The lack of clear definitions and measurement methods is currently one of the main barriers to the large-scale adoption of natural building materials. With the impending publication of the Dutch Technical Agreement (NTA) 8230 "Biobased Construction," scheduled for the end of March 2026, the sector is now entering the final phase of a comprehensive standardization process. The new standard should eliminate the technical uncertainty that has so far delayed the integration of biobased raw materials into conventional construction.
In recent weeks, involved organizations such as NEN and Building Balance have further refined the specific frameworks of the new standard. A fundamental aspect of NTA 8230 is the introduction of a uniform calculation method for determining the biobased content of construction products. While the market was previously hampered by differing interpretations, the standard now offers a clear determination method based on mass and volume. This harmonization is a necessary prerequisite for the reliable inclusion of products in the National Environmental Database and the accurate calculation of actual CO2 sequestration within construction projects.
The standardization also extends to the critical preconditions for structural safety. A substantial portion of the agreements focuses specifically on the fire safety of structures incorporating natural fibers. By integrating recent test results from specialized institutes such as TNO and Peutz, the standard provides architects and insurers with the scientific basis to responsibly specify materials such as straw, hemp, and flax. This prevents innovative biobased initiatives from unnecessarily failing due to safety requirements based on outdated assumptions about natural materials.
In addition to terminology and safety regulations, the standard also covers the technical performance of various material groups, ranging from sheet materials to complex biocomposites. Specific requirements have been formulated for the sheet metal processing industry, applying to both structural applications and insulating components. At the same time, the standard establishes a framework for the use of biocomposites in civil engineering, road construction, and hydraulic engineering, allowing infrastructure projects such as bridges and embankment walls to benefit from a recognized technical framework. This broad scope ensures that the transition is not limited to residential construction alone.
The final publication of the NTA 8230 at the end of this quarter closely aligns with the ambitions of the National Biobased Construction Approach. The goal of using renewable raw materials for a substantial portion of new construction by 2030 requires a market where the agricultural sector and the construction industry converge based on proven quality standards. By establishing this legal and technical foundation, biobased construction will transform from a series of isolated pilot projects into a fully-fledged, industrially scalable standard.
Source: Biobased Netherlands / Building Balance
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