New EcoCertified Solar Parks: solar parks that deliver both energy and nature
On Wednesday, September 3, the consortium behind the Ecocertified solar parks project will present the results of four years of research into nature-inclusive solar parks. The outcome: an independent quality label for new solar parks that not only guarantees sustainable and autonomous energy production but also delivers measurable benefits for soil quality, biodiversity, and the landscape. The label is managed and issued by The Greenlabel Institute and will be available to the market from September 3, 2025.
Need and solution
The Netherlands faces a growing energy demand, and rooftop solar alone is insufficient to meet climate targets. Onshore solar energy is therefore indispensable for achieving these goals. At the same time, there is public concern about the integration of solar parks into the landscape and their effects on nature.
The EcoCertified Solar Parks label addresses this need, providing developers, authorities, and landowners with a practical first tool to combine domestic energy generation with the enhancement of natural values.
'With the EcoCertified Solar Parks label, we are taking a major step toward a new generation of solar parks – parks where soil health and biodiversity demonstrably improve compared to previous land use. This builds trust with developers, authorities, and local communities alike.'
Scientific basis and practical testing
The label was developed by a broad consortium including Wageningen University & Research (WUR), TNO, Eelerwoude, 10 solar park developers affiliated with Holland Solar, and NL Greenlabel. Research was conducted across 18 solar parks throughout the Netherlands, focusing on soil health, soil life, vegetation, insects, birds, mammals, and the impact of different vegetation management practices.
Test applications were also carried out in solar parks and energy gardens, receiving positive feedback from the sector and local authorities. The label evaluates projects across six themes:
- Development principles
- Landscape integration and stakeholder involvement
- Design and sustainable material use
- Healthy soil
- (Restoration of) biodiversity
- Management and biodiversity assurance
'Our calculations clarify the energy and economic consequences of the guidelines incorporated in the label. This provides confidence that the measures are feasible and reasonable under current market conditions.'
Value for stakeholders
For developers, the label can be used when applying for permits to demonstrate active contribution to ecological enhancement. Municipalities and provinces gain an assessment framework to structurally integrate nature-inclusive criteria into policy.
Local communities can see that newly developed solar parks not only provide energy but also contribute to nature and a healthy living environment. Currently, the label can only be awarded to new solar parks.
Management by The Greenlabel Institute
The label is administered by The Greenlabel Institute, which has experience in independent sustainability certification within the living environment. This ensures the label’s continuity and enables its broad application in the energy transition.
'The EcoCertified Solar Parks label provides an independent and transparent standard for nature-inclusive solar parks. This ensures the quality of these projects – a step that builds trust in the energy transition.'
Contact us
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Kay Cesar
Functie:Program coordinator Advanced Solar Parks and Horticulture-
Standplaats:Petten - Westerduinweg
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Email:Email Kay
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Gabriel Yousef
Functie:Business Developer-
Standplaats:Rijswijk - Kesslerpark
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Email:Email Gabriel
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