredited assessor

The LCA report and the product card must comply with the requirements of this Verification Protocol.

This must have been determined by an accredited assessor who complies with SBK’s conditions.

The verification must be performed in accordance with the instructions in Chapter 4 of this Verification

Protocol and recorded in an assessment report.


11

4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ASSESSMENT BY THE ACCREDITED

ASSESSOR

4.1. Documents to be assessed

The verification agency assesses these documents:

an LCA report that complies with the requirements of the Determination Method

the completed assessment table

the product card(s) conform the most recent format, including scaling if applicable, for which the

manufacturer (or its representative) wishes to apply for inclusion

Each product card is assessed. The same LCA report may apply to different product cards. In practice,

it has proved possible to test large numbers of EPDs from one manufacturer or sector at a time,

provided they are included in one project file.

4.2. Assessment method

The assessment is performed by completing the tables in Appendix A.

The tables contain the requirements for including the data. The corresponding chapter or section from

the Determination Method is mentioned for each table. The verification agency indicates in the tables

whether the data in the LCA report on the relevant subject complies with the requirements by means

of ‘yes’ (accepted) or ‘no’ (rejected). If a requirement does not apply, this is indicated by ‘n/a’. In the

last column, the assessor can make comments and explain a negative assessment. If a negative

assessment is given, the assessor is not required to give advice on how to comply with the

requirement. However, the assessor must motivate the assessment.

If the assessor has doubts based on their expertise about input data that must be verified

procedurally, the agency will state this, together with the reason(s) for the doubt, in a separate letter to

the manufacturer. The letter is not part of the assessment report.

These steps will be followed:

the verification agency will state the reason for the doubt in a separate letter to the manufacturer

if the manufacturer does not give a satisfactory answer, the verification agency will make a

statement in the assessment report

the verification agency may submit the letter confidentially to the SBK, after which the SBK’s

Technical Content Commission (TIC, Technisch Inhoudelijke Commissie) will discuss it.

The manufacturer is free to deviate from the criteria of the Determination Method. Deviations are

permitted, provided they are reasoned and within the framework set by the Determination Method.

Based on their own knowledge and expertise, the assessor must decide whether the deviation is

substantively sound, reasoned, and plausible. In case of doubt, a second opinion can be requested

from a second assessor and will be included in the assessment report. Nonetheless, the manufacturer

remains responsible for the data presented.


12

4.3. Assessment by chapter

The final assessment for each table/chapter will be ‘yes’ if all the subjects in the relevant section or

chapter have been answered ‘yes’ or ‘n/a’. The final assessment for each chapter is ‘no’ in other

cases.

4.4. Overall assessment

The requirements of the Determination Method are met when the final assessment for each chapter is

‘yes’. A product card can be included in the NED only with a positive final assessment.

4.5. Contact with the manufacturer and reporting

The report of the verification agency contains:

the assessor’s findings in the form of the tables they have completed

the final assessment as to whether or not the standard is met

The assessor reports at least once in draft to the manufacturer, after which the manufacturer is given

the opportunity to provide additional information that the assessor includes in their final assessment.

Additional information from the manufacturer must be provided as an addendum to the LCA report.

The assessor delivers the final report to the manufacturer.

4.6. Entering NED data

The accredited assessor is responsible for definitively entering the product card in the NED.

SBK Verification Protocol version 3.0 January 2019 – APPENDIX A Assessment Tables

A1

APPENDIX A. ASSESSMENT TABLES

Chapter 2 of the Environmental Performance of Buildings and Civil Engineering Works Determination Method sets out the requirements for preparing and

reporting environmental data on construction products and construction components, and presenting the data in an environmental declaration. This

Appendix summarizes these requirements in the form of assessment tables. Based on assessment tables, a verification agency accredited by the SBK can

determine whether the requirements for preparing an EPD for inclusion in the NED have been met.

The table follows the structure of the Determination Method and thus also EN 15804. This means that the same subjects can occur more than once, for

example first more generally and later in detail. When that leads to one requirement, it is included once.

Assessed by (name of agency + executor)

Date

Subject


A2

Methodical requirements

METHODICAL REQUIREMENTS

(sections 2.1 and 2.2 Determination Method; Chapters 1 and 2 and section 8.2 EN 15804)

Subject Criterion Meets

criterion

yes / no

Comments

Methodical requirements The LCA file contains a declaration that the methodology

used is in accordance with the standards

ISO 14040 and 14044, EN 15804, and ISO 14025 for EPD.

The LCA file contains a declaration that the methodology

used is in accordance with the additions from the most

recent version of the Determination Method.

Any PCRs used are also part of the declaration.

The EN standards and versions of the Determination

Method referred to in the above declarations are the most

recent versions or the penultimate version still subject to the

transitional period.

General aspects The report must include:

the client of the LCA study

the LCA executor, and

the date of publication of the LCA report

Final assessment Meets the methodical requirements and general aspects of

the Determination Method.


A3

General aspects (section 2.5 Determination Method; Chapter 5 EN 15804)

PURPOSE

(section 2.5.1 Determination Method; section 5.1 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Purpose

The purpose of the product card is to transfer reliable and

accurate quantitative environmental data of construction

materials, construction products, and construction

components to the NED. These serve as a basis for making

construction calculations and generating solutions with a

lower environmental impact.

