'Sustainability doesn't stop at the border'

As an engineering and consulting firm, Adamas Group focuses on the development of healthy, sustainable and circular real estate. Together with the experts who work there, the company forms a knowledge center that stands for innovative initiatives and ideas. For example, Adamas advises companies that want to build according to various sustainability certifications.

"If you want to build responsibly, you have to do it in a demonstrably recognized way. That is why there are agreements in place when a building is sustainable, healthy or future-proof. Adamas is authorized to guide construction companies and issue licenses. Examples are BREEAM, WELL and LEED," says Olaf Buter, director at Adamasgroep.

BREEAM and WELL are already pretty well known in the Dutch construction world. The American LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a lot newer. Each certification system attaches importance to other aspects, such as health, sustainability and the environment. LEED puts the focus on the environment and sustainability.

Use and environment also play a role

In Beneden-Leeuwen, a cold store is currently being built where LEED version 4.1 is being applied for the first time in the Netherlands. Buter: "These days it's all about choosing not only strong and high-quality materials, but also the right suppliers and producers who work in a sustainable way. The LEED system is neutral in this, looking in particular at the footprint of the construction, but also the use of the building and the environment after it is completed."

Getting people excited

The main difference between the various certification systems, according to Buter, is that they were developed in different countries. "But sustainability does not stop at the border. Sustainable building is nothing more than demonstrating that the whole process is done in a good way. That can be done with different certifications. We look at which system best suits a company and its ambitions. We also help companies find specific partners and we help them raise awareness. We let people look beyond the current rules so that they become enthusiastic about making a building even smarter and future-proof."