Our colleague Rik Wessels has been officially certified as an LCA compiler and verifier by the Dutch Environmental Database (NMD)! This is an important addition to the expertise within Hedgehog.
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Why is verifying LCAs important?
When applying for an environmental permit for construction, a calculation of the Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG) is mandatory. This MPG score expresses the total environmental impact of a building in a single number. In order to make this calculation, reliable and verified data on the environmental impact of all materials used is required. This data is contained in the NMD. Without being included in the NMD, a product cannot be included in the MPG calculation.
What does an LCA compiler and assessor do?
Before a construction product is included in the NMD, we need to know its environmental impact. This is done through a life cycle analysis (LCA). An LCA analyses the environmental performance of a product in all stages of its life cycle: from raw material extraction and production to use and disposal.
Rik Wessels fulfils two separate roles:
1) LCA Compiler: In this role, Rik compiles an LCA report on behalf of a client. He collects and analyses all data to determine the environmental impact of a product.
2) LCA Assessor: As a certified assessor, he assesses LCA reports prepared by other parties. He checks whether the LCA has been carried out completely and correctly on the basis of the official NMD Assessment Protocol.
An assessor must be completely independent and may not have been involved in the preparation of the LCA to be assessed.
Who needs this?
Manufacturers and suppliers of construction products can make use of Rik's services. If you would like to have your product, such as insulation material, concrete, a heat pump installation or an innovative façade panel, included in the Dutch Environmental Database, you will need a verified LCA.
‘As a recognised LCA compiler and assessor, it is great to contribute to the transparency and sustainability of the construction sector. Within the Hedgehog team, it is also valuable to broaden our expertise in this way and to be able to apply it directly.’ - Rik Wessels
Do you have a construction product that you would like to have included in the NMD, or are you looking for an independent verifier for your LCA report? Please contact Rik Wessels.
Check out the profile page of NMD here!
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