Papier FSC-zertifiziert

Excellence defined. Sustainable Building

with a Systems Approach.
Ensure the quality of your sustainable buildings in planning, construction,
and operation. The DGNB System helps you get there.
Kronprinzstraße 11
70173 Stuttgart
Germany
Phone +49 (0)711 72 23 22-0
Fax +49 (0)711 72 23 22-99
E-Mail info@dgnb.de
www.dgnb.de
www.dgnb-international.com
 the German sustainable
Table of contents building Council
The DGNB philosophy 3 These days, sustainability is a crucial topic in the construction and
The DGNB certificate from the investor viewpoint 8 real estate sectors. Increasingly, ecological, economical, and socio-cul-
tural issues are focal points in the planning, construction, and operation
The DGNB certification system 10
of buildings. The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB for
The DGNB‘s expertise and range of services 14
“Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen”) is the partner you
Sustainability from the architect’s viewpoint 18
need to harmonize these aspects. With our certification system,
Using the DGNB certificate 20 we help you optimize and document the quality of your projects.
Sustainable building from the auditor’s viewpoint 24

Creating new occupancy profiles 26

Climate change, resource scarcity, and the financial crisis –
© DGNB September 2010 society faces a wide range of challenges today and has to
Cover: ThyssenKrupp Headquarter Essen, DGNB Certificate in Gold
© ThyssenKrupp AG assume responsibility for current problems, rather than pass
them on to future generations. As a result, sustainability
has become a principal of our age. Nonetheless, sustainable
development is only possible if ecological, economic, and
social goals are simultaneously and equally pursued.

Buildings are responsible for approximately 30 % of raw

SANHA Produktionsgebäude material use and 40 % of energy consumption and carbon
Großhartau-Schmiedefeld
DGNB Certificate in Gold
emissions worldwide. Sustainable building aims to systema-
Occupancy profile: tically reduce these figures by focusing on future develop-
New industrial buildings,
production sites ments in these fields. At the same time, sustainable building
provides social and economic benefits. In the summer of

© JUHR Architekturbüro für Industriebau- und Gesamtplanung

2007, leading experts from various fields in the construc-
tion and real estate sectors therefore founded the German
Sustainable Building Council.

3
 the German sustainable
Table of contents building Council
The DGNB philosophy 3 These days, sustainability is a crucial topic in the construction and
The DGNB certificate from the investor viewpoint 8 real estate sectors. Increasingly, ecological, economical, and socio-cul-
tural issues are focal points in the planning, construction, and operation
The DGNB certification system 10
of buildings. The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB for
The DGNB‘s expertise and range of services 14
“Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen”) is the partner you
Sustainability from the architect’s viewpoint 18
need to harmonize these aspects. With our certification system,
Using the DGNB certificate 20 we help you optimize and document the quality of your projects.
Sustainable building from the auditor’s viewpoint 24

Creating new occupancy profiles 26

Climate change, resource scarcity, and the financial crisis –
© DGNB September 2010 society faces a wide range of challenges today and has to
Cover: ThyssenKrupp Headquarter Essen, DGNB Certificate in Gold
© ThyssenKrupp AG assume responsibility for current problems, rather than pass
them on to future generations. As a result, sustainability
has become a principal of our age. Nonetheless, sustainable
development is only possible if ecological, economic, and
social goals are simultaneously and equally pursued.

Buildings are responsible for approximately 30 % of raw

SANHA Produktionsgebäude material use and 40 % of energy consumption and carbon
Großhartau-Schmiedefeld
DGNB Certificate in Gold
emissions worldwide. Sustainable building aims to systema-
Occupancy profile: tically reduce these figures by focusing on future develop-
New industrial buildings,
production sites ments in these fields. At the same time, sustainable building
provides social and economic benefits. In the summer of

© JUHR Architekturbüro für Industriebau- und Gesamtplanung

2007, leading experts from various fields in the construc-
tion and real estate sectors therefore founded the German
Sustainable Building Council.

3

The future is the present.
The DGNB goals.
The DGNB‘s constantly growing community of members
mainly pursues one goal: the consistent pursuit of sustai-
nable, and therefore economically efficient, building. We
do so by systematically sharing expertise, providing further
training for market players, and raising awareness about
the issue among the general public. Furthermore, we work
with our members to gradually further develop the interna-
tionally acknowledged DGNB certificate for environmentally
friendly, economically efficient, and user-friendly buildings.
The core of our work.
Developing the DGNB certification system.
The DGNB focuses on establishing and further developing
its certification system. As a high-performance, transparent,
and user-friendly tool for the assessment and certification
of sustainable buildings, it is one of the leading systems
worldwide, mainly because of its comprehensive quality
concept, which takes equal account of economics, eco-
logy, and socio-cultural aspects and is based on a holistic
view of the building‘s entire lifecycle. It is therefore possible
4 5
Neubau Zentralgebäude
Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver
Occupancy profile:
New educational buildings
Rendering von screen ID Digital, Entwurf: Universität Lüneburg, Prof. Daniel Liebeskind
As a non-profit and non-governmental organization, the
DGNB‘s bylaws stipulate that it serves the general good.
To practice what we believe in, we primarily focus on deve-
loping criteria to increase the future building quality in ecolo-
gical, economic, socio-cultural, and technical terms. Building
owners and investors can then not only plan, construct, and
operate their projects affordably and with little environmental
impact, but also promote the well-being of building users.
to define sustainability targets during the planning phase.
The result are buildings for the future with a high quality
standard documented by the DGNB certificate in gold, silver,
or bronze. This quality label is thus valuable for the const-
ruction and real estate sectors. Outside of Germany DGNB
can be used. Due to its conformity the present and future
EU regulations it is the perfect tool to ensure a high building
quality and performance.