The product card has one or both of these applications:

1. passing on environmental data in the chain so that

subsequent links are also able to prepare an

environmental declaration for their product

2. using the environmental data in LCA calculations of

structures. For this application, the methodical

comparability (aggregability) of the environmental data

is particularly important.

Target audience The target audience of the EPD (customers of the products,

NED) has been defined.

Final assessment Meets the requirements of the Determination Method for its

purpose.


A4

TYPE OF EPD AND THE ASSOCIATED LIFE-CYCLE PHASES



criterion

yes / no

Comments

Type of EPD

It is clearly indicated whether there is:

1. only the manufacturing phase as a basic profile, or

2. the entire life cycle

Life-cycle phases The life-cycle phases have been included in accordance

with the Determination Method:

1. with only the manufacturing phase as basic profile

modules A1-3.

2. throughout the entire life cycle, A-D

Final assessment Meets the requirements of the Determination Method for the

type of EPD and life-cycle phases.

NB: The additional information requested in section 5.4 EN 15804 is not relevant to the NED and will not be assessed using this table.

COMMUNICATION FORMAT AND FORMAT FOR SUBMITTING DATA TO THE SBK FOR THE NED



criterion

yes / no

Comments

Communication format

EN 15804

Determination Method

The communication format does not have to comply with

the EN 15804 requirements, if inclusion in the NED is all

that is intended.

The most recent SBK format for submitting product cards

has been used.

The file contains a declaration that the communication

format used complies with the Determination Method

(2.8.2.2).

Final assessment Meets the communication format requirements of the

Determination Method.


A5

Product category rules, calculation rules for the LCA (section 2.6.3 Determination Method; section 6.3 EN 15804)

FUNCTIONAL UNIT, PRODUCT UNIT AND REFERENCE SERVICE LIFE

(section 2.6.3.1 - 2.6.3.3 Determination Method; section 6.3.1 - 6.3.3 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Functional unit

(section 2.6.3.1 Determination

Method)

Contains a description of the function(s) that must be

performed and the context of the application, such as type

of structure.

Contains the performance requirements that apply to the

function(s), including the required service life (RSL).

Contains the circumstances and the region within which the

function(s) must be performed, insofar as relevant to the

function.

Contains the quantity of the function(s), expressed in a SI

unit or a combination of SI units.

The functional unit is consistent with SBK’s functional

descriptions and the most recent list can be found at

www.milieudatabase.nl. The correct reference to the

functional description is included. It is clear whether a

product is a total product or a sub-product. If it is a total

product, all compulsory components are verified as actually

having been included in the study. If it is a sub-product, the

total products and the component (CUAS) to which it

belongs are clearly defined.

Contains a product description of the construction product

that is the subject of the environmental declaration.

Service life


Method)

If the entire life cycle A-D is explained, the reference service

life (RSL) is based on the reference service life of each type

of construction product in the SBR publication Levensduur

van bouwproducten (Service life of construction products)

[SBR, 2011].

If substantiated, it is possible to deviate from this rule.

Documentation is then required to calculate the RSL. The

RSL must be representative for the specified product in the

specified application(s).



A6

Product unit


Method)

Contains a description of the construction product building

or civil engineering structure component.

Contains a specification of the construction product or

building or civil engineering structure component.

Where applicable, contains the possible areas of

application, if necessary expressed in classes or quality

indications, including, where relevant, the empirical service

life of the construction product or building or civil

engineering structure component for each area of

application.

Contains the quantity of the construction product,

expressed in a SI unit or a combination of SI units.

Contains the weight of the construction product.

Contains the materialization of the construction product in terms of material description and weight.

Final assessment Meets functional unit, product unit, and reference service life criteria.

SYSTEM BOUNDARIES AND CRITERIA FOR DISREGARDING INPUT AND OUTPUT

(sections 2.6.3.4, 2.6.3.5, and 2.6.4.3 Determination Method; sections 6.3.4, 6.3.5, 6.4.3.3, and 8.2 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Process tree The life cycle of the construction product must be modelled

in the form of a process tree. The process tree comprises

all economic flows, both goods (materials, products) and

services, and both qualitative (process names) and

quantitative (quantities), needed for the product unit or for

performing the function(s) from the functional unit.

If the process tree becomes unclear because it has many

components, a process tree with the most important

components will suffice. The other matters can be included

in tabular format for each information module.

Incidents, such as unforeseeable damage, are not included

in the process tree.


A7

Life-cycle phases

of the construction product.

The process tree must at least distinguish between these

life-cycle phases:

- manufacturing phase (A1-A3)

- transport phase (A4)

- construction and installation process/laying (A5)

- operation and maintenance phase (B1-B5)

- demolition and processing (C1-C4)

- environmental costs and benefits of recycling / reuse (D).

Check system boundaries

manufacturing phase (A1-A3)

Check the system boundaries of the manufacturing phase

components.

Flows that lose their waste status and leave the

manufacturing phase (A1-A3) must be allocated as by-

products (see EN 15804 6.4.3.2). Environmental impact and

avoided environmental impact of allocated by-products are

not included in Module D (see EN 15804 6.3.4.6). If such an

allocation of by-products is not possible, other methods may

be chosen, provided they can be justified.

