Puntensysteem Klimaatadaptief en Natuurinclusief Bouwen Gemeente Arnhem – Compliance Guidelines
The Puntensysteem Klimaatadaptief en Natuurinclusief Bouwen is a regulatory framework issued by the Gemeente Arnhem, Netherlands. It serves as a mandatory assessment tool for building permit applications (omgevingsvergunning), requiring developers and architects to integrate climate adaptation and biodiversity into new construction projects. The system ensures that legal requirements for ecological and environmental resilience are explicitly met during the planning, design, and execution phases.
The document establishes a point-based scoring system across four primary themes: Natuurinclusiviteit (nature inclusivity), Wateroverlast (water flooding), Droogte (drought), and Hittestress (heat stress). The scope covers various project scales, from small developments under 500 m² to large-scale area developments exceeding 4,000 m². It dictates specific process steps, from the initial Masterplan and Schetsontwerp (sketch design) to the Definitief ontwerp (final design), mandating the involvement of an ecological expert for projects with a built ground surface area greater than 2,000 m².
This guide details the technical thresholds and the catalogue of approved measures, ranging from building-bound interventions like sedumdaken (green roofs) and neststenen (nesting bricks) to outdoor space measures such as wadis and egelpassages (hedgehog passages).
Process Steps and Ecological Requirements
The regulation prescribes a structured sequence of steps to be followed during the planning process to ensure environmental goals are secured.
- Masterplan/Stedenbouwkundig plan: Requires an orientation meeting with the municipality and the appointment of an ecological expert for projects >2000 m².
- Schetsontwerp: Includes a mandatory ecologische quickscan Flora & Fauna and the reservation of space for green areas within 300m of every building.
- Voorlopig ontwerp: Mapping of specific species habitats and the integration of climate-adaptive measures into preliminary drawings.
- Definitief ontwerp: Creation of a detailed planting plan and a beheer- en onderhoudsplan (management and maintenance plan) for green structures.
Minimum Scoring and Labels
Projects must achieve a minimum number of points to qualify for an omgevingsvergunning. The system utilizes three labels: Brons (Bronze - the minimum required), Zilver (Silver), and Goud (Gold).
- Natuurinclusiviteit: At least 40% of the points in this category must be derived from building-bound measures (e.g., nesting facilities or green facades).
- Waterberging: A mandatory storage capacity of 40mm per m² within 45 minutes must be managed on-site as per the waterhuishoudkundig plan.
- Hittestress: Buildings serving vulnerable users (e.g., childcare, schools, or hospitals) are subject to higher point requirements to mitigate heat risks.
Target Species and Habitat Creation
Developers must choose between 1 and 4 target species for which high-quality habitats will be created, depending on the project size.
- Birds: Specific requirements for Huismus (House Sparrow), Gierzwaluw (Swift), Huiszwaluw (House Martin), and Slechtvalk (Peregrine Falcon).
- Mammals: Measures for Vleermuizen (Bats), Egel (Hedgehog), and Eekhoorn (Squirrel).
- Insects and Amphibians: Guidelines for Bijen & Vlinders (Bees & Butterflies) and Amfibieën (Amphibians).
Technical provisions include neststenen (nesting bricks), inbouw kasten (built-in boxes), and maintaining specific distances to green corridors or water sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum required water storage for projects in Arnhem?
Developers must provide on-site storage for a rainfall event of 40mm per m² occurring within a 45-minute period.
When is an ecological expert required for a project?
Engagement of an ecological expert is mandatory for projects with a built ground surface area exceeding 2,000 m².
What are the project size categories defined in the point system?
Projects are classified as Kleinschalig (<500 m²), Middelgroot (<2000 m²), Grootschalig (>2000 m²), and Gebiedsontwikkeling (>4000 m²).
Which buildings are classified as having 'vulnerable users'?
Buildings for childcare, primary schools, long-term care institutions, and hospitals are classified as serving vulnerable users and face stricter heat stress requirements.
Can existing green measures taken by the municipality be counted toward the score?
No, measures already implemented by the Municipality of Arnhem, such as a green fence or pre-existing trees, cannot be included in the developer's point total.
What is the 'Bronze' level in the Arnhem point system?
The Bronze level represents the minimum point threshold necessary to obtain a building permit in the Municipality of Arnhem.
