The Netherlands is a small country with a high population density and a high level of technology and of welfare. The high population density and the high level of activity ensure a large burden on the environment. This is why the environment, in the broadest sense, is high on the political and social agenda next to other important developments such as economic growth, etc. For the Netherlands, the Government has based its position on the principle of sustainable development. This decision has been recorded in various Government Policy Memoranda which have been approved by Parliament. The most important memorandum is the 1989 National Environmental Policy plan (NMP) which lays down the environmental policy strategy for the medium term [1]. Sustainable development is based on the definition which was set down in the report of the Brundtland Commission in 1987 called "Our Common Future". [2] This means development which provides for the requirements of the current generation without endangering the ability to meet the needs of future generations. The creation and maintenance of the conditions for sustainable development demand a strong policy. It requires, among other things, efficient use of raw materials and energy and, in addition, as little burden as possible on the environment. Environmental problems must, in principle, be solved within the term of a generation (25 years). Characteristics of sustainable development are: - keep the exploitation of renewable resources within the limits of that which can be renewed; - use of non-renewable resources to be replaced as much as possible by the use of renewable resources; - economical energy consumption with the greatest possible use of sustainable or renewable sources of energy; - creation of high quality products with an innovative character (such as raw materials usage, waste prevention and processing); - extension of the product life cycle, among other things through being capable of being repaired, in as far as this does not lead to waste problems and conflict with other areas of policy; - as much use as possible of closed recycling chains; - the application of 'clean' technology. In order to be able to achieve this, an all-embracing approach is needed. Two paths may be taken here, namely: + the source-oriented approach which is aimed at the production process; + the effect-oriented approach which is based on the consequences. Source-oriented measures are to be preferred to effect-oriented measures because the ability to control the source is greatest. 2. The concept of sustainable building. Sustainable building is sustainable development at the sector level. Sustainable building means the achievement of sustainable development within the construction sector through a combination of environmental consciousness, functional, "sound" (technically durable) and economic plans, designs, buildings and management. (A)
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