The Dutch National Environmental Database (NMD) calculates the environmental performance of construction projects in the Netherlands. The latest version, NMD v3.9, introduces significant updates to datasets, methodologies, and standards, ensuring better precision and compliance with evolving requirements such as the MKI A2 standard. This article answers the following questions:
What sector does the NMD apply to?
What LCIA method corresponds with NMD v3.9?
What are the key updates in NMD v3.9?
How to use NMD v3.9 in Mobius?
How to use NMD v3.9 in Helix?
Feel like you're missing information? This article builds upon the following articles, check them out if you want to learn more:
On LCI Databases: Explained: LCI databases
On NMD Bepalingsmethode: Explained: NMD Bepalingsmethode
On LCIA methods: Explained: LCIA methods
On ECI weighting factors: The updated ECI (MKI) weighting factors
What sector does the NMD apply to?
The Dutch National Environmental Database (NMD) is an LCI database developed by the Dutch National Environmental Database Foundation (Stichting NMD). It is specifically designed to calculate the environmental performance of construction projects within the Dutch context.
What LCIA method corresponds with NMD v3.9?
When working with NMD v3.9, you must select the "NMD Bepalingsmethode v1.2" as your LCIA method. This ensures compliance with the specific methodology tied to the updated database. For full compliance, see the latest NMD assessment guidelines.
What are the key updates in NMD v3.9?
NMD v3.9 introduces several enhancements and updates:
New datasets
Orbix: Slag-based materials.
Govaplast: Recycled plastic products.
Dyckerhoff Cement.
BambooLogic: Bamboo materials.
Adjustments to existing datasets
Corrections to water scarcity impacts.
Updates to fine particulate emissions for cement and ceramics.
Improved biogenic CO2 accounting in wood processes.
Depending on the software, slightly different updates are available. For specifics, please see the Mobius or Helix sections, respectively.
Dual database variants in NMD v3.9
The NMD v3.9 includes two (ecoinvent) database versions tailored for different applications:
The version based on ecoinvent v3.6.
Used for calculating MKI A1 scores.
Utilizes the "Set 1" indicators.
The version based on ecoinvent v3.9.1.
Designed for MKI A2 calculations.
Aligns with EN15804+A2 standards.
Mandatory for government tenders starting July 2025.
Note - Ecoinvent v3.9.1 and NMD v3.9: The ecoinvent v3.9.1 database in NMD v3.9 has been adapted to correct water flow issues, which previously caused significant deviations in MKI calculations. This adjustment enhances the reliability and accuracy of environmental performance assessments.
The new MKI A2 score
One of the most significant updates in NMD v3.9 is the new MKI A2 standard, replacing the previous MKI A1 version.
What is MKI A2?
MKI A2 aligns with EN15804+A2 requirements, using updated weighting factors to represent environmental costs more accurately.Why is it important?
Beginning in July 2025, MKI A2 will be mandatory for Dutch government tenders, making it crucial for businesses to transition to the new standard.
For guidance on transitioning to MKI A2, refer to our updated guide on compliance and implementation.
How to use NMD v3.9 in Mobius?
What’s new in NMD v3.9 for Mobius?
Updated Dataset Categories:
New entries include bamboo products, recycled plastics, and updated cement profiles.
Enhanced accuracy for biogenic CO2, particulate emissions, and water scarcity impacts.
Enhanced MKI Calculations:
NMD v3.9 integrates the new MKI A2 standard, with updated weighting factors for climate change and raw material depletion impacts.
Why apply NMD v3.9 in Mobius? MKI A1 vs MKI A2
Mobius exclusively supports the version of NMD v3.9 based on ecoinvent v3.9.1. This version is designed for MKI A2 calculations using "Set 2" indicators. Mobius does not support the ecoinvent v3.6-based variant of NMD v3.9. Therefore, if you’re a Mobius user and wish to calculate based on MKI A1 we recommend to keep using NMD v3.5.
Pro tip - Using MKI A2: Wonder why you should use the NMD v3.9 database? Well, if you’re a company in the Netherlands you will be required to calculate MKI A2 for Dutch tenders starting in July 2025.
How to apply NMD v3.9 in Mobius?
Follow these steps to use NMD v3.9 in Mobius:
Select the following workspace settings (Figure 1):
Impact method set: NMD Bepalingsmethode
Impact assessment method: NMD Bepalingsmethode - v1.2 (NMD
Preferred database: National Milieudatabase v3.9 (inc Ecoinvent v3.9.1)
Normalization & weighting: MKI A2
Single score: Yes
Exclude long-term impacts: Yes
Figure 1: Choosing NMD v3.9 in workspace settings in Mobius
How to apply NMD v3.5 in Mobius?
