The construction industry is a major contributor to energy use and carbon emissions – it is currently responsible for almost 40 percent of the energy consumption and a third of CO2 emissions. This provides a significant opportunity for advancing the circular economy; coupled with the ambitious sustainability goals set by the European Union, it further emphasises the importance of making the built environment more sustainable.

The European Union has ambitious climate goals. By 2030, they aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% and CO2 emissions by 90% by 2040. Ultimately, the EU strives to be climate-neutral by 2050. 

With the environmental and energy performance standards becoming stricter, reporting your building’s impact becomes crucial. The strictness of standards is related to several factors, such as European legislation, national certification systems, and specific requirements for tenders. The result? A growing need for comprehensive building data reporting. Thus, you might ask yourself – what do I need to consider, and how can Madaster help my business? 

Madaster gives access to accurate and comprehensive information that allows users to effortlessly report on their construction projects or property portfolio. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the platform and show how to use Madaster’s data effectively.

BREEAM

BREEAM, or Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method is an international certification method used in more than 80 countries. Each country has its own guidelines. In the Netherlands, the so-called ‘BREEAM-NL’ is managed by the Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC). It provides insight into the project’s sustainability performance, with certifications highlighting the use of sustainable materials. This is where the building passport and detachability come in: the reports required for this can be generated automatically from Madaster. Soon, the Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG) will also become available on the platform.

“Registering your building in Madaster using a structural BIM model automatically generates a building passport that fulfills BREEAM requirements,” says Ruud van der Zanden, Technical Designer at BureauEAU. “Furthermore, Madaster’s releaseability calculations have been validated by the DGBC, making them readily obtainable credits towards BREEAM certification.”

EU Taxonomy – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

The European Union is driving a shift toward transparent and sustainable business practices through two key initiatives: the EU Taxonomy and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The EU Taxonomy acts as a classification system for economic activities, categorising them based on their environmental impact. This framework empowers companies to report how their operations contribute to achieving sustainability goals. The CSRD takes things a step further. It mandates companies to report on both the environmental and social aspects of their business practices. This includes a specific focus on how construction and renovation projects align with the EU Taxonomy’s six established climate objectives. For a project to earn the “sustainable” label under the CSRD, it must meet two crucial criteria. First, it must make a substantial contribution to achieving at least one of these climate objectives. Second, it must avoid causing significant harm to any of the other objectives. This ensures a holistic approach to sustainability within the construction and renovation sector.

Various calculations in the Madaster dashboard (image below) can be used to generate data required for the EU Taxonomy report. For instance, an overview of the materials used (Materials Passport), Global Warming Potential (GWP), Circularity (% reused, recycled, bio-based), reuse potential, operational CO2 emissions, detachability, and soon MPG. This includes all items that are obligatory for EU Taxonomy reporting when constructing new buildings.

Together towards a sustainable future

We’re dedicated to equipping our users with all the tools, insights, and resources needed to future-proof their business for a sustainable future. This means that we continuously work with our users and partners to understand their needs, rigorously monitor laws and regulations, and stay abreast of relevant sustainability programs. Our Roadmap 2024 is a testament to this commitment.

Building a sustainable future starts now. Let us be your guide on this journey within the built environment.