Handleiding Puntensysteem natuurinclusief bouwen – Zaanstad Nature-Inclusive Building Guide
The Handleiding Puntensysteem natuurinclusief bouwen is the official manual issued by the Gemeente Zaanstad to regulate and stimulate biodiversity in urban development. This policy document establishes a framework for integrating nature into new construction and renovation projects within the existing urban contours of the municipality. It aligns with the Zaanse Groen- en Waterplan (GWP) of 2018, the 2021 climate adaptation implementation agenda, and the MRA-convenant Klimaatbestendige Nieuwbouw.
The document introduces a structured point system designed to help developers, architects, and planners meet specific biodiversity targets. It covers various regulatory domains, including habitat creation for flora and fauna, climate adaptation, and urban health. The system is comprised of three core instruments: the Puntensysteem natuur-inclusief (invulschema), the Maatregelencatalogus, and the Doelsoortencatalogus. These tools guide the selection of measures based on project characteristics such as plot size, building footprint, and height.
This manual provides technical details on how to calculate required points and select appropriate measures for specific target species. It also outlines the administrative process for projects passing through the Omgevingstafel and the Vakmarkt to ensure nature-inclusive measures are secured in civil law agreements.
Structure of the Point System
The point system consists of three distinct components that must be used by the project initiator to demonstrate compliance:
- Puntensysteem natuur-inclusief (invulschema): An Excel-based input sheet where project dimensions (m2 plot, m2 footprint, height) and project type (new build or renovation) are entered to calculate the required point total.
- Maatregelencatalogus: A catalog of nature-inclusive measures detailing technical requirements, advantages, architectural conditions for aesthetics (welstand), and fire safety considerations.
- Doelsoortencatalogus: A catalog of target species (flora and fauna) that identifies which measures benefit specific species monitored in the Meetnet biodiversiteit.
Project Categories and Habitat Requirements
The number of required high-quality habitats is determined by the scale of the project. Every project must include at least one habitat for a building-bound species. The categories are defined as follows:
- Small projects: Requirement for 1 high-quality habitat.
- Medium projects: Requirement for 2 high-quality habitats.
- Large projects: Requirement for 3 high-quality habitats.
Initiators can choose from five target categories: gebouwgebonden soorten (building-bound), boombewonende soorten (tree-dwelling), aan struweel gebonden soorten (shrub-bound), aan bloemrijk grasland gebonden soorten (grassland-bound), and aan water of oevers gebonden soorten (water/shore-bound).
Renovations and Monuments
The point system applies different thresholds for existing buildings to account for technical and financial feasibility:
- Renovations: The required number of points is halved compared to new construction projects.
- Monuments: For buildings with monumental status, the required points for habitats are halved again, and no points are required for measures directly attached to the building structure to protect historical value.
Legal Integration and Process
The point system is currently established as policy but is not yet a mandatory part of the Omgevingsplan. Instead, it is integrated through the following procedures:
- Anterieure overeenkomst: Requirements are secured in civil law agreements between the developer and the municipality.
- Wet natuurbescherming: Measures already required for species protection under national law count toward the point system totals.
- Besluit Bouwwerken Leefomgeving (BBL): Future national requirements for nesting sites (expected summer 2024) will be integrated, with the stricter norm prevailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the required number of points calculated for a project in Zaanstad?
The total is determined by the project scale based on plot size in square meters, the building's footprint, building height, and whether it is a new build or renovation.
Are nature-inclusive measures mandatory for monuments in Zaanstad?
Points for habitats are halved for monuments, and building-integrated measures are not required if they risk damaging the historical value of the structure.
Which species groups are prioritized in the Zaanstad point system?
Every project must facilitate at least one building-bound species, with additional choices available for tree-dwelling, shrub-bound, grassland, or water-bound species.
Do existing trees on a plot count toward the biodiversity points?
Yes, nature that is already present and remains preserved within the project area counts toward the required points.
What happens if a developer proposes a measure not listed in the catalog?
There is an 'eigen initiatief' (own initiative) option in every category where points can be awarded after consultation with the municipality.
Is a management plan required for nature-inclusive measures?
A beheerplan is strongly recommended for large projects or complex measures to ensure the long-term maintenance and viability of the habitats.