The future is the present.
The DGNB goals.
The DGNB‘s constantly growing community of members
mainly pursues one goal: the consistent pursuit of sustai-
nable, and therefore economically efficient, building. We
do so by systematically sharing expertise, providing further
training for market players, and raising awareness about
the issue among the general public. Furthermore, we work
with our members to gradually further develop the interna-
tionally acknowledged DGNB certificate for environmentally
friendly, economically efficient, and user-friendly buildings.
The core of our work.
Developing the DGNB certification system.
The DGNB focuses on establishing and further developing
its certification system. As a high-performance, transparent,
and user-friendly tool for the assessment and certification
of sustainable buildings, it is one of the leading systems
worldwide, mainly because of its comprehensive quality
concept, which takes equal account of economics, eco-
logy, and socio-cultural aspects and is based on a holistic
view of the building‘s entire lifecycle. It is therefore possible
4 5
Neubau Zentralgebäude
Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver
Occupancy profile:
New educational buildings
Rendering von screen ID Digital, Entwurf: Universität Lüneburg, Prof. Daniel Liebeskind
As a non-profit and non-governmental organization, the
DGNB‘s bylaws stipulate that it serves the general good.
To practice what we believe in, we primarily focus on deve-
loping criteria to increase the future building quality in ecolo-
gical, economic, socio-cultural, and technical terms. Building
owners and investors can then not only plan, construct, and
operate their projects affordably and with little environmental
impact, but also promote the well-being of building users.
to define sustainability targets during the planning phase.
The result are buildings for the future with a high quality
standard documented by the DGNB certificate in gold, silver,
or bronze. This quality label is thus valuable for the const-
ruction and real estate sectors. Outside of Germany DGNB
can be used. Due to its conformity the present and future
EU regulations it is the perfect tool to ensure a high building
quality and performance.
 Certification and further training.
The DGNB‘s core competence.

In its relatively short history, the DGNB has already man- modular training of DGNB auditors, in which we open up new
aged to establish itself as a leading organization in the field perspectives for participants in the promising future market World GBC DGNB partner organizations
of sustainable building. One major milestone on this path of sustainable building. We have come up with a modular • DGNB has a repre-
sentative on the ÖGNI, Austrian Green Building Council
was the successful market launch of the DGNB certification concept that takes account of the individual knowledge that WGBC’s Board.
For the WGBC
system in 2009, followed shortly thereafter by the launch of participants already have, their objectives, and the dyna- European Network
DGBC, Beijing DGNB
its internationalization. For instance, more than 80 projects mic development of the DGNB system. In the process, we the headquarters

International Board
German Sustainable Green Building Consulting Co.Ltd.
will be set up in
Building Council
in Germany and abroad received the DGNB certificate in only work with renowned, third-party educational facilities, Stuttgart and in
London
the first 15 months. A second factor in our success is the allowing us to offer blanket training. BGBC, Bulgarian Green Building Council

Board mem- EU research

ber at the projects on SGNI, Swiss Sustainable Building Council
Sustainable sustainable
Keep growing. Even as a volunteer. Building building /
Alliance Open House / Thailand Council of
The DGNB‘s members. (SB Alliance) Green Sustainable Construction
Conserve

The DGNB‘s importance and expertise continues to grow their sustainability goals during the planning phase of their
along with the number of its members. When it was found- projects. The constant further development of the DGNB
DGNB International Network
ed, it already had 40 member organizations from the con- certification system is one major reason for this success.
struction and real estate sectors. By the time the first event Primarily, a number of working groups continue to devel-
was organized at the beginning of 2008, that figure had op the certificate. Currently, more than 320 DGNB mem- Setting standards. Internationally.
risen to 121. Within just two years, the DGNB had around bers from various sectors of sustainable building volun- The DGNB worldwide.
900 members. At the same time, a growing number of teer to contribute their knowledge to these committees.
national and international building owners and investors The strength of our system lies in this broad expertise and As a leading cross-industry organization, the DGNB is the and non-governmental organizations abroad. These or-
have relied on the DGNB certification system to define voluntary work. main driver for sustainable development in its sector in ganizations will handle and adapt the DGNB system in
Germany. The DGNB is the hub at the center of the wheel. their countries. An DGNB international board has also been
Internationally, the DGNB also plays an important role. As established to ensure our high quality standard worldwide.
900
June 2010 an active member of the World Green Building Council we This board consists of representatives of the DGNB and its
Members
870 Members
played an important role in setting up the European Net- partner organizations. The Austrian Green Building Coun-
Real estate committee
675 work. The European headquarters of the World Green Build- cil (ÖGNI) was the first to adapt the system and awarded
Construction products
committee Board of Directors ing Council in London and Stuttgart supports the work of the first certificates for the Austrian version of the DGNB
Training committee current and emerging European Green Building Councils. system in May 2010. Bulgaria, Switzerland and Thailand
450
Furthermore, we are integrated as researchers in major Eu- have also founded their organizations. And with the Chinese
certification system Certification
committee
committee
ropean EU projects. DGNB partner, we have entered one of the most promi-
Approval and
Expert groups
DGNB office
review committee sing future markets in the world. Other organizations in
225
Working groups The internationalization of the DGNB goes hand in hand Brazil and Russia have also entered into such partnerships.
January 2008
121 Founding Members Preparatory groups with the further development of the DGNB certification Furthermore the new DGNB international system offers the
0 system. To optimally fulfill the specific requirements of possibility to certify buildings all over the world without a
Jun 07 Dec 07 Jun 08 Dec 08 Jun 09 Dec 09 Jun 10
different parts of the world, we work closely with non-profit previous process.
(Status June 2010)

DGNB membership growth DGNB organizational structure

6 7
 Certification and further training.
The DGNB‘s core competence.

