Green-building–certificates at a glance

The DGNB system is based on the three pillars of sustainability – the environment, the economy and society – which are equally weighted in the rating. To achieve an all-round assessment, the DGNB system also rates the location, technical quality and process quality. Performance in these areas can be assessed through various minimum requirements and criteria in the assessment categories. The latter are individually adjusted for different use types and can be applied to new constructions, renovations, existing buildings and districts. Sustainable deconstruction can also be certified.

The following weightings apply to new buildings following the update of the system in 2023:

DGNB points system

The DGNB system rates buildings based on degrees of fulfilment. The total performance index is calculated from the values achieved in six areas. The DGNB awards platinum, gold, silver and bronze ratings, with the lowest level only being granted to existing buildings. A total performance index of 50% or higher earns buildings DGNB Silver certification. DGNB Gold certification is awarded for a total performance index of 65% or higher, and a project must achieve a total performance index of 80% or higher to gain Platinum certification. Existing buildings can obtain a bronze rating with a score of 35%.

The DGNB aims to promote uniformly high standards for buildings. As a result, the total performance index alone is not sufficient for certification. The degree of achievement must also reach a minimum level in the areas relevant to the rating before certification is awarded.

DGNB sustainability categories

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  Ecological quality

  The six ecological quality criteria allow an assessment of the building’s effects on the global and local environment, resource consumption and waste generation. One of the main focuses is on preparing an environmental analysis of the building indicating resource consumption and primary energy use over the entire life cycle of the building, including construction, use and demolition.

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  Economic quality

  The criteria for economic quality are used to assess long-term economic efficiency (life cycle costs) and performance.

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  Sociocultural and functional quality

  The eight sociocultural and functional quality criteria help to assess buildings in terms of health, comfort and user satisfaction, as well as important aspects of functionality.

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  Technical quality

  The seven technical quality criteria allow technical quality to be assessed with regard to relevant sustainability aspects.

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  Process quality

  The nine process quality criteria are aimed at optimising the quality of planning and construction until the building is commissioned.

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  Location quality

  The four criteria for location quality are used to assess sustainability aspects related to the quality of the building’s surroundings and infrastructure, as well as the interaction between the project and building environment.

A lean assessment system based on the sustainable management approach plan-do-check-act is applied to buildings in use. With regard to environmental quality, the focus is on a property’s energy consumption, carbon footprint, water usage and management of recyclable materials. A climate action road map setting out the path to carbon neutrality is prepared for each building. Those that have already achieved this status are additionally certified “climate-positive”. Economic quality considers operating costs, risk management and value preservation, as well as procurement and management, while socio-cultural and functional quality addresses indoor comfort, user satisfaction and mobility.