NOTE: DEVIATING PROCEDURE THAT MUST BE

APPROVED BY THE SBK’s TECHNICAL CONTENT

COMMISSION (TIC)


transport phase (A4)

The transport phase (A4) starts when the construction

product or component at the manufacturer’s premises is

ready for transport to the customer, and ends when it is

delivered at the construction site alongside the haulage

vehicle.


construction and installation

process (A5)

These processes (A5) are included in the form of one or

more scenarios.

Fixed values for ‘loss in the form of construction waste’ are

included in section 2.6.3.6.


A8

Check system boundaries use

phase (B1-B5)

Check the system boundaries of the use phase

components:

- B1 - Use of the construction product (life-cycle phase

B1) concerns its application in the Netherlands.

- B2 - Maintenance (life-cycle phase B2) only concerns

material-related maintenance, rather than structure-

specific or site-specific maintenance. Cleaning

maintenance only if functionally significant.

- B3 - Repair (life-cycle phase B3)

- B4 - Replacement of the entire product is defined in

the calculation rules applicable at building level by

multiplying the product cards. Replacement of the

entire product is therefore not reported separately in

the use phase. However, the replacement of

components that have a shorter service life than that

of the entire product is included here.

B5 - Renovation (life-cycle phase B5) is not part of this



demolition and processing phase

(C1 - C4)

C1 - The demolition phase, which starts when the structure

is decommissioned and ends when the structure is

demolished or dismantled. This phase therefore includes

the work on the demolition site.

C2

EN 15804 applies.

Fixed values for transport distances to sorting sites, landfill

sites, and waste incineration plants are included in section

2.6.3.6.

C3

EN 15804 applies

C4

EN 15804 applies.

For landfill processes, the end point is assumed to be a

period of 100 years after dumping (also see 2.6.3.6 under

generic data).


A9


module D

EN 15804 applies.

Raw material equivalents are clearly described in

accordance with the requirements of the Determination

Method (2.6.3.4) and plausible.

Section 2.6.4.3 describes how the net impact of Module D

should be calculated. The calculation is clearly documented

and plausible.


General

Requirements for the system boundaries are followed, well-

documented, and plausible. Insofar as permitted within the

Determination Method, deviations are sufficiently

substantiated.

Determination of system

boundary at end-of-waste status

For the end-of-waste phase, the system boundary is set

according to Appendix IV of the Determination Method. If a

material, product, or element remains in place without

fulfilling any other function (‘leaving it in place without

function’), it is treated further as landfill.

Determining the environmental

effects in modules C3, C4, and

module D

The environmental effects are calculated using the waste

scenarios from Appendix V of this Determination Method.

All deducted environmental actions are included in module

D.

Criteria for disregarding input

and output

It is assumed that all inputs and outputs for which data is

available will be included in the calculation.

Estimates for missing data are made conservatively

(‘worst case’).

Process data includes infrastructure and capital goods

(such as the fixed Ecoinvent data).

Any deviations from the above are

substantiated/reported.

Average product The average composition is based on annual or multi-year

figures for all manufacturing, weighted by manufacturing; or

on a composition covering over 80% of the manufacturing

volume in that year of study.


A10

Average manufacturing

(EN 15804 section 8.2)

As product groups (similar products from one manufacturer

and/or from different manufacturing facilities) are presented

as averages:

• Calculation rules for forming averages

• Representativeness of averages

If different locations/products:

presentation of the modelling of all locations and products,

and their weighting.

Final assessment

Meets the requirements of the Determination Method for

system boundaries, life-cycle phases, and criteria for

disregarding input and output.


A11

SELECTION OF DATA AND DATA QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

(sections 2.6.3.6 and 2.6.3.7 Determination Method; sections 6.3.6 and 6.3.7 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Representativeness of the

processes

The processes in the product system that occur at the

manufacturer of the construction product must provide an

up-to-date picture (for the period or date of the

environmental declaration) that is both geographically and

technologically representative.

Individual manufacturing sites must draw their data from

that location.

If all manufacturing sites supply data when horizontal

aggregation in the product system occurs, the result is

automatically representative of the group in question. If

manufacturing sites in the group do not all supply data, a

representative cross-section of the group of manufacturing

sites must be taken, provided that they manufacture for the

Dutch market, in respect of geographical and technical

differences that may lead to differences in environmental

effects.

Representativeness of other

data

The other processes in the product system must give a

representative or typical picture of the current geographical

and technological situation. The area of application covered

by this standard is the Netherlands. ‘Representative’ means

that the data provides a close representation of the actual

population. ‘Typical’ means that the data describes a

certain, common situation (also called modal).

Exceptions

As an exception to the rule of timeliness, a future scenario

may be assumed for the disposal scenario if the conditions

of the hardship clause are met, in that a demonstrably

working return system will be in operation at the time of

disposal.

Any deviation from the timeliness requirement must be

transparent. The plausibility of this has been explicitly

tested.


A12

Fixed values

The following fixed values apply:

- one-way transport distance to the construction site if the

construction product is manufactured in the Netherlands:

50 km for bulk materials, 150 km for other materials,

products, and elements; in civil engineering works, the

transport distance of each project is included in the

calculation tool

- location used to calculate the transport distance of

materials from abroad to and from the construction site or

customer: Utrecht

- waste scenario according to the table in Appendix V of the


- one-way transport distance from demolition site to sorting

and/or crushing plant: 50 km

- one-way transport distance to soil disposal site: 50 km

- one-way transport distance from demolition or sorting site

to landfill site: 50 km

- one-way transport distance for combustible material from

demolition or sorting site to waste incineration plant: 100

km

Fixed values if loss in the form of

construction waste occurs For the release of construction waste, the fixed values from

the Determination Method are used for:

- prefab products: it is assumed that 3% of the materials

are lost (on the construction site or during transport).