In its relatively short history, the DGNB has already man- modular training of DGNB auditors, in which we open up new
aged to establish itself as a leading organization in the field perspectives for participants in the promising future market World GBC DGNB partner organizations
of sustainable building. One major milestone on this path of sustainable building. We have come up with a modular • DGNB has a repre-
sentative on the ÖGNI, Austrian Green Building Council
was the successful market launch of the DGNB certification concept that takes account of the individual knowledge that WGBC’s Board.
For the WGBC
system in 2009, followed shortly thereafter by the launch of participants already have, their objectives, and the dyna- European Network
DGBC, Beijing DGNB
its internationalization. For instance, more than 80 projects mic development of the DGNB system. In the process, we the headquarters

International Board
German Sustainable Green Building Consulting Co.Ltd.
will be set up in
Building Council
in Germany and abroad received the DGNB certificate in only work with renowned, third-party educational facilities, Stuttgart and in
London
the first 15 months. A second factor in our success is the allowing us to offer blanket training. BGBC, Bulgarian Green Building Council

Board mem- EU research

ber at the projects on SGNI, Swiss Sustainable Building Council
Sustainable sustainable
Keep growing. Even as a volunteer. Building building /
Alliance Open House / Thailand Council of
The DGNB‘s members. (SB Alliance) Green Sustainable Construction
Conserve

The DGNB‘s importance and expertise continues to grow their sustainability goals during the planning phase of their
along with the number of its members. When it was found- projects. The constant further development of the DGNB
DGNB International Network
ed, it already had 40 member organizations from the con- certification system is one major reason for this success.
struction and real estate sectors. By the time the first event Primarily, a number of working groups continue to devel-
was organized at the beginning of 2008, that figure had op the certificate. Currently, more than 320 DGNB mem- Setting standards. Internationally.
risen to 121. Within just two years, the DGNB had around bers from various sectors of sustainable building volun- The DGNB worldwide.
900 members. At the same time, a growing number of teer to contribute their knowledge to these committees.
national and international building owners and investors The strength of our system lies in this broad expertise and As a leading cross-industry organization, the DGNB is the and non-governmental organizations abroad. These or-
have relied on the DGNB certification system to define voluntary work. main driver for sustainable development in its sector in ganizations will handle and adapt the DGNB system in
Germany. The DGNB is the hub at the center of the wheel. their countries. An DGNB international board has also been
Internationally, the DGNB also plays an important role. As established to ensure our high quality standard worldwide.
900
June 2010 an active member of the World Green Building Council we This board consists of representatives of the DGNB and its
Members
870 Members
played an important role in setting up the European Net- partner organizations. The Austrian Green Building Coun-
Real estate committee
675 work. The European headquarters of the World Green Build- cil (ÖGNI) was the first to adapt the system and awarded
Construction products
committee Board of Directors ing Council in London and Stuttgart supports the work of the first certificates for the Austrian version of the DGNB
Training committee current and emerging European Green Building Councils. system in May 2010. Bulgaria, Switzerland and Thailand
450
Furthermore, we are integrated as researchers in major Eu- have also founded their organizations. And with the Chinese
certification system Certification
committee
committee
ropean EU projects. DGNB partner, we have entered one of the most promi-
Approval and
Expert groups
DGNB office
review committee sing future markets in the world. Other organizations in
225
Working groups The internationalization of the DGNB goes hand in hand Brazil and Russia have also entered into such partnerships.
January 2008
121 Founding Members Preparatory groups with the further development of the DGNB certification Furthermore the new DGNB international system offers the
0 system. To optimally fulfill the specific requirements of possibility to certify buildings all over the world without a
Jun 07 Dec 07 Jun 08 Dec 08 Jun 09 Dec 09 Jun 10
different parts of the world, we work closely with non-profit previous process.
(Status June 2010)

DGNB membership growth DGNB organizational structure

6 7

A strong new economic factor.
The DGNB certificate from the investor’s viewpoint.
Jens-Ulrich Meier
Managing Director
Construction
ECE Projektmanagement
GmbH & Co. KG
„As an international firm, the ECE supports the processes of
all renowned certification systems in order to demonstrate
the quality of its own real estate with measurable criteria. We
believe that the DGNB certificate, which was developed on
the basis of national and EU-wide regulations alongside DIN
standards, is currently the best certification system for shop-
ping centers in Germany. It covers the high standards that
the ECE places upon itself for planning, development, and
operation most comprehensively.“
Dr. Joachim Wieland
Management
spokesperson
aurelis Real Estate
GmbH & Co. KG
„Ecologically, economically, and socially responsible actions
are a sign of conscientiousness and are becoming an econo-
mic factor. It is even affecting the development of our cities
and neighborhoods. Users and investors are taking a diffe-
rent look at things and basing their rental and purchasing
decisions on sustainability criteria. Certification is therefore
becoming an important marketing instrument for developers,
especially for real estate locations that attract international
clientele.
With DGNB certification for our urban projects, we pave the
way for sustainable urban and land-use development even
before actual construction has begun. We thereby provide
our customers – investors and project developers – with an
optimal starting point to flesh out the concept.“
8 9
Behörde für Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt
Hamburg
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver
Occupancy profile:
New office and administrative buildings
Harald Fischer
Construction Director
REWE Group
„For REWE, sustainability in practice is especially important, as
are construction and building operations with little environ-
mental impact. With DGNB certification, we can also convince
investors in the retail real estate sector of this necessity. After
all, sustainable building will only become the norm over the
long term if providers and users of real estate are willing to in-
vest in innovation and the environment. The economic success
of our pilot market in Berlin and the great amount of attention
we have received with certification in industry, politics, and
society at large convince us that we are on the right path.“
© Sauerbruch Hutton Architects
Dr. Reinhard Kutscher
Board Chairman
Union Investment Real
Estate GmbH
„In less than two years, the DGNB certificate has become the
label for sustainable building in the German-speaking world.
The DGNB certificate is not only indispensable for the plan-
ning process. It is also attractive for investors, mainly because
it clearly reflects a building‘s overall quality – including its
economic performance. With the DGNB certificate, we can
offer our tenants proof of security going far beyond the clas-
sic features of „green buildings.“ Demonstration of sustain-
ability over the entire lifecycle, which the DGNB certificate
documents, will increasingly play an important role in tenants‘
decisions. We aim to use this marketing advantage, especially
in our investments in Germany.“

