Ballast Nedam Development signs declaration of intent with DGBC towards a built environment without CO2 emissions
The construction and real estate sector can play a crucial role in achieving the Paris climate goals. Therefore, Ballast Nedam Development joins the DGBC's (Dutch Green Building Council) Paris-Proof approach and signs the declaration of intent for a built environment where both material-related and operational emissions are further reduced. Globally, greenhouse gas emissions must be rapidly reduced to achieve the climate targets. The amount of CO2 we can still emit into the atmosphere by 2050 is limited if we aim to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees.
Material Transition
In addition to the energy transition, the time for operational and material transition is also upon us, which will have a significant impact on the immediate living environment. Onno Dwars, CEO of Ballast Nedam Development, stated: "We see the built environment as an (urban) ecoduct where biodiversity is restored and enhanced. An urban landscape that is born out of nature's harvest, serving nature, and providing an abundance of biodiversity and energy. It's the perfect living environment for us as humans, where we can coexist with nature in harmony and find peace."
Lower target values than those prescribed by the government
NIBE, together with the DGBC, has determined target values that should be adhered to in order to stay within the CO2 budget. These CO2 values apply per square meter of the building and have lower MPG values than currently stipulated by the government in the Building Decree. By signing this declaration of intent, leaders in the construction and real estate sector are taking on the challenge of creating a CO2-neutral construction industry. As part of this initiative, there is a shift in perspective towards the 'carbon budget', which refers to how much CO2 a building is allowed to emit over its entire lifespan. During the signing, DGBC launched the roadmap 'Whole Life Carbon', which provides more information and background on this topic.
Check out the 'Whole Life Carbon' roadmap
It is achievable
At Ballast Nedam Development, we are committed to creating biobased, energy-positive, and nature-inclusive buildings. By using biobased materials, buildings are able to store CO2. Natural products such as wood or straw absorb CO2 from the atmosphere during their lifetime, and the CO2 remains stored in the biomass. By increasing the use of natural materials, we can work towards a CO2-neutral, or even CO2-negative, built environment. Recently, the Ballast Nedam Development Nature House was launched, which is a search for a scalable biobased house suitable for the entire Netherlands.
Learn more about DGBC