In the ever-evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, certifications play a crucial role in setting standards and benchmarks for sustainable development. Among these, BREEAM-NL stands out as a significant certification within Dutch project development. To delve deeper into its importance, I had the opportunity to speak with Laura Verbeek, a seasoned ESG consultant who has been closely involved with numerous BREEAM-NL certified projects across the Netherlands.
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Laura’s journey into the world of ESG began a decade ago, sparked by a passion for sustainable architecture and urban development. “Back then, the concept of ESG was still gaining traction,” she reminisces. “But today, it has become an integral part of how businesses operate and develop projects.”
As we settled into our conversation, Laura underscored the increasing importance of ESG factors in decision-making. “The integration of ESG is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity,” she asserted. “Businesses and investors are realising that to generate not only financial returns but also to make a positive impact on our planet, ESG considerations must be at the forefront of their strategies.”
BREEAM-NL, according to Laura, is pivotal in this landscape. “In the Netherlands, BREEAM-NL is the most widely used sustainability assessment method for buildings and large-scale developments. It provides a framework that guides developers in creating projects that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially responsible.”
I was curious to know what made BREEAM-NL particularly significant as compared to other global certifications. Laura explained, “BREEAM-NL is tailored to the Dutch context. It takes into account local regulations, climate, and cultural aspects, which makes it more applicable and practical for projects here. This localisation is crucial because sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all. It needs to reflect the specific needs and challenges of the place where it’s implemented.”
Laura went on to highlight the various categories that BREEAM-NL assesses, including energy, water, materials, waste, and health and well-being. “It’s comprehensive,” she noted. “The certification process encourages developers to think holistically about their projects. It’s about creating spaces that are not just energy-efficient but also enhance the quality of life for the people who use them.”
One of the most impactful aspects of BREEAM-NL, Laura shared, is its influence on fostering innovation. “When developers aim for higher BREEAM ratings, it pushes them to innovate. They explore new materials, technologies, and processes that they might not have considered otherwise. This drive for innovation is crucial for the evolution of sustainable practices.”
Laura illustrated her point with a recent project she worked on—a mixed-use development in Rotterdam. “The project achieved an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM-NL rating. It featured green roofs, solar energy systems, and a rainwater harvesting mechanism. These elements were not only about earning points for the certification but also about genuinely improving the environmental footprint of the development.”
Our conversation took a turn towards the challenges that developers often face in pursuing BREEAM-NL certification. “One of the main challenges is the cost,” Laura admitted. “Sustainable materials and technologies can be expensive initially. However, the long-term benefits, such as reduced energy costs and increased property value, often outweigh these initial expenses.”
Despite these challenges, Laura emphasised the growing recognition of the value that BREEAM-NL brings. “There’s a shift happening,” she observed. “More stakeholders are seeing the certification as an investment rather than an expense. It’s about future-proofing developments.”
Towards the end of our discussion, Laura touched on the role of policy and regulation in supporting ESG efforts. “Government incentives play a big role in encouraging developers to pursue certifications like BREEAM-NL. Tax benefits, grants, and subsidies can alleviate some of the financial burdens and make sustainable development more accessible.”
As our conversation wrapped up, I asked Laura for her outlook on the future of ESG and BREEAM-NL in Dutch project development. With a thoughtful pause, she concluded, “The importance of ESG will only grow. As we face global challenges such as climate change and social inequality, frameworks like BREEAM-NL will be essential in guiding us towards a more sustainable and equitable future.”
Laura’s insights provided a comprehensive view of the significance of BREEAM-NL in Dutch project development. As ESG continues to shape the way we approach business and development, certifications like BREEAM-NL will undoubtedly remain key players in driving sustainable progress.
Kenneth George
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