- in-situ products: it is assumed that 5% of the materials

are lost.

- auxiliary and finishing materials: it is assumed that

15% of the materials are lost.

If deviation from these fixed values is required, this is

possible, provided it can be quantitatively justified by

research results.

Fixed values for incineration at a

waste incineration plant

If burning occurs in a waste incineration plant, the avoided

energy manufacturing in module D can be calculated from

the amount of net exported energy (MJ per energy carrier).


A13

Data quality

Data quality is based on the principle that the data of

processes that occur at the manufacturer of the

construction product must be of a higher quality than that of

the other processes. It is also based on the principle that

economic flows should approximate reality as closely as

possible within practically feasible limits for the LCA

executor.

Data quality is scored according to Appendix VI of the

Determination Method and any additional recorded

instructions from the SBK.

Product scenarios If a product (or functional unit) has several installation

options that have an impact on its end-of-life phase and/or

the possibilities for its reuse, recovery or recycling, several

environmental profiles (C1-C4, D) can be issued for this

purpose. The following preconditions apply here:

— the product is actually delivered as suitable for

the application

— additional resources (including auxiliary

resources) and/or substances are declared in the

relevant module D

— specific design conditions for application are

clearly defined

— disposal scenarios are current, the same

exception as described above applies

Final assessment

Meets the data selection and data quality requirements of

the Determination Method.


A14

Inventory (section 2.6.4 Determination Method; section 6.4 EN 15804)

INVENTORY: DATA COLLECTION

(section 2.6.4.1 Determination Method; section 6.4.1 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Data categories

Environmental actions of the processes from the product

system are collected within the following data categories:

extraction of raw materials, emissions to air, emissions to

water, and emissions to soil.

Data collection

Actions

The name, unit, and quantity of each action must be

specified.

The name must indicate what has actually been measured.

The order of preference for calculating emissions is:

1. methods designated by laws, decrees, or ministerial

regulations

2. methods from standard specification sheets

3. methods described in private law and possibly sector-

specific agreements

The following actions must at least have a value:

— emissions to air when using thermal energy from CO2,

CO, NOx (NO2 and N2O), SO2, CxHy and particulate

— emissions to water of COD, BOD, P-total, N-total and

— emissions to soil of PAH and heavy metals

— other emissions that are subject to requirements under

environmental regulations for the manufacturer of the

construction product


A15

Data collection

Biogenic carbon

(CO2, CH4, etc.)

If applicable

If biogenic carbon uptake in a product has been assessed,

biogenic emissions during and at the end of the life cycle of

that product must also be calculated.

The biogenic carbon uptake during biomass growth and the

release of biogenic carbon during natural decay or

combustion must be in balance at all times, except for the

biogenic carbon that is permanently captured.

In view of the difficulty of this (the risk of errors), the CML-

SBK method ‘SBK Determination Method, 25 May 2018’

has a characterization factor of ‘0’ both for the uptake of

CO2 due to the growth of biomass and the emission of

biogenic CO2.

Data collection

Waste

Has it been determined whether the released substances

are waste?

Has the end-of-waste status been verified?

Has the waste been determined as hazardous?

Data sources The construction product manufacturer’s data must be

derived from primary sources and valid (representative) for

the period stated in the environmental declaration.

The data of the other processes must be valid

(representative) for the period specified in the

environmental declaration.

Suppliers and customers of the relevant manufacturing sites

of the construction product must be asked to provide data

on the manufacturing process in accordance with the

requirements that this standard imposes on these

processes.

If a supplier or customer fails to submit any or enough

information, then public sources, industry figures, and

literature data will be used. A check for any deviations from

the NED will be performed in that case. Any deviations must

be mentioned in the assessment report. The assessor must

indicate whether the deviation is so significant that it must

be stated on the SBK product card.


A16

Current public and literary sources must be used. As a

guideline (EN 15804 6.3.7):

•


A17

Sum parameters Where available, sum parameters (such as NOx, CxHy,

COD, BOD, P-total, N-total, PAH10, and heavy metals)

must be broken down into their individual components for

the purpose of characterization. The standard list contains a

number of sum parameters, for which characterization

factors are also available.

The action value of the sum parameters can be entered in

two ways:

a) The action value of the sum parameter is known. This is

entered. One or more individual substances are known, but only a

characterization factor for the sum parameter is available. A

sum parameter is a representative characterization value

for the sum of a group of substances for a particular effect,

for example PAHs. The action values via the ratios are then

used to enter the other substances in the sum parameter.

Where data for a number of substances is available from

the sum parameter, the sum parameter is calculated for

each of them and the results averaged out.

b)

Data quality of the other

processes

When the manufacturer of a construction product requests

data from suppliers and customers, it must request the

same data quality of the environmental actions as required

for its own processes.

If a supplier or customer cannot comply with this data

quality, this must be clear from the data quality description

(see Determination Method, section 2.6.3.7).

