Environmental risk is an important consideration in commercial real estate transactions across the Netherlands, particularly given the country’s dense urban development, historic land use, and sensitive groundwater conditions. Partner provides Phase 1 Environmental Assessments to support informed decision-making for acquisitions, financing, and development projects nationwide.
Our approach is practical, proportionate, and aligned with Dutch and EU environmental due diligence practice, providing clear insight into potential environmental risks and their relevance to asset value, development potential, and future use. Partner supports investors, lenders, developers, and asset managers operating across the Dutch real estate market with structured, decision-focused assessments.
Phase 1 Environmental Assessment Approach
Phase 1 Environmental Assessments in the Netherlands are designed to identify potential environmental risks associated with a site and its surrounding area, drawing on available historical, environmental, and regulatory information.
Assessments focus on identifying historical and current environmental considerations that may affect a property’s suitability for its intended use or future development, within the context of Dutch legislation and EU environmental policy.
Preliminary Risk Assessment (Desk Study)
A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment includes a Preliminary Risk Assessment, often referred to as a desk study or Stage 1 assessment. This process evaluates potential land contamination risks associated with both the site and neighbouring properties and considers whether further investigation may be warranted.
Typical assessment activities include:
- Review of historical land use and site development
- Analysis of historical, geological, and environmental mapping
- Assessment of ground conditions, hydrology, and relevant local features
- Consideration of potential risks to construction activities, building occupants, and the built asset
Where appropriate, findings are summarised through a Conceptual Site Model, setting out potential sources, pathways, and receptors, consistent with Dutch and EU environmental due diligence practice.
Asset Types and Market Coverage
Partner undertakes Phase 1 Environmental Assessments across the Netherlands for a wide range of asset types, including industrial, commercial, logistics, mixed-use, residential, and development sites.
Each assessment is tailored to the specific site, transaction context, and regulatory environment, ensuring risks are evaluated in a manner that is both proportionate and relevant to decision-making.
Key Considerations in the Netherlands
While the core principles of a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment are consistent internationally, projects in the Netherlands often reflect specific national considerations, including:
- Dutch soil and groundwater protection legislation
- A risk-based approach informed by historic land use and surrounding activities
- Complex subsurface conditions, including peat, clay, and shallow groundwater
- Water management and flood-related considerations
- Legacy industrial uses and redevelopment of brownfield land
- Building-related environmental risks associated with older assets
These factors are considered as part of a context-specific assessment, aligned with local practice and client requirements.
Supporting Practical Outcomes
Partner’s Phase 1 Environmental Assessments provide clients with clear, actionable insight, supporting transaction decisions and development planning. Where potential issues are identified, Partner supports clients in understanding next steps, which may include further investigation, risk management measures, or coordination with other technical advisory services.
