BREEAM-NL Expert: what do they do and how do you become one?
A BREEAM-NL Expert is the adviser who guides your project through the certification process. They sit on your side, help with choices and make sure the evidence is in the assessment tool. An Expert is trained by the Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) . The training path runs through the DGBC Academy . You can find an Expert or Assessor on breeam.nl . The role in the bigger picture is explained in how BREEAM-NL works and in the step-by-step plan.
What does the Expert do exactly?
The Expert works on a different part of the process in each phase. Below you can see the core of their work per phase.
| Phase | What the Expert does | What you get from the Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Maps out the target level and the minimum requirements | An overview of which requirements carry the most weight |
| Design or management | Advises on credits and steers the evidence | A list of the documents needed per credit |
| Registration | Sets up the project in the assessment tool | A registered project with a project number |
| Pre-check | Checks the file before the Assessor sees it | A provisional score and a list of gaps |
| Assessment | Answers the assessor’s questions about the evidence | Quick responses to questions, less back and forth |
The Expert is mainly there to keep the evidence in order. Most of the Expert’s work is not in the assessment itself, but in preventing gaps in the file.
Expert and Assessor: two different roles
This is the confusion that happens most often. The Expert advises and collects. The Assessor assesses independently and awards the credits. The Assessor works for an organisation with a DGBC Assessor licence. That organisation reports changes in its Assessor register to DGBC. The check by the Assessor is a mandatory step on the way to the certificate. You can read more about this difference in the frequently asked questions.
The training path
The training courses follow a fixed order. For the Expert training, you first complete the BREEAM-NL General training or an equivalent training. This is set out in the examination regulations of the DGBC Academy.
Introduction training
The BREEAM-NL General training (the introduction). A basic overview of BREEAM-NL: the categories, the scores and the assessment process. This is the entry point for every role.
Expert training
Here you learn to build a file and put the evidence into the assessment tool. After passing the exam and a homework assignment, you receive the diploma. For formal recognition as an Expert, you receive a certificate.
Assessor training
You can only start this after you hold a valid Expert certificate. The Assessor assesses independently and must work for an organisation with an Assessor licence.
A brochure from the DGBC Academy (2023) states that the introduction and the Expert training are sometimes combined into one day. Check the current schedule with the Academy, as it changes. Email academy@dgbc.nl with any questions.
The Expert certificate is not valid forever. According to article 11.2 of the DGBC Academy examination regulations (version 2, 1 October 2021), it is valid for 1 calendar year. You renew it yourself, for example with the e-learning Permanent Education Expert. This is the regulation text from 2021. A newer version may exist, so check the current rules with the DGBC Academy.
How do you choose a good Expert?
Not every Expert suits every project. A few points will help you choose.
- Search via breeam.nl. Breeam.nl has the search function “Find an expert or assessor”. Also ask for a valid Expert certificate, because it is only valid for 1 calendar year.
- Ask about experience with your scheme. New build and In-Use work differently. An Expert who mainly works on new build may know In-Use less well.
- Ask for an example of an evidence file. A good Expert shows how they organise evidence, without sharing client details.
- Ask for hours per phase. A single lump-sum quote says little. See costs and timeline for what else comes with the process.
Example: an evidence overview per category
An Expert often works with an overview like this. You can also use it yourself to keep track. The rules below are fictional and for illustration only.
| Category | Credit (example) | Evidence needed | Status | Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Energy performance of the building | Energy calculation, version and date | Done | Installations adviser |
| Water | Water use | Specification of fittings, delivery note | Open | Installer |
| Materials | Origin of materials | Certificates per product group | Open | Contractor |
| Management | Management and maintenance | Maintenance plan, signed by the client | Done | Project manager |
This shows you at a glance what is still missing. It prevents you from discovering only in the last month that a certificate is missing.
Common mistakes
- Bringing in the Expert too late. If you only involve an Expert after the design, you may miss credits you could have earned. See also how BREEAM-NL works.
- Thinking the Expert issues the certificate. The Expert advises. The certificate only follows after the mandatory check by the Assessor.
- Not keeping records of evidence. An Expert can only work with evidence that is in the file. Verbal promises do not count.
- Mixing up the roles. An Expert who also carries out the assessment is a contradiction. See the difference above.
Frequently asked question: do I always need an Expert?
Your project team needs an Expert, because they guide the process and make sure the evidence is in the assessment tool. This does not have to be someone from outside. According to breeam.nl, you can become an Expert yourself or hire an external Expert. For example, a developer who certifies often can have their own project manager take the Expert training. A one-off project often hires an external Expert, because the training takes time and the certificate has to be renewed every year.
Next steps
Read the requirements
Know which requirements you must meet before you choose an Expert. See BREEAM-NL requirements.
Plan the process
The step-by-step plan shows where the Expert is involved in each phase.
Sources
- DGBC Academy (courses and examination regulations)
- BREEAM-NL - experts and assessors (register and roles)
- DGBC - BREEAM-NL (administrator)