A strong new economic factor.
The DGNB certificate from the investor’s viewpoint.
Jens-Ulrich Meier
Managing Director
Construction
ECE Projektmanagement
GmbH & Co. KG
„As an international firm, the ECE supports the processes of
all renowned certification systems in order to demonstrate
the quality of its own real estate with measurable criteria. We
believe that the DGNB certificate, which was developed on
the basis of national and EU-wide regulations alongside DIN
standards, is currently the best certification system for shop-
ping centers in Germany. It covers the high standards that
the ECE places upon itself for planning, development, and
operation most comprehensively.“
Dr. Joachim Wieland
Management
spokesperson
aurelis Real Estate
GmbH & Co. KG
„Ecologically, economically, and socially responsible actions
are a sign of conscientiousness and are becoming an econo-
mic factor. It is even affecting the development of our cities
and neighborhoods. Users and investors are taking a diffe-
rent look at things and basing their rental and purchasing
decisions on sustainability criteria. Certification is therefore
becoming an important marketing instrument for developers,
especially for real estate locations that attract international
clientele.
With DGNB certification for our urban projects, we pave the
way for sustainable urban and land-use development even
before actual construction has begun. We thereby provide
our customers – investors and project developers – with an
optimal starting point to flesh out the concept.“
8 9
Behörde für Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt
Hamburg
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver
Occupancy profile:
New office and administrative buildings
Harald Fischer
Construction Director
REWE Group
„For REWE, sustainability in practice is especially important, as
are construction and building operations with little environ-
mental impact. With DGNB certification, we can also convince
investors in the retail real estate sector of this necessity. After
all, sustainable building will only become the norm over the
long term if providers and users of real estate are willing to in-
vest in innovation and the environment. The economic success
of our pilot market in Berlin and the great amount of attention
we have received with certification in industry, politics, and
society at large convince us that we are on the right path.“
© Sauerbruch Hutton Architects
Dr. Reinhard Kutscher
Board Chairman
Union Investment Real
Estate GmbH
„In less than two years, the DGNB certificate has become the
label for sustainable building in the German-speaking world.
The DGNB certificate is not only indispensable for the plan-
ning process. It is also attractive for investors, mainly because
it clearly reflects a building‘s overall quality – including its
economic performance. With the DGNB certificate, we can
offer our tenants proof of security going far beyond the clas-
sic features of „green buildings.“ Demonstration of sustain-
ability over the entire lifecycle, which the DGNB certificate
documents, will increasingly play an important role in tenants‘
decisions. We aim to use this marketing advantage, especially
in our investments in Germany.“
 THE DGNB CERTIFICATE –
your system for sustainable quality
The DGNB certificate is indispensable for everyone who plans sustainable
buildings and wishes to document their quality. The high-performance
system includes all relevant topics in the planning and assessment process
based on the knowledge of the DGNB‘s members. Thanks to its flexibility,
it is continually being further developed, with new occupancy profiles added
all the time. In this process, experts from different sectors work together
across disciplines to ensure the quality and wide scope of the system.
The construction and real estate sectors are subject to con-
stant change. In developing the DGNB certificate, we there-
fore made flexibility and practical application the highest
priorities. These two factors not only allow the system to
be adapted to different building types, but also smoothly
adjusted to accommodate future technical and societal con-
ditions. Furthermore, conditions pertaining to the climate,
construction, the law, and culture in other countries can
also be taken into account. As a result, projects around the
world can be certified on the same basis. That is the most
important factor in the successful internationalization of the
DGNB and its certification system.
Ensuring quality.
Broad expertise and clear processes.
In the ongoing further development of the DGNB certificate,
the DGNB places great store on practicability, transparency,
and a constantly high quality level. To this end, we pursue
a process in which every new occupancy profile in the
system undergoes various development phases (preparation,
pilot, evaluation, and comments) to get the broad expertise
of DGNB members and passes through DGNB committees
to ensure the high DGNB quality. On the basis of this broad
expertise, each occupancy profile is further optimized
incrementally to consistently ensure its quality. At the end
of the process, the new occupancy profile is launched on
the market.
10
Transparent and holistic.
The methodology behind the
DGNB certificate.
The DGNB certificate is a tool developed from practice for The six fields in the DGNB certificate
the straightforward assessment and planning of sustainable
buildings. One of its strengths is that it covers all essential
aspects of sustainable building. These aspects were defined
economic
with broad consensus covering six fields: ecology, economics, quality
sociocultural and functional aspects, technology, processes, sociocultural
and site. Each field contains special criteria that can be de- ecological and functional
quality quality
signed and weighted differently depending on the occupancy
profile; each field is also viewed over the building‘s entire life-
cycle. If the building fulfills the criteria, it receives the DGNB
certificate in gold, silver, or bronze depending on the total technical
process quality
performance index. Building owners and investors can then site quality
quality
clearly document the high quality of their real estate.
Sustainable planning.
With the DGNB pre-certificate.
The sooner DGNB criteria are incorporated in the planning Assessment chart of DGNB software
DGNB software supports those involved in the planning process. In this chart created
phase, the better. The DGNB certificate therefore covers the with the program, you quickly see how the building performs in various criteria.
building‘s entire lifecycle; with precertification, the sustain-
ability of real estate can be optimized from the outset. This
approach offers a number of benefits in planning, construc-
tion, and marketing. The early definition of all essential
sustainability criteria sets clear targets for everyone involv-
ed, which increases transparency, strengthens risk manage-
ment, and provides a safe basis for the planned performance
targets. The same holds true for financing. And of course,
the quality label also makes rentals and sales more success- Performance Index
85,3 %
ful. For you, that means greater financial security at an
earlier stage.
11
 THE DGNB CERTIFICATE –
your system for sustainable quality
The DGNB certificate is indispensable for everyone who plans sustainable
buildings and wishes to document their quality. The high-performance
system includes all relevant topics in the planning and assessment process
based on the knowledge of the DGNB‘s members. Thanks to its flexibility,
it is continually being further developed, with new occupancy profiles added
all the time. In this process, experts from different sectors work together
across disciplines to ensure the quality and wide scope of the system.
The construction and real estate sectors are subject to con-
stant change. In developing the DGNB certificate, we there-
fore made flexibility and practical application the highest
priorities. These two factors not only allow the system to
be adapted to different building types, but also smoothly
adjusted to accommodate future technical and societal con-
ditions. Furthermore, conditions pertaining to the climate,
construction, the law, and culture in other countries can
also be taken into account. As a result, projects around the
world can be certified on the same basis. That is the most
important factor in the successful internationalization of the
DGNB and its certification system.
Ensuring quality.
Broad expertise and clear processes.
In the ongoing further development of the DGNB certificate,
the DGNB places great store on practicability, transparency,
and a constantly high quality level. To this end, we pursue
a process in which every new occupancy profile in the
system undergoes various development phases (preparation,
pilot, evaluation, and comments) to get the broad expertise
of DGNB members and passes through DGNB committees
to ensure the high DGNB quality. On the basis of this broad
expertise, each occupancy profile is further optimized
incrementally to consistently ensure its quality. At the end
of the process, the new occupancy profile is launched on
the market.
10
Transparent and holistic.
The methodology behind the
DGNB certificate.
The DGNB certificate is a tool developed from practice for The six fields in the DGNB certificate
the straightforward assessment and planning of sustainable
buildings. One of its strengths is that it covers all essential
aspects of sustainable building. These aspects were defined
economic
with broad consensus covering six fields: ecology, economics, quality
sociocultural and functional aspects, technology, processes, sociocultural
and site. Each field contains special criteria that can be de- ecological and functional
quality quality
signed and weighted differently depending on the occupancy
profile; each field is also viewed over the building‘s entire life-
cycle. If the building fulfills the criteria, it receives the DGNB
certificate in gold, silver, or bronze depending on the total technical
process quality
performance index. Building owners and investors can then site quality
quality
clearly document the high quality of their real estate.
Sustainable planning.
With the DGNB pre-certificate.
The sooner DGNB criteria are incorporated in the planning Assessment chart of DGNB software
DGNB software supports those involved in the planning process. In this chart created
phase, the better. The DGNB certificate therefore covers the with the program, you quickly see how the building performs in various criteria.
building‘s entire lifecycle; with precertification, the sustain-
ability of real estate can be optimized from the outset. This
approach offers a number of benefits in planning, construc-
tion, and marketing. The early definition of all essential
sustainability criteria sets clear targets for everyone involv-
ed, which increases transparency, strengthens risk manage-
ment, and provides a safe basis for the planned performance
targets. The same holds true for financing. And of course,
the quality label also makes rentals and sales more success- Performance Index
85,3 %
ful. For you, that means greater financial security at an
earlier stage.
11

