A construction project's ultimate success hinges on its ability to comply with nitrogen and carbon dioxide emission regulations. It makes the difference between timely completion and delay, between staying within budget and incurring extra costs. Due to poor compliance, some projects do not even get off the ground at all. How can data-driven construction help Dutch and Belgian companies build more sustainably and deliver on time and within budget?
It is high time to get the construction sector moving again. That requires a different mindset. Pointing fingers at nitrogen legislation and other environmental regulations will not unlock the construction sector. Those rules are firmly locked in place. The question is: how do we in the construction industry handle this smarter? Wouldn't it benefit us more to look at sustainable laws and regulations from another perspective: not the nitrogen rules themselves, but the lack of options to comply with those rules. So, how do we as a construction sector ensure that we can build according to sustainable laws and regulations?
Laws and regulations surrounding nitrogen
In both the Netherlands and Belgium, laws and regulations surrounding nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions pose a challenge. After all, both governments set limits on emissions from construction projects. In the Netherlands, the situation is more pressing than in Belgium, partly because in Belgium there is often more nitrogen capacity and, from 2025 onwards, only emission-free new construction will be realised as laid down in the nitrogen decree. How high the emission limit of a construction project is depends on various factors such as local environmental laws, the environmental database, distance to a Natura 2000 area, construction materials, equipment used, and logistics. Clients and contractors can influence those last three factors: the more sustainable the material use, the equipment used during execution, and transport, the greater the chance that construction projects stay within emission limits.
224,000 new homes risk coming to a halt or suffering delays due to nitrogen rules.
Many construction projects were already planned or underway when the Dutch construction world was locked down due to emission restrictions. This meant that many projects came to a standstill or experienced delays. Currently, according to Bouwend Nederland, the construction of 224,000 new homes risks coming to a halt or suffering delays due to nitrogen rules. That represents about one-third of the total number of new homes that must be completed by 2030. The economic damage from this is estimated at 93.5 billion euros.
How do you reduce emissions?
Dutch and Belgian construction companies can ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding nitrogen and carbon dioxide by making transport more sustainable, as a large share of emissions during construction comes from transport. Construction companies can limit emissions by using electric vehicles to deliver building materials. Lightweight materials such as insulation are particularly suitable for this. However, they can also make a big impact switching to electric excavators, cranes, wheel loaders, and other machinery. Fortunately, the possibilities are increasing as more electric equipment becomes available at affordable prices and battery life continues to improve. Additionally, more electric charging facilities are being put in place, such as in the Municipality of Woerden. Here, construction companies have joined forces to create a charging hub for electric vehicles. This hub is intended to become part of a larger network of high-power charging locations for heavy transport.
Another factor impacting emissions is material use. Emissions from concrete represent one of the largest emission sources, so switching to green concrete offers significant gains. This is a high-quality alternative to traditional Portland cement, made from recycled materials such as lime and clay. Production requires no heat and little water, and the material is durable. As a result, the carbon footprint of green concrete is 90% smaller than that of traditional concrete. Construction companies can also minimize emissions by choosing natural, reusable materials like wood or straw as natural insulation. Furthermore, an increasing number of sustainably produced building materials are entering the market, such as sustainably fired or recyclable bricks. The carbon footprint of projects can be reduced not only during execution but also at the end of the life cycle, for example by consciously opting for high-quality reuse of building materials at the end of their lifespan. It is also advisable to optimise the construction sequence so materials do not need to be stored on-site, reducing the need for transport.
Switching to electric excavators, cranes, and other machinery can have a big impact.
Sustainable through data?
Companies that want to build more sustainably face a subsequent challenge: how do they prove that their project stays or has stayed within emission limits? That requires solid data management. With the right data on material use, equipment, and transport, they can demonstrate how much nitrogen and carbon dioxide was released during construction. That is easier said than done. Many construction companies do not keep track of these figures or collect data in their own individual ways. For instance, one supply chain partner might use spreadsheets while another works with written reports. This fragmentation makes it difficult to exchange information and get an overarching view of total emissions. Simply put, there is no uniform, complete data source available. Integrated data sources could be the solution.
Data is essential both at the start (permitting) and at completion (audit). First, a permit is only granted when reliable, complete, and correct data can prove how much a construction project will emit. Second, checks are conducted afterwards—and sometimes during the project—to verify if emissions stayed within set standards. For instance, were the requirements for the requested BREEAM certificate met? Is any information missing from the environmental passport from a chain partner like an installer or plumber? Missing details can be a reason for local authorities to halt projects.
It is essential to establish data agreements right from the start of a construction project: how do we ensure all supply chain partners collect data in the same consistent manner? Can we store and access it in a central location? Does everyone know what (ETIM) data is required and where to find it? Is the data easy to extract for permits and audits? All of this requires a centralised data platform accessible to every construction partner. An overarching system that supports the workflow of each partner and integrates these workflows and associated data. A system where data is visible and traceable in real time, ensuring it is always demonstrable that building materials or transport meet specified emission standards and certification requirements. Furthermore, it must be possible to collect information throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from design to completion. It is also helpful if the system automatically checks whether data is missing and who is responsible for providing it.
An overarching system supports the workflow of each partner and integrates associated data.
Benefits of building on data
Proper data management yields several benefits. Construction companies can accelerate permitting processes because it is immediately clear who needs to collect which data in what format. Consequently, such a system integrates well into BIM—see how construction company Verstraten puts this into practice. Good data management brings all chain partners together early on and encourages them to consider materials, equipment, and transport starting from the design phase. This also means construction decisions must be made earlier in the process, bringing potential bottlenecks to light sooner. Is there room in this wall for cable cutouts or a ventilation shaft? Does the chosen insulation material combined with a specific number of double-glazed windows deliver the required energy savings? By working with an overarching digital model, errors, delays, failure costs, and extra emissions can be avoided.
Another advantage of an overarching data system is information traceability: users can retrieve detailed material information in a few clicks, such as the ETIM classification of a socket, radiator, or showerhead. This makes it easier to demonstrate compliance with specific sustainability requirements for permits, certifications, or audits. Moreover, there is less debate, as all data is recorded and directly accessible. Especially during audits, this can simplify and speed up the process.
It is clear: data is the key to sustainable construction. With it, construction companies can accelerate permit applications, build more efficiently using BIM, and streamline audits. They have all required information regarding nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions from transport, machinery, and materials readily available. This enables them—despite strict emission regulations—to prevent project standstills and delays. Making data the distinguishing factor in a construction sector struggling under the weight of nitrogen and carbon dioxide issues.
Three nitrogen questions every construction company should ask itself:
What are the emission limits for a construction project?
Do I have all project data regarding materials, transport, and construction machinery?
Can I use that data as proof for permit applications and audits?
Ready to overcome nitrogen regulations and prevent project standstills? Talk to us about smart data management and keep your builds on track.
