The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement prompted the Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) to develop the Delta Plan for Sustainable Renovation. This multi-year program focuses on accelerating the sustainability of the built environment to meet international climate goals.
The Goal: Paris Proof in 2050
The core of the Delta Plan is to make the built environment ‘Paris Proof’ by 2050. This means buildings must become highly energy-efficient, with the remaining energy demand generated entirely from sustainable sources. For non-residential buildings, which are responsible for nearly 40% of the CO2 emissions in the built environment, this is a critical task.
Focus Sectors and Phasing
The plan targets commercial real estate (offices, retail, logistics), social real estate (schools, healthcare), and housing. Implementation is divided into three phases:
- 2017-2018: Inventory of barriers and establishing the ‘Paris Proof’ standard.
- 2018-2020: Development of tools and benchmarks, and the adjustment of policy and legislation.
- 2020 and beyond: A focus on a 50% CO2 reduction by 2030 (with a target of 2025 for DGBC participants) and ultimately 100% reduction by 2050.
Strategy and Execution
To accelerate the transition, the DGBC utilizes six program lines:
- Insights into the built environment: Realization of a central real estate information system and open data to make energy consumption transparent.
- Concretizing the task: Development of the ‘Paris Proof method,’ which steers based on actual energy consumption (kWh/m²) rather than theoretical energy labels.
- Stimulating the chain: Activating banks, appraisers, and managers to see sustainability as a natural part of transactions and management.
- Connecting with initiatives: Close cooperation with the Climate Agreement, The Construction Agenda (De Bouwagenda), and relevant ministries.
- Communication and knowledge: Sharing knowledge through congresses, sector-specific roadmaps, and a central online platform.
- Start of realization: Promoting scale through area-based approaches and encouraging market frontrunners.
‘Paris Proof’ in Figures
A concrete objective has been formulated for the office sector: a maximum energy consumption of 50 kWh per m² per year.
The Future: Frontrunners in Realization
The Delta Plan for Sustainable Renovation emphasizes that it is ultimately about actual savings and achieving scale. Frontrunners in the market are therefore actively encouraged to realize projects that can serve as inspiration for the general public.
In line with this movement, the Amstel Discovery District positions itself as an exemplary project. With the correct permits and detailed plans, ADD is fully designed to meet the strict ‘Paris Proof’ standards. Learn more about ADD here.