Rewarding quality.
Your benefits at a glance.
Focus on performance, not individual actions
The DGNB certificate assesses the building‘s overall perfor-
mance, not individual actions. Building owners and plan-
ners therefore have the greatest possible leeway in reaching
those targets. Innovative solutions are promoted.
International focus
The certification system can be updated thanks to its fle-
xibility. It can be easily adapted to new technical, societal,
or international developments.
Efficient optimization tool for planning
Along with precertification, the DGNB criteria can be used
to identify efficient, inexpensive steps during the planning
phase. Furthermore, the DGNB pre-certificate gives inves-
tors the confidence during the early planning stage that the
building‘s performance targets will be reached when it is
finished.
12
Rhein-Galerie
Ludwigshafen
DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold
Occupancy profile:
New retail buildings,
shopping centers
Risk minimization
The DGNB certificate promotes integral building planning,
thereby capping optimization potential for construction,
operation, and the end-of-life phase. As a result, the risk of
not rented buildings is also reduced.
Greater market attractiveness
The award increases the chance of selling and renting since it
© ECE, Rhein-Galerie, Ludwigshafen
demonstrates a building’s holistic high quality to owners and
users. Furthermore, the DGNB certificate promotes greater
quality and workmanship, reduces sick days, increases user-
friendliness, and improves re-rental ratios.
Great variety despite unified basis
The DGNB certificate offers the right occupancy profile for
every type of building. Nonetheless, all buildings are evaluated
on the same basis, which reduces training time for auditors
and facilitates the application of the system.
13

Rewarding quality.
Your benefits at a glance.
Focus on performance, not individual actions
The DGNB certificate assesses the building‘s overall perfor-
mance, not individual actions. Building owners and plan-
ners therefore have the greatest possible leeway in reaching
those targets. Innovative solutions are promoted.
International focus
The certification system can be updated thanks to its fle-
xibility. It can be easily adapted to new technical, societal,
or international developments.
Efficient optimization tool for planning
Along with precertification, the DGNB criteria can be used
to identify efficient, inexpensive steps during the planning
phase. Furthermore, the DGNB pre-certificate gives inves-
tors the confidence during the early planning stage that the
building‘s performance targets will be reached when it is
finished.
12
Rhein-Galerie
Ludwigshafen
DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold
Occupancy profile:
New retail buildings,
shopping centers
Risk minimization
The DGNB certificate promotes integral building planning,
thereby capping optimization potential for construction,
operation, and the end-of-life phase. As a result, the risk of
not rented buildings is also reduced.
Greater market attractiveness
The award increases the chance of selling and renting since it
© ECE, Rhein-Galerie, Ludwigshafen
demonstrates a building’s holistic high quality to owners and
users. Furthermore, the DGNB certificate promotes greater
quality and workmanship, reduces sick days, increases user-
friendliness, and improves re-rental ratios.
Great variety despite unified basis
The DGNB certificate offers the right occupancy profile for
every type of building. Nonetheless, all buildings are evaluated
on the same basis, which reduces training time for auditors
and facilitates the application of the system.
13
 An overview of the DGNB –
what we can do for you.
Have input in sustainable building in Germany, strengthen your image,
and set yourself off from the competition on this future market.
Benefit from one of the largest knowledge pools in the industry and
from attractive perks. Get to know us and our range of services.
Modular and individual.
Training as DGNB auditor and DGNB consultant.
The DGNB provides training for auditors who wish to gain
new perspectives in the future market of sustainable build-
ing. Participants benefit from our modular training concept,
which optimally takes account of each individual‘s previous
knowledge. The mandatory modules explain how the DGNB
certificate is set up and applied and what the methodology
behind it is. In the variable modules, specific basic topics can
be studied further. This modular structure has yet another
benefit: as soon as a new occupancy profile or a new version
is released, participants can take an upgrade course to learn
about all the changes quickly and inexpensively. For seminar
dates, contact the DGNB office.