Data validation

(by the person drafting the EPD)

For the processes that take place at the construction

product manufacturer, the energy balance at company level

must be determined and any discrepancies corrected to an

accuracy of 95%.

For the processes that take place at the construction

product manufacturer (if different from the data at company

level), the mass balance (if different from the data at

company level) must be determined for each process used

and any discrepancies corrected to an accuracy of 95%.

The validity of the other processes must be checked by

determining the mass balance of each process and

correcting any discrepancies to an accuracy of 95%.


A18

Recording the data quality of

each unit process

Insofar as data about the reliability of the environmental

actions is known, this must be recorded in the

documentation of the process data:

time-critical representativeness

geographical and technological representativeness of

the processes

the completeness of economic flows, by accounting for

truncated processes

completeness of the environmental actions, by

accounting for estimated environmental actions

Reproducibility A reference of all sources, both primary and public sources

and literature has been recorded. This includes at least the

title, author/drafter, and year.

In the context of reproducibility, a project file, as mentioned

in section 2.8.4 of the Determination Method, must be

recorded.

Consistency Consistency must be accounted for by explaining the

sources and operations used to make the LCA consistent.

Final assessment Meets the requirements of the Determination Method for

inventory and data collection.


A19

Life-cycle inventory: calculation procedures and allocation

LIFE-CYCLE INVENTORY: CALCULATION PROCEDURES AND ALLOCATION

(section 2.6.4.2 & 2.6.4.3 Determination Method; section 6.4.2 & 6.4.3 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Check calculation procedure

module D

The calculation procedure for net output flows of secondary

materials or fuel is implemented in accordance with the


The steps of the calculation procedure are clearly defined

and written out step-by-step.

Check module D declaration The module D credits have been declared in a corrective

manner. The following aspects are substantiated in this:

- a mass balance that includes all individual input flows

of secondary raw materials and all output flows of

materials for recycling

- the quality and quantity of the recycling materials,

used as secondary materials, must be determined

- any waste flows from the recycling process are

included

- module D is calculated based on the sum of the net

output of the individual flows of secondary raw

materials

Final assessment

calculation procedures


calculation procedures and allocation.


A20

Life-cycle effect assessment

LIFE-CYCLE EFFECT ASSESSMENT

(section 2.6.5. Determination Method; section 6.5 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Impact categories The environmental profile consists of the eleven effect

categories mentioned in section 2.6.5 of the Determination

Method.

Current set of characterization

factors Check that the most recent full set of characterization

factors for environmental indicators and environmental

effects has been used. Verify at: www.milieudatabase.nl.

Calculation of environmental

profile

The effect category values are calculated by:

1) allocating the environmental actions from the inventory to

the effect categories

2) multiplying the actions per category by the

characterization factors from the CML-SBK method ‘SBK

Determination Method’, 25 May 2018.’

3) aggregating the values obtained for each effect category

The calculation steps must be included in the LCA report, or

the LCA executor must declare that the Determination

Method as mentioned here has been followed.

Emissions from substance groups

The emissions from substance groups have been

included in accordance with the Determination Method.


A21

Non-characterized actions If environmental actions are not all characterized:

- if the cause concerns a different naming: correction of

the naming so that the substance is still characterized

- if the cause is a missing characterization factor:

characterization according to a chemically and

physically equivalent substance.

If this is not available, then inclusion in a list of non-

characterized actions, mentioning when an

environmental effect can be expected.

Aggregation of environmental

profiles

When aggregating environmental profiles, an ‘average’

environmental profile of a process is obtained. The average

profiles are calculated on the basis of a weighted production

quantity3 average of the selected manufacturing sites.

Production quantities may be estimated in terms of order of

magnitude.

Final assessment


life-cycle effect assessment.

3 Or production volume, if that is a customary unit.


A22

LIFE-CYCLE INTERPRETATION

(section 2.6.6 Determination Method)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Sensitivity analysis Contains the influence of the main choices and

assumptions made in the LCA.

Contains the influence of geographical and technological

spread within a group of manufacturing sites. Use the

highest and lowest values in the sensitivity analysis.

Contains the distribution as a result of dispersion in an

average composition. Use the highest and lowest values in

the sensitivity analysis.

Contains the distribution as a result of centring when setting

up a group average. Use the highest and lowest values in

the sensitivity analysis.

Contains the distribution as a result of uncertainty in

assumptions within the allocation when recycling. If method

(1) or (2) from 2.6.4.3 of the Determination Method has

been used, use method (3) in a sensitivity analysis.

If method (3) is used, conduct a sensitivity analysis for the

distribution in values.

The differences may not exceed 20% on one of the

environmental effects compared to the average value. If the

sensitivity analysis shows that the differences are more

than 20%, the environmental declarations need to be split

up to remain within the 20% limit.

It is also possible to choose to display the worst-case

profiles. The variations in environmental effects with very

low values can be dealt with in this way.

Final assessment


life-cycle interpretation.


