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BREEAM-NLFAQ

BREEAM-NL frequently asked questions

Here you will find direct answers to the most frequently asked questions about BREEAM-NL. The certification mark is managed by the Dutch Green Building Council . Most answers link to deeper pages in this cluster for those who want to know more. Start with what is BREEAM-NL if you have no basic knowledge yet, or read how it works for the technical side.

Is BREEAM-NL mandatory?

No. BREEAM-NL is a voluntary certification mark. No law makes it mandatory for buildings in general. You choose it yourself.

That does not change the fact that pressure from the market is growing. Large tenants set sustainability requirements when leasing office space. Institutional investors ask for a verifiable certificate when they buy. Some banks link favourable financing terms to a BREEAM score. And sustainability requirements can play a role in large European tenders.

In short: not legally required, but increasingly the standard in practice.

What is the difference between BREEAM-NL and LEED?

BREEAM-NL is the Dutch version of a British certification scheme and has been specifically adapted to Dutch laws and regulations. LEED is American and recognised worldwide. BREEAM-NL has the strongest market acceptance in the Netherlands for commercial property. LEED is more interesting for international portfolios.

One concrete difference: BREEAM-NL and GPR Gebouw are on the Milieulijst of the RVO  and give access to the MIA and Vamil tax benefits. LEED does not automatically offer that link.

You can find all the details side by side on the comparison page BREEAM vs LEED vs GPR.

Is BREEAM-NL an ISO standard?

No. BREEAM-NL is not an ISO standard. It is a voluntary certification mark from the Dutch Green Building Council, not an internationally defined standard such as ISO 14001 for environmental management or ISO 9001 for quality management.

The difference is fundamental. An ISO standard describes a management system that you introduce. BREEAM-NL assesses the physical and operational performance of a building and assigns a score to it. They are complementary tools, not replacements for each other.

Who manages BREEAM-NL?

The Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) manages BREEAM-NL in the Netherlands. DGBC operates via dgbc.nl  and breeam.nl . The technical guidelines are available at richtlijn.breeam.nl .

BREEAM itself was originally developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom. The Dutch version has been adapted to Dutch laws, regulations and conditions.

Which score do I need?

That depends on your goal. The ratings range from Pass (25%) to Outstanding (85%) for New construction and Area. The In-Use scheme has a slightly different scale with a lower entry point.

Do you want access to the MIA and Vamil tax benefits? Then the Milieulijst determines which minimum counts, and a higher level gives a larger deduction. Do you want to let to a large international tenant? Then they usually require at least Very Good or Excellent. Do you want to build a building that meets market standards without special ambitions? Then Good or Very Good is often sufficient.

All thresholds and stars are on the scores and levels page.

How much does a BREEAM-NL certificate cost?

The total cost consists of three layers: DGBC certification rates, hours of an Expert and Assessor, and investments in sustainable measures. For example, DGBC certification for a new-build building of 8,000 m2 GFA costs €4,400 excl. VAT (non-partner rate 2026). However, in practice, total project costs including advice and measures rise to a market indication of approximately €15,000 to €50,000.

All rates and a realistic breakdown of costs can be found on the costs and timeline page.

How long is a BREEAM-NL certificate valid?

It depends on the scheme.

An In-Use certificate is valid for a maximum of three years by default. After that, you must recertify. In between, you can update the score after 1 and/or 2 years.

A certificate for New construction and renovation relates to the completed building. It is not time-bound in the same way as In-Use, but it serves as evidence of the condition at handover. If you later also want to certify operational performance, you switch to In-Use.

What is the difference between an Expert and an Assessor?

A BREEAM-NL Expert advises the project team and collects the evidence needed for the assessment. The Expert is on your side.

A BREEAM-NL Assessor independently checks whether the evidence is correct and awards the credits. The Assessor works for a certified organisation with a separate DGBC licence.

The training sequence is fixed: you can only become an Assessor if you hold a valid Expert certificate. More explanation of both roles is on the how it works page.

Can I get a tax benefit with BREEAM-NL?

Yes, that is possible through the MIA and Vamil. Sustainable buildings with a BREEAM-NL certificate are on the RVO Milieulijst. Through the MIA, you deduct part of the investment from your taxable profit (27%, 36% or 45% depending on the level). Through the Vamil, you depreciate faster, which gives a liquidity benefit.

You must report the investment to the RVO within three months of entering into the investment commitment. That deadline is strict. If you miss it, the benefit lapses. See subsidies and tax benefits for the full explanation.

Which scheme suits me?

There are three BREEAM-NL schemes. Choose based on your situation:

  • New construction and renovation: you are building a new building or carrying out a major renovation.
  • In-Use: you have an existing building that is already in use and you want to demonstrate its sustainability and management.
  • Area: you are developing an entire area development project. This scheme falls outside the scope of this cluster.

Not sure? Read who BREEAM-NL is for for an explanation based on target groups.

Sources

Who is it for?What is ISO 22000?