The DGNB thrives on the expertise of its members. Their know-

ledge and practical experience are decisive in making our work
future-proof – and hence in making our strong community a
leader. At the same time, individuals and organizations benefit
from DGNB membership in many ways. They form the basis for
influence on future developments in the construction and real
estate sectors in addition to promoting our image and public
relations. In the process, members can actively contribute to
sustainable building in Germany. Furthermore, you have a lar-
ge, interdisciplinary knowledge pool at your disposal. Member-
ship also pays for itself financially. We offer attractive discounts
for training, certification, our products, and our events.
Everything a glance.
The DGNB manual.
Those who plan their real estate with the DGNB certificate in
mind can receive an indispensable tool and reference work
from the DGNB office: the DGNB manual. On some 650 DGNB Manual
pages, it provides easy-to-read, compact, and up-to-date in-
formation about our certification system. Step-by-step, read-
ers can learn all of the details about the various topics and
criteria in the DGNB certificate, including how calculations
and assessments are made. Furthermore, they learn more
about individual occupancy profiles and our training concept.

Providing input.
The DGNB working groups.
One of the main benefits of membership is the option of
having input in the DGNB certification system within a wor-
king group. Here, members can represent their interests and
provide their expertise to help us further develop the certi-
fication system step by step. All working groups are inter-
disciplinary to ensure a wide range of expertise. The DGNB
offices support them in their work. A representative from
the DGNB team takes part in each working group session to
provide information and help coordinate content decisions
with suitable experts.
Sustainable planning the easy way.
DGNB software.
With the DGNB software, we have come up with an ideal tool
for architects, planners, and auditors for the planning and
assessment of sustainable buildings. The user-friendly pro-
gram allows you to run through a number of draft scenarios
and optimize your real estate for sustainability. Just a glance
shows where the design still needs to be changed to receive
bronze, silver, or gold certification. The DGNB software
supports auditors during the assessment phase. Once they
DGNB Software
have entered the project data, the program calculates how
well the building performs in the six fields according to the
individual criteria. The data already fulfill our documentation
requirements and are processed with a simple mouse click.
All of this makes the software an indispensable tool during
the certification process. Currently the DGNB software is
available in German.

14 15
 An overview of the DGNB –
what we can do for you.
Have input in sustainable building in Germany, strengthen your image,
and set yourself off from the competition on this future market.
Benefit from one of the largest knowledge pools in the industry and
from attractive perks. Get to know us and our range of services.
Modular and individual.
Training as DGNB auditor and DGNB consultant.
The DGNB provides training for auditors who wish to gain
new perspectives in the future market of sustainable build-
ing. Participants benefit from our modular training concept,
which optimally takes account of each individual‘s previous
knowledge. The mandatory modules explain how the DGNB
certificate is set up and applied and what the methodology
behind it is. In the variable modules, specific basic topics can
be studied further. This modular structure has yet another
benefit: as soon as a new occupancy profile or a new version
is released, participants can take an upgrade course to learn
about all the changes quickly and inexpensively. For seminar
dates, contact the DGNB office.

The DGNB thrives on the expertise of its members. Their know-

ledge and practical experience are decisive in making our work
future-proof – and hence in making our strong community a
leader. At the same time, individuals and organizations benefit
from DGNB membership in many ways. They form the basis for
influence on future developments in the construction and real
estate sectors in addition to promoting our image and public
relations. In the process, members can actively contribute to
sustainable building in Germany. Furthermore, you have a lar-
ge, interdisciplinary knowledge pool at your disposal. Member-
ship also pays for itself financially. We offer attractive discounts
for training, certification, our products, and our events.
Everything a glance.
The DGNB manual.
Those who plan their real estate with the DGNB certificate in
mind can receive an indispensable tool and reference work
from the DGNB office: the DGNB manual. On some 650 DGNB Manual
pages, it provides easy-to-read, compact, and up-to-date in-
formation about our certification system. Step-by-step, read-
ers can learn all of the details about the various topics and
criteria in the DGNB certificate, including how calculations
and assessments are made. Furthermore, they learn more
about individual occupancy profiles and our training concept.

Providing input.
The DGNB working groups.
One of the main benefits of membership is the option of
having input in the DGNB certification system within a wor-
king group. Here, members can represent their interests and
provide their expertise to help us further develop the certi-
fication system step by step. All working groups are inter-
disciplinary to ensure a wide range of expertise. The DGNB
offices support them in their work. A representative from
the DGNB team takes part in each working group session to
provide information and help coordinate content decisions
with suitable experts.
Sustainable planning the easy way.
DGNB software.
With the DGNB software, we have come up with an ideal tool
for architects, planners, and auditors for the planning and
assessment of sustainable buildings. The user-friendly pro-
gram allows you to run through a number of draft scenarios
and optimize your real estate for sustainability. Just a glance
shows where the design still needs to be changed to receive
bronze, silver, or gold certification. The DGNB software
supports auditors during the assessment phase. Once they
DGNB Software
have entered the project data, the program calculates how
well the building performs in the six fields according to the
individual criteria. The data already fulfill our documentation
requirements and are processed with a simple mouse click.
All of this makes the software an indispensable tool during
the certification process. Currently the DGNB software is
available in German.

14 15
 Effective cooperation.
The central bodies of the DGNB.

The DGNB offices bundles the expertise of our members committee for system development. It is also the central
and processes operations. The executive board answers point of contact for members, new partners, and potential
directly to the Board of Directors and handles coordina- partners. DGNB members elect the Board of Directors, which
tion with all the DGNB bodies such as certification system represents their interests.