A23

Content of the EPD (section 2.7 Determination Method; Chapter 7 EN 15804)

EXPLANATION OF THE GENERAL INFORMATION, REQUIREMENT FOR EXTERNAL PRESENTATION VIA A PRODUCT CARD AND/OR BASIC PROFILE(S)

(section 2.7.1 - 2.7.5 Determination Method; section 7.1 - 7.5 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

General (section 2.7.1) The following must be declared in an EPD:

a) the name and address of the manufacturer(s)

b) the description of the use to which the data relates

c) identification of construction product by name (including

any product code)

d) a description of the product

e) the name of the program operator

f) the date of issue of the declaration and its five-year

period of validity

g) information on which phases are not considered, if the

declaration is not based on an LCA of all life-cycle phases

h) a declaration that EPDs of construction products cannot

be comparable if they do not comply with the


i) where an EPD describes an average of several products,

a declaration that this does not lead to a deviation of more

than 20% from the average of each environmental

parameter

j) the site(s), manufacturer, or a group of manufacturers or

their representatives, for which the EPD is representative

l) details on where to obtain further information

The third party that performed the independent test is also

named.

Rules for declaring LCA

information of each module

(section 2.7.2 + 2.7.2.3)

The environmental effect categories (Table 2 of the

Determination Method), the use of raw materials (Table 3),

waste categories (Table 4), and output flows (Table 5)

have been maintained.

Scenarios and additional

technical information (section

2.7.3)

Complies with EN 15804.

Additional information on the use

phase

(section 2.7.4)

Information on the emission of hazardous substances to

indoor air, soil, and water during the use phase


A24

Aggregation of information

modules

(section 2.7.5)

The entry format for the product card and basic profile has

been used.

Final assessment Meets the requirements for the Content of the EPD

Project report

PROJECT REPORT (the project report is not part of public communication)

(section 2.8 Determination Method; Chapter 8 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Project file The project file contains at least the information described

in section 2.8 of the Determination Method.

To assist the assessor, a checklist of subjects to be included in the project file

is included in Appendix B.1 of this Verification Protocol.

LCA report The LCA report contains at least the information described

in section 2.8 of the Determination Method.

To assist the assessor, a checklist of subjects to be dealt with in the LCA

report is included in Appendix B.2 of this Verification Protocol.

Scaling If applicable, the scaling on the product card complies with

the provisions of section 2.8.2.2. of the Determination

Method.

Final assessment Meets the reporting requirements of the Determination

Method.


A25

Verification and validity of the data for the National Environmental Database

VERIFICATION BY A THIRD PARTY AND VALIDITY OF AN EPD

(section 2.9 Determination Method; Chapter 9 EN 15804)


criterion

yes / no

Comments

Report of the verification agency Contains the assessor’s findings.

Contains the final assessment of whether or not this

standard is met.

Quality certificate Assessor declares they are a recognized expert and

assessor at the SBK

Final assessment Meets the requirements of the Determination Method for

third-party critical assessment.

SBK Verification Protocol version 3.0 January 2019 – APPENDIX B Reporting Requirements

B1

INFORMATIVE APPENDIX B. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

This appendix lists the topics that must be included in the project file and the LCA report. The

requirements are based on those of the Determination Method. The assessor can use these lists as a

checklist. It should be noted that the checklists below do not claim to be complete.

B.1 Project file (based on Determination Method 2.8.4)

A project file of the LCA survey of the construction product must be created and include at least the

following:

the incoming and outgoing environmental flows (environmental actions) of the unit processes

(process data) used as inputs for the LCA calculations

the documentation (measurements, calculations, estimates, sources, correspondence, traceable

origin references, etc.) based on which the process data for the LCA has been prepared. This

includes documentation on the formula used to determine the composition of the manufacturer’s

construction product, energy consumption figures, emission data, and waste generation, as well

as data used to substantiate completeness. In specific cases, reference may be made to

standards, quality regulations, etc.

documentation showing that the materials, products, or elements (reference flow) can fulfil the

required function(s) and performance(s)

documentation showing that the selected processes and scenarios in the process tree meet the

requirements set by the Determination Method

documentation justifying the chosen service life of the construction product

the data used to conduct the sensitivity analyses and the internal control of the collected data. The

internal control includes a mass balance for each process step, a mass balance at company level,

and an energy balance at company level

documentation and justification of the percentages used to perform calculations in the waste

scenario

documentation and justification of the percentages and numbers (number of cycles, prices, etc.)

used for calculations in the allocation procedure

for an environmental declaration of a weighted average for more than one manufacturing site or

manufacturer:

- the unweighted values

- documentation from which the weighing factors used (manufacturing quantities) are derived

documentation supporting any qualitative information in the environmental declaration

information showing that all suppliers and any relevant customers were contacted for the LCA

survey. If this has not been done, the information must show that data used can be considered

equivalent to supplier data (e.g. where suppliers have collectively published data for use in LCAs)

procedures under which the data collection was carried out (questionnaires, instructions,

information material, confidentiality agreements, etc.)

the characterization factors used, as well as normalization factors and weighting factors if these

were used to calculate environmental parameters

the criteria and justification used to set system boundaries and to select input and output flows

documentation justifying other choices, scenarios, and assumptions.