How to apply NMD v3.5 in Mobius?
Which LCIA method should I choose?
➡️ When using NMD v3.5 database, the method "SBK Bepalingsmethode 3.5 (Ecoinvent v 3.6 Cut-Off)" must be selected. For more information on Bepalingsmethode: visit this page.
Can I use NMD v3.5 and Ecoinvent v3.8 in the same model?
➡️No, you can't. As in its previous versions, NMD v3.5 is still based on Ecoinvent v3.6. Thus, to ensure consistency in the model NMD v3.5 datasets must always be combined with Ecoinvent v3.6, and not any other version.
What is new in the database?
In both Mobius and Helix, NMD v3.5 is released as an update of NMD v3.3, skipping NMD v3.4. ➡️ Here we enlist the most important changes:
Update of several datasets to provide ‘Set 2’ impacts based on En15804+A2 method.
New datasets included in NMD v3.4:
De Cloedt, sea sand (4 extraction locations)
Spenner cement, c1 (16 types previously added in May 2020; now also with ‘set 2’)
Concrix fiber, Contec, c1
Fibrofor Diamond, Contec, c1
eco2cem, Ecocem, Moerdijk, c1
New datasets included in NMD v3.5:
Dyckerhoff (only contains 'set 1')
Urbanite® (AEC-Granulate), Blue Phoenix Group (A1-3), c1
Fillers Wigras, Wigro (5x) & Winfill
Spenner lime c1 (2x): milled & lump
Prestressing steel, Nedri Prestressing steel, c1
Reinforcing steel - VWN (A1-3) c2
Phoenix cement; 'set 2' added (3 pieces)
Steel Federation; 'set 2' added (16 pieces)
Rectifications:
CEM I 52.5 N (tu), Spencer, Erwitte, c1 en
CEM III/A 52.5 N, Spencer, Duisburg, c1
The following changes have been made to the generic data:
0412 and 0413 adjusted on indication Nibe (October 2021).
Added PCR asphalt 2.0 profiles processes (crude oil, bitumen, fillers, biogas)
0273-reD&Module D, flat glass (incl. raw material eq.)
0402-fab&AEC-bottom ash, washed ==>only leaching left (reprocessing=previous cycle)
How to use NMD v3.9 in Helix?
What’s new in NMD v3.9 for Helix?
New dataset inclusions:
Bamboo materials from BamooLogic.
Recycled plastics by Govaplast.
Corrected and expanded cement profiles.
MKI A2 integration:
Updated weighting factors reflect a greater emphasis on climate change and raw material depletion.
Why apply NMD v3.9 in Helix? MKI A1 vs MKI A2
While the ecoinvent v3.9.1-based variant is the recommended version for most users due to its alignment with MKI A2 requirements, Helix also supports the ecoinvent v3.6-based variant. This option is intended for clients needing MKI A1 calculations during the transition period. To access one or the other, users must adjust their LCIA method settings and create separate models (by copying a year): one with ecoinvent v3.6 and another with ecoinvent v3.9.1.
How to apply NMD v3.9 in Helix?
Follow these steps to use NMD v3.9 in Helix (Figure 2):
Navigate to settings and select "Dutch - Nationale Milieudatabase v3.9 (obv Ecoinvent 3.9.1)" as your LCA standard.
Adjust your LCIA method settings to "NMD Bepalingsmethode v1.2 (2025)".
Select result presentation "MKI A2 (obv Ecoinvent v3.9.1)".
How to apply the ecoinvent v3.6 based variant in Helix?
How to apply the ecoinvent v3.6 based variant in Helix?
Navigate to settings and select "Dutch - Nationale Milieudatabase v3.8 (obv Ecoinvent 3.6)" as your LCA standard.
Adjust your LCIA method settings to "NMD Bepalingsmethode 1.2 (2025)."
Select result presentation "MKI A1 (obv Ecoinvent v3.6)."
Next steps
NMD v3.9 presents several changes for environmental performance calculations in the Dutch construction sector. From new and updated datasets to the MKI A2 standard, this version addresses critical areas to enhance accuracy and meet future regulatory demands. As MKI A2 compliance becomes mandatory in 2025, transitioning to the updated standards and methodologies is vital for Dutch construction businesses looking to remain competitive and compliant.