Topics: Topic:
The DGNB The DGNB energy, lifecycle costs
building services,
Board of Directors Certification and facility
System Committee management

Prof. M. sc. econ. Manfred Hegger Prof. Dr. Dr. E. h. Werner Sobek Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Bürklin Dr.-Ing. Peter Mösle Dr.-Ing. Wolfram Trinius
TU Darmstadt Universität Stuttgart Hochtief AG Drees & Sommer Advanced Building Ingenieurbüro Trinius
DGNB Chairman DGNB Vice Chairman DGNB Vice Chairman Technologies GmbH Vice Chairman
Chairman

Topics: Topic:
comfort, building life cycle analysis
acoustics,
construction
materials,
and toxins

Dipl.-Ing. Johannes Kreißig Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Alexander Rudolphi Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Sedlbauer Dipl.-Ing. Martin Hoffmann Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Fischer
PE INTERNATIONAL GföB – Gesellschaft für Ökologische Universität Stuttgart GföB – Gesellschaft für Ökologische Universität Stuttgart
Bautechnik Berlin mbH Bautechnik Berlin mbH

Topics: Topics:
functionality value retention
and design and location

Dr.-Ing. Peter Mösle Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerd Hauser Dipl.-Ing. Martin Haas BDA Anja Willmann, B. A., M. sc. Dipl.-Kfm. Dipl.-Phys. Christian Wetzel
Drees & Sommer Advanced TU München Behnisch Architekten Behnisch Architekten CalCon Holding GmbH
Building Technologies GmbH

Topic:
The DGNB processes

Executive Board

Dr.-Ing. Christine Lemaitre Dipl.-Ing. Johannes Kreißig Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Oebbecke

CEO Executive director ARCADIS Facility Management GmbH

16 17
 Effective cooperation.
The central bodies of the DGNB.

The DGNB offices bundles the expertise of our members committee for system development. It is also the central
and processes operations. The executive board answers point of contact for members, new partners, and potential
directly to the Board of Directors and handles coordina- partners. DGNB members elect the Board of Directors, which
tion with all the DGNB bodies such as certification system represents their interests.

Topics: Topic:
The DGNB The DGNB energy, lifecycle costs
building services,
Board of Directors Certification and facility
System Committee management

Prof. M. sc. econ. Manfred Hegger Prof. Dr. Dr. E. h. Werner Sobek Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Bürklin Dr.-Ing. Peter Mösle Dr.-Ing. Wolfram Trinius
TU Darmstadt Universität Stuttgart Hochtief AG Drees & Sommer Advanced Building Ingenieurbüro Trinius
DGNB Chairman DGNB Vice Chairman DGNB Vice Chairman Technologies GmbH Vice Chairman
Chairman

Topics: Topic:
comfort, building life cycle analysis
acoustics,
construction
materials,
and toxins

Dipl.-Ing. Johannes Kreißig Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Alexander Rudolphi Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Sedlbauer Dipl.-Ing. Martin Hoffmann Dipl.-Ing. Matthias Fischer
PE INTERNATIONAL GföB – Gesellschaft für Ökologische Universität Stuttgart GföB – Gesellschaft für Ökologische Universität Stuttgart
Bautechnik Berlin mbH Bautechnik Berlin mbH

Topics: Topics:
functionality value retention
and design and location

Dr.-Ing. Peter Mösle Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerd Hauser Dipl.-Ing. Martin Haas BDA Anja Willmann, B. A., M. sc. Dipl.-Kfm. Dipl.-Phys. Christian Wetzel
Drees & Sommer Advanced TU München Behnisch Architekten Behnisch Architekten CalCon Holding GmbH
Building Technologies GmbH

Topic:
The DGNB processes

Executive Board

Dr.-Ing. Christine Lemaitre Dipl.-Ing. Johannes Kreißig Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Oebbecke

CEO Executive director ARCADIS Facility Management GmbH

16 17

A great opportunity for construction culture.
Sustainability from the architect’s viewpoint.
Uli Hellweg
Executive Director
IBA Hamburg GmbH
„It‘s good that architects are increasingly viewing sustainable
building as an opportunity rather than an obligation. This
new perspective represents a major opportunity for building
culture. We are living in an age in which the call for sustain-
ability, and especially for lower resource consumption, can
revolutionize material aesthetics, building services, and con-
struction technologies – just like the invention of reinforced
concrete did more than 100 years ago when it enabled mo-
dernity. Today, architects have to invent the architecture of
the post-fossil era. The foreseeable material revolution will
go hand-in-hand with new social demands for the usability
of our buildings and urban areas. Sustainable building once
again needs architects that think and design holistically –
a giant opportunity for our profession after decades of think-
ing in disciplines.“
Dirk Theiling
Senior project manager
HafenCity Hamburg GmbH
„In 2007, HafenCity Hamburg GmbH began using the sus-
tainable building label in HafenCity Hamburg as an incentive
for project developers, investors, and users to become in-
volved in Europe‘s largest investment development project for
sustainable building.
Our goal was to enable sustainable urban development in all
major spheres – from urban construction to mobility, ener-
gy generation, and buildings. It was therefore natural for us
to be among the founding members of the DGNB and help
establish sustainable building throughout Germany.“
18
Skyline Tower
Munich
DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold
Occupancy profile:
New office and
administrative buildings
Martin Haas BDA
Partner
Behnisch Architekten
„The realization that architecture plays a major role in pro-
© Bayerische Bau- und Immobilien Gruppe
tecting our natural resources has brought about an important
change. Now, the goal is to harmonize people with space and
the environment. As planners, we have to develop buildings
that adapt to changing societal trends and will not be a bur-
den on future generations. We will only succeed if these buil-
dings fulfill people‘s basic needs and also have cultural value.
Architecture will then be defined by the quality of its content,
not by its stylistic appearance. This approach will bring about
a new trend in architecture that will have a positive impact on
all aspects of building.“
Heinz Mornhinweg
Executive Director
KSP Jürgen Engel
Architekten GmbH
„Sustainability is not only an issue for our social responsibility
as architects; for us, it equally entails social, societal, and eco-
nomic aspects as well as questions of who should be involved
in urban development. Furthermore, flexible concepts are a
requirement for the long service life of completed construc-
tion projects. Our competence and more than 15 years of
experience in the field of sustainable planning is reflected in
recognized certifications and a number of awards.“
19