B2

B.2 LCA report

The LCA survey of a construction product must be recorded in an LCA report available for external

assessment. This LCA report at least includes (where applicable):

the name(s) of the environmental declaration provider(s)

the name of the LCA executor

the date of the report

a declaration that the LCA has been performed in accordance with the requirements of the

Environmental Performance of Buildings and Civil Engineering Works Determination Method

a description and justification of the geographical and technological representativeness of the

relevant manufacturing site(s) of the environmental declaration provider(s) and the influence of

any geographical and technological spread on the final results

the period within which the LCA was performed

the purpose for which the intended environmental declaration is to be drawn up

the target audience for which the intended environmental declaration is to be drawn up

the functional unit

the construction product (reference flow) that is the subject of the LCA and for which an

environmental declaration is to be drawn up. The description must clearly identify which product(s)

from the product range are concerned

a materials list (the composition does not have to be given with the substance names, but the

structure of the construction product must be included)

any additional function(s) not included in the functional unit that relate to the application of the

construction product in a structure

a description of how the composition of all materials, products, or elements is established in the

materials list (e.g. by means of standard-setting)

a description of the process tree and its demarcation, with justification

the service life of the construction product used, with justification and/or the number of times that

replacements have been included in the LCA calculations

a description and justification of the scenarios used

information showing that the system boundaries from the Determination Method have been

followed, where deviations have occurred and why, and what influence that has on the final results

the data categories

the data collection procedures (questionnaires, checklists, etc.)

the calculation procedures (e.g. for estimates)

which data originates from primary sources and which data originates from secondary sources

a justification of the choice made for generic data (NED, Ecoinvent, other data)

source references for literature data, including at least the title, author, and year

if not based on fixed values: a description of the conversion efficiency of energy sources, the way

in which the extraction and transport of fuels has been handled, the combustion values of energy

carriers, the fuel mix in the generation of electricity, and the distribution of the energy flow

a description of how the level of completeness for each data category was established and how

deviations were handled

a list of process emissions that are part of the environmental permit

a list of highly regarded suppliers

the validation method

the results of mass and energy balances, corrections, and explanations for deviations

a qualitative description of the data quality

the allocation method used


B3

the designation of the processes where allocation has been applied

the percentages and other data used to calculate the allocation

information showing that the allocation requirements of this standard have been met

the environmental profiles and other environmental parameters

the manner in which a weighted average was obtained

the characterization factors used, and insofar as applied to calculating environmental actions, the

standardization and weighting factors (not just a reference, but the factors themselves)

non-characterized substances

the results of the sensitivity analyses, including the analyses prescribed in this standard, and other

choices and assumptions, which according to the LCA executor affect the spread of the result (if

any).

SBK Verification Protocol version 3.0 January 2019 – APPENDIX C ‘Equivalence’ Procedure

C1

APPENDIX C.

‘ESTABLISHING EQUIVALENCE AND VERIFICATING DATA

FOR THE NED’ PROCEDURE

Appendix C: SBK Verification Protocol ‘Inclusion of data in

the National Environmental Database’

version 1.0, October 2014

SBK

Stichting Bouwkwaliteit (Foundation for Building Quality)

Visseringlaan 22b

2288 ER Rijswijk, the Netherlands

Phone: +31(0)70 3072929

Website: www.bouwkwaliteit.nl

www.milieudatabase.nl

http://www.bouwkwaliteit.nl/


C3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2

1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1. General..................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2. National Environmental Database ........................................................................................... 3 1.3. SBK Verification Protocol (this document) ............................................................................... 4

2. Application procedurefor inclusion in the NED ................................................................................. 6 2.1. Information on applying for inclusion in the NED ..................................................................... 7 2.2. LCA .......................................................................................................................................... 7

2.3. Assessment file ........................................................................................................................ 7 2.4. Selection of an accredited assessor ........................................................................................ 7 2.5. Performing the data assessment ............................................................................................. 7 2.6. Complaints about the assessment ........................................................................................... 7 2.7. Application file .......................................................................................................................... 8

2.8. Assessment of the application to include data in the NED ...................................................... 8

2.9. Inclusion of data in the NED .................................................................................................... 8

3. Requirements for obtaining a positive SBK assessment, for inclusion in the NED ......................... 9 3.1. Documentation and managing the project file ....................................................................... 10

3.2. LCA report .............................................................................................................................. 10 3.3. Assessment by the accredited assessor ................................................................................ 10

4. Instructions for the assessment by the accredited assessor ......................................................... 11

4.1. Documents to be assessed .................................................................................................... 11 4.2. Assessment method ............................................................................................................... 11

4.3. Assessment by chapter .......................................................................................................... 12 4.4. Overall assessment ................................................................................................................ 12 4.5. Contact with the manufacturer and reporting ......................................................................... 12

4.6. Entering NED data ................................................................................................................. 12

Appendix A. Assessment tables .............................................................................................................. 1

Informative Appendix B. Reporting requirements.................................................................................... 1 B.1 Project file (based on Determination Method 2.8.4) .................................................................. 1 B.2 LCA report ................................................................................................................................ 2

Appendix C. ............................................................................................................................................. 1


C4

STATUS PROCEDURE

This ‘Establishing equivalence and verificating data for the NED’ procedure (the ‘Equivalence’

procedure) serves as an appendix to the SBK Verification Protocol ‘Inclusion of data in the National

Environmental Database’. The Foundation for Building Quality (SBK) is therefore the responsible

party. The Procedure has been drawn up by the SBK’s Technical Content Commission (TIC,

Technisch Inhoudelijke Commissie) and adopted by the SBK’s Environmental Performance

Commission for Construction and Civil Engineering

Proposals to improve the procedure can be addressed to the SBK at any time. If the importance and

urgency of the matter require it, the TIC will be asked to draw up a proposed text. The procedure will

be adopted ultimately by the SBK’s Environmental Performance Commission for Construction and

Civil Engineering. A change to the procedure may also be published in the form of an amendment or

supplement.

