BREEAM-NL vs LEED: which certificate should you choose?
Three certificates are most widely used in the Netherlands for the sustainability of buildings: BREEAM-NL, LEED and GPR Gebouw. BREEAM-NL is the Dutch market standard for non-residential buildings, managed by the Dutch Green Building Council . LEED is American and widely recognised internationally. GPR is Dutch and practical, and is often used for housing and by municipalities. The right choice depends on your target audience, your market and whether you want a tax benefit. You can read more about the scores and levels per scheme elsewhere in this cluster.
No single certificate is the best for everyone. Each has its own logic. Below we compare them fairly.
BREEAM, LEED and GPR compared
| BREEAM-NL | LEED | GPR Gebouw | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Netherlands (UK basis) | United States | Netherlands |
| Administrator | DGBC | USGBC | W/E Adviseurs |
| Levels | Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Outstanding | Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum | Score 1-10 per theme |
| Focus | Broad sustainability, Dutch legislation | Broad sustainability, international | Five themes: energy, environment, health, quality of use, future value |
| Market acceptance in NL | Strong, especially in commercial property | Limited, growing among international parties | Strong in housing and municipalities |
| International | Limited | Strong, recognised worldwide | Almost none |
| Indicative costs | Around €15,000-50,000 | Around €20,000-60,000 | Around €10,000-30,000 |
| Tax benefit in NL | Yes, via the Milieulijst (MIA/Vamil) | Not automatically | Yes, via the Milieulijst (MIA/Vamil) |
Costs are broad market indications, including advice and measures. Actual costs depend strongly on the project. See costs and timeline for the DGBC fees.
Both BREEAM-NL and GPR Gebouw are on the Milieulijst (Dutch Environmental List) of RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency). This means a certificate gives access to the MIA (Environmental Investment Allowance) and Vamil (Accelerated Depreciation of Environmental Investments) tax benefits. LEED does not offer this link automatically. Read more at subsidies and tax benefits.
When should you choose BREEAM-NL?
BREEAM-NL is the obvious choice if you build or manage a non-residential building in the Netherlands and want to appeal to the Dutch property market. Large Dutch tenants, institutional investors and financiers know the certificate and understand what a Very Good or Excellent score means.
BREEAM-NL is also a logical choice if you want to use MIA and Vamil. The certificate is explicitly on the Milieulijst, and the link to the tax benefit is clear.
For example, a property developer building an office for a pension fund chooses BREEAM-NL Excellent. The fund expects that level, the financier links a lower interest rate to it, and the MIA deduction covers part of the extra investment.
When should you choose LEED?
LEED is worth considering if you deal with international tenants or a portfolio of buildings in several countries. Large American technology companies, banks and consultants recognise LEED and compare buildings worldwide based on that score.
If you operate only in the Dutch market, LEED adds less value. It is more expensive, there is no tax benefit and it is less well known in the market. The application is handled through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) .
When should you choose GPR Gebouw?
GPR Gebouw is simpler and cheaper than BREEAM-NL. It works with five themes, each scored from 1 to 10. That makes it accessible for projects with a limited budget or for parties who are certifying for the first time.
GPR is often used for new housing, social rental homes and municipal buildings. If you are a municipality or housing association and want to be transparent about the sustainability of your stock, GPR is a practical choice.
Like BREEAM-NL, GPR is on the Milieulijst, so MIA and Vamil are also possible here.
No best choice, but the right choice for you
It really depends on your situation. Ask yourself three questions:
- Who are your tenants or buyers? Dutch parties know BREEAM-NL. International parties know LEED.
- Do you want a tax benefit in the Netherlands? If so, LEED is out unless you arrange something additional.
- What are your budget and ambition? GPR is the most accessible, BREEAM-NL is the market standard, and LEED is the most international.
Not sure which scheme suits your project? Also read who BREEAM-NL is for.
Sources
- DGBC - BREEAM-NL (administrator of BREEAM-NL)
- USGBC - LEED (administrator of LEED)
- RVO - Milieulijst MIA/Vamil (which certificates give a tax benefit)