In the Netherlands, sustainability requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. The government imposes strict requirements on the environmental performance of buildings. To classify a building as “sustainable,” it is mandatory for new residential and non-residential buildings (larger than 100 m²) to calculate the Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG). This score provides insight into the environmental impact of all materials used, including lighting. Validated environmental data for building products is required for this calculation. The necessary data is retrieved from the National Environmental Database ( NMD). We are proud to announce that our first product has been approved and included in the NMD. But what exactly is the NMD? And why are our products included in it? We’d be happy to tell you more about it here.
What is the National Environmental Database (NMD)?
The National Environmental Database (NMD) is a central database established by the government to provide insight into the environmental performance of building products. This data is essential for calculating the Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG).
The data in the National Environmental Database is based on a product’s life cycle assessment (LCA). To get our lighting products included in the NMD, our R&D colleagues have spent the past two years training in how to conduct LCAs in accordance with current standards. Thanks to this expertise, we can now prepare our products ourselves for inclusion in the NMD. On June 6, 2025, our first luminaire was officially added to the database!
What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?
An LCA assesses a product’s environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle: from raw materials and production to transportation, use, and disposal or recycling. An LCA forms the basis for inclusion in the NMD. This analysis must be prepared by an expert party or a trained manufacturer. The LCA is then assessed by an independent LCA expert recognized by the NMD. Only after approval are the environmental performance data officially published in the National Environmental Database.
Which Illuxtron products will be included in the NMD?
As of June 6, 2025, our Cortina x 100 has been officially included in the National Environmental Database. We are currently working hard on preparations to have other products included as well. For example, we aim to have our LED Panel B and the Vesper ready for registration in the NMD this summer.
Working Together for a More Sustainable Future
With an eye toward the future requirement for lighting manufacturers to have a material passport by 2028, we are already taking the lead. By gradually adding our products to the NMD, we are contributing to transparent and future-proof construction.