This is the first version, version 1.0, of the procedure. Interim updates of the procedure are possible

without changing the version number of the SBK Verification Protocol itself.


C5

1. DEFINITION OF THE ‘EQUIVALENCE’ PROCEDURE

1.1. Environmental Performance of Buildings and Civil Engineering Works

The aim is to reduce the material-related environmental impact of buildings and civil engineering

works. This procedure also refers to improving environmental performance.

For this purpose, a system has been created that makes it possible to quantify this environmental

impact. This system, managed by the Foundation for Building Quality (SBK), consists of a

Determination Method, including calculation rules and an Environmental Database. The system

contributes towards making the construction sector aware of the environmental performance of a

building or civil engineering work, enabling them to be managed accordingly, in both private- and

public-law environments. Since 1 January 2012, Article 5.9 of the Bouwbesluit 2012 (Buildings Decree

2012) prescribes the quantification in accordance with the Environmental Performance of Buildings

and Civil Engineering Works Determination Method. However, the equivalence procedure also

focuses on the private environment.

Part 5.2. Environment, new construction

Article 5.8. Guiding article:

1. A structure must be built so as to reduce the environmental impact of the materials to be used in the

structure.

2. Insofar as rules are designated for a functional use in table 5.8, the requirement set out in paragraph 1

will be met for that functional use by applying those rules and the instructions given under those

provisions.

3. The first paragraph does not apply to functional uses for which no rules have been designated in table

5.8.

Article 5.9. Sustainable construction:

1. For the composition of construction components of a residential function, greenhouse gas emissions and

the depletion of raw materials have been quantified under the Environmental Performance of Buildings

and Civil Engineering Works Determination Method.

2. For the composition of construction components of a building with solely office and ancillary functions,

and whose usable area exceeds 100 m2, greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of raw materials

have been quantified under the Environmental Performance of Buildings and Civil Engineering Works


3. Instructions regarding the provisions of the first and second paragraphs may be given by ministerial

regulation.


C6

If equivalence occurs, several levels can be distinguished:

1. Uniformly determining the environmental performance of a building or civil engineering work.

This concerns an equivalent alternative to the total Determination Method

2. Ensuring the quality of the data for the National Environmental Database (NED).

This concerns an equivalent alternative for determining and verificating the data, aimed at

obtaining verified-information status (category 1 or 2).

The main need to date has been for a level 2 procedure. There are product rating systems, with

different procedures. It is also expected that foreign EPDs will be offered that do not strictly fulfil Dutch

criteria. The procedure therefore focuses on this second level.

1.2. Subject and scope: category 1 and 2 data

SBK’s National Environmental Database consists of various databases, the most important of which

are the Basic Profile Database (environmental information) and the Product/Product Cards Database

(composition and quantities of construction materials). These databases contain information divided

into three categories:

Category 1: proprietary data, verified by third parties Target audience: manufacturers, suppliers

Category 2: non-proprietary data (unbranded), verified by third parties and specifying representativeness (representative, for example, of the Dutch market or a group of manufacturers) Target audience: sectors, groups of manufacturers, suppliers

Category 3: non-proprietary data (unbranded), not verified by third parties, but in general by the SBK’s Technical Content Commission Target audience: sectors, manufacturers, suppliers and clients

Category 1 and 2 data for inclusion in the National Database relate to:

Verified information on the environmental aspects of a construction material, construction product, or

construction element generated through an environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) initiated by the

manufacturer(s), or their representatives, and which is useful for inclusion in the NED.

1.3. Alternative route

The Determination Method and the standard Verification Protocol focus on a single LCA, aimed at a

single product or several products. The ‘Equivalence’ procedure offers the possibility of other formats.

Examples:

• foreign EPD

• tool for generating LCA data

Summary

The ‘Equivalence’ procedure focuses on an equivalent route for determining and verificating data as

category 1 or 2 in the NED. The route may focus on a single LCA, but also on generating and

delivering via a process or tool. This data can be used in both private- and public-law environments.

2. ASSESSMENT OF EQUIVALENCE

2.1. Basic idea

The requirements laid down in the Determination Method and the Verification Protocol must ensure

that the quality of the data in the NED is guaranteed. What suffices in terms of quality is a direct


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derivative of the objectives pursued by the requirements. An alternative route for determining and/or

verificating data is equivalent only if the objectives are met to at least the same extent. An alternative

route will not be approved until the applicant has adequately demonstrated that this is the case.

The above is the basic requirement for the alternative route. We deliberately did not lay down a

detailed set of requirements or criteria. This is in order to provide sufficient space to be able to come

up with equivalent solutions within the parameters. When assessing the alternative route, the

requirements of the Determination Method and the Verification Protocol will serve as guidelines. The

applicant will have to indicate where and why deviations occur, and will have to demonstrate that this

is not to the detriment of the objectives described below.

Besides the basic requirement, the involvement of an external assessor will be required in all cases.

An external assessment must always be part of the alternative route.

2.2. Objectives Determination Method

The main objectives are:

1. Environmental performance of buildings and civil engineering works

The underlying objective is to reduce the mate