Lifting the so-called construction exemption delays all new construction projects, according to research from the Institute for Construction Economics (EIB). Most delays are several months, but in some cases the construction process can take up to half a year.
The building permit expired on November 2, an exemption that did not require the construction industry to allow temporary nitrogen emissions. The State Council later decided that the nitrogen released during the construction processes should be simply counted. Approval for a project can only be granted if it is certain that individual nature reserves will not be damaged.
According to the EIB, 8,000 flats, 2 percent of the total, will likely never be built. These are large residential projects that are very close to endangered natural areas.
Calculations and Confirmations
Contractors are now required to calculate nitrogen emissions for each project to show that there are no adverse effects on protected areas. Such a calculation is called the Aerius calculation. If a project is found to be emitting a certain amount of nitrogen, developers should do a follow-up and apply for a nature permit. Ecological research is carried out to determine whether there is any harm to nature. The preparation of such a research report may take up to six months.
EIB Director Taco van Hoek considers it a shame that all construction projects now have to be calculated in advance. “However, it is already clear that in most projects it does not harm the environment,” he says. The Institute estimates this category of projects at over 90 percent. “Of course there are occasional exceptions, but what’s wrong with an exception?”
This increases costs for the industry. In the next five years, the sector will have to pay another 340 million euros. The most this year, with an extra 100 million euros.
bureaucratic math circus
However, the consequences of ending the Van Hoek building exemption aren’t too bad because a building can’t be frozen and most construction projects will resume at some point. “But you can also see that there are already more problems for the housing market. On the top of it. This is particularly frustrating in the short term.”
Van Hoek wants a more practical system where not every project has to calculate itself. “We are also considering whether we can do some kind of generic computation test for each project. This place is now turning into a big bureaucratic accounting circus. And it’s a shame.”
De Jonge also wants simpler rules
In his response, Minister for Housing Development De Jonge said that he also wanted to simplify the calculation of damage caused by construction work on nature reserves. “Also, of course, the construction itself has to get cleaner. The construction industry is also working very hard on this issue and we support it.”
De Jonge also fears that parts of residential construction will be delayed. According to the minister, the EIB’s research once again underlines the need to reduce nitrogen emissions.
Source: NOS
Roy Brown is a renowned economist and author at The Nation View. He has a deep understanding of the global economy and its intricacies. He writes about a wide range of economic topics, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and labor markets.
