New rules for lca of frames, windows and facades 

For Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) of frame, window and facade elements, the "Dutch Supplement to the Product Category Rules NEN-EN 17213" is available. This document is advised by the National Environmental Database as of January 1, 2025 and is mandatory as of July 1, 2025.

The VMRG is one of the initiators of the Circular Facade Economy Foundation in which five facade sector organizations work together. In addition to circularity, this foundation is also committed to a level playing field in life cycle analyses (LCAs). This Dutch addition is a great result of cooperation in the facade industry and contributes to this.

Level playing field

The European Product Category Rules (PCR) are sometimes brief and therefore not always clear for companies. The Dutch addition to the European PCR offers companies clarity on principles and designations, tailored to Dutch practice and in line with European standards. The trade organizations within the Circular Facade Economy are thus striving for a level playing field. The supplement builds on the 'NEN-EN 17213:2020 and: Windows and doors - Environmental product declarations - Product category rules for windows and doors' and EN 15804, the European standard for environmental product declarations: Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Handle for Dutch market

Whereas the European PCR assumes complete products, in the Dutch National Environmental Database partial product cards for building products are common. For the Dutch situation it is therefore desirable to also be able to declare 'incomplete' windows and doors as a product card. From companies, the European version led to questions and a request for further clarification. The Dutch addition offers a handle when it comes to these 'incomplete' products. Think for example of only a door leaf instead of a whole door set or the possibility to declare the glass separately from
the window frame. 

The Dutch supplement clarifies, among other things, application of dimensions for windows, doors, sliding doors and folding walls and that including hinged parts and compartment infills for preparing a Life Cycle Assessment. This all contributes to a level playing field. Figure 1 provides an overview of this. Thus, this supplementary document provides companies with starting points to help apply the PCR in the Netherlands.

The development of the Dutch supplement did not proceed overnight. The supplement was prepared according to the protocol c-PCR of the National Environmental Database, in cooperation with industry associations and on the basis of market consultations and independent reviews.

Temporary solution

The Dutch addition to the Product Category Rules NEN-EN 17213 acts as a temporary solution. This Dutch addition will be withdrawn when the environmental performance of construction products is covered by the new European Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and harmonized from Europe. The CPR regulates the CE marking of construction products.

Available publicly

The full document can be found at circulargeveleconomie.nl under the Standards menu. The Circular Facade Economy Foundation manages the guideline and provides updates and support. Five trade associations work together in the Circular Facade Economy; Vereniging Metalen Ramen en Gevelbranche (VMRG), Vereniging Kunststof Gevelelementenindustrie (VKG), Nederlandse Branchevereniging voor de Timmerindustrie (NBVT), Bouwend Nederland Vakgroep GLAS and Algemene Branchevereniging Hang- en Sluitwerk (VHS).