A great opportunity for construction culture.
Sustainability from the architect’s viewpoint.
Uli Hellweg
Executive Director
IBA Hamburg GmbH
„It‘s good that architects are increasingly viewing sustainable
building as an opportunity rather than an obligation. This
new perspective represents a major opportunity for building
culture. We are living in an age in which the call for sustain-
ability, and especially for lower resource consumption, can
revolutionize material aesthetics, building services, and con-
struction technologies – just like the invention of reinforced
concrete did more than 100 years ago when it enabled mo-
dernity. Today, architects have to invent the architecture of
the post-fossil era. The foreseeable material revolution will
go hand-in-hand with new social demands for the usability
of our buildings and urban areas. Sustainable building once
again needs architects that think and design holistically –
a giant opportunity for our profession after decades of think-
ing in disciplines.“
Dirk Theiling
Senior project manager
HafenCity Hamburg GmbH
„In 2007, HafenCity Hamburg GmbH began using the sus-
tainable building label in HafenCity Hamburg as an incentive
for project developers, investors, and users to become in-
volved in Europe‘s largest investment development project for
sustainable building.
Our goal was to enable sustainable urban development in all
major spheres – from urban construction to mobility, ener-
gy generation, and buildings. It was therefore natural for us
to be among the founding members of the DGNB and help
establish sustainable building throughout Germany.“
18
Skyline Tower
Munich
DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold
Occupancy profile:
New office and
administrative buildings
Martin Haas BDA
Partner
Behnisch Architekten
„The realization that architecture plays a major role in pro-
© Bayerische Bau- und Immobilien Gruppe
tecting our natural resources has brought about an important
change. Now, the goal is to harmonize people with space and
the environment. As planners, we have to develop buildings
that adapt to changing societal trends and will not be a bur-
den on future generations. We will only succeed if these buil-
dings fulfill people‘s basic needs and also have cultural value.
Architecture will then be defined by the quality of its content,
not by its stylistic appearance. This approach will bring about
a new trend in architecture that will have a positive impact on
all aspects of building.“
Heinz Mornhinweg
Executive Director
KSP Jürgen Engel
Architekten GmbH
„Sustainability is not only an issue for our social responsibility
as architects; for us, it equally entails social, societal, and eco-
nomic aspects as well as questions of who should be involved
in urban development. Furthermore, flexible concepts are a
requirement for the long service life of completed construc-
tion projects. Our competence and more than 15 years of
experience in the field of sustainable planning is reflected in
recognized certifications and a number of awards.“
19
 Systematic planning.
The DGNB certification system.
To make sure that the DGNB certificate provides a lot of information, Economic quality
we specified clear principles and structures that are identical for the assess- Building lifecycle costs
ment of all occupancy profiles. A catalog of some 60 criteria serves as the Suitability for conversions
basis. The criteria are weighted in accordance to their importance for the
Sociocultural and functional quality
particular occupancy profile and used to design an assessment matrix.
Thermal comfort in the winter
Thermal comfort in the summer
Interior hygiene
Acoustic comfort
Visual comfort
The criteria in the DGNB‘s core system define sustainable User control possibilities
building in six fields. The quality of the site does not play a Quality of outdoor space
role in the assessment of the total performance index. Safety and risk of hazardous incidents
Handicapped accessibility
Ecological quality Space efficiency
Global warming potential Suitability for conversion
Ozone depletion potential Public access
Photochemical ozone creation potential Bicycling convenience
Acidification potential Assurance of design and urban
Eutrophication potential development quality in a competition
Risks to the local environment Percent for art
Other effects on the local environment Quality features of use profile
Sustainable use of resources  Social integration
Microclimate
Nonrenewable primary energy demand Technical quality
Total primary energy demand and share of Fire prevention
renewable primary energy Noise, electromagnetic fields, etc.
Other uses of non-renewable resources Quality of building envelope’s heat and
Waste by category humidity technology
Drinking water demand and volume of waste water Building services’ backup ability
Space demand Building services‘ ease of use
Building services’ equipment quality
Durability
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Resistance to hail, storms, and flooding
Ease of dismantling and recycling
20
Process quality
Quality of project preparation
Integral planning
Optimization and complexity of planning method
Evidence of sustainable aspects in call for
and awarding of tenders
Creation of conditions for optimal use
and management
Construction site / construction process
Quality of companies involved / prequalification
Quality assurance for construction process
Systematic initiation of operation
Controlling
Management
Systematic inspection, maintenance, and servicing
Qualification of operating personnel
Site quality
Risks in the micro-environment
Relationships in the micro-environment
Image and state of site and neighbourhood
Access to transportation
Proximity to use-specific facilities
Connections to public services (utilities)
Legal situation for planning
Extension options / reserves
21
 Systematic planning.
The DGNB certification system.
To make sure that the DGNB certificate provides a lot of information, Economic quality
we specified clear principles and structures that are identical for the assess- Building lifecycle costs
ment of all occupancy profiles. A catalog of some 60 criteria serves as the Suitability for conversions
basis. The criteria are weighted in accordance to their importance for the
Sociocultural and functional quality
particular occupancy profile and used to design an assessment matrix.
Thermal comfort in the winter
Thermal comfort in the summer
Interior hygiene
Acoustic comfort
Visual comfort
The criteria in the DGNB‘s core system define sustainable User control possibilities
building in six fields. The quality of the site does not play a Quality of outdoor space
role in the assessment of the total performance index. Safety and risk of hazardous incidents
Handicapped accessibility
Ecological quality Space efficiency
Global warming potential Suitability for conversion
Ozone depletion potential Public access
Photochemical ozone creation potential Bicycling convenience
Acidification potential Assurance of design and urban
Eutrophication potential development quality in a competition
Risks to the local environment Percent for art
Other effects on the local environment Quality features of use profile
Sustainable use of resources  Social integration
Microclimate
Nonrenewable primary energy demand Technical quality
Total primary energy demand and share of Fire prevention
renewable primary energy Noise, electromagnetic fields, etc.
Other uses of non-renewable resources Quality of building envelope’s heat and
Waste by category humidity technology
Drinking water demand and volume of waste water Building services’ backup ability
Space demand Building services‘ ease of use
Building services’ equipment quality
Durability
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
Resistance to hail, storms, and flooding
Ease of dismantling and recycling
20
Process quality
Quality of project preparation
Integral planning
Optimization and complexity of planning method
Evidence of sustainable aspects in call for
and awarding of tenders
Creation of conditions for optimal use
and management
Construction site / construction process
Quality of companies involved / prequalification
Quality assurance for construction process
Systematic initiation of operation
Controlling
Management
Systematic inspection, maintenance, and servicing
Qualification of operating personnel
Site quality
Risks in the micro-environment
Relationships in the micro-environment
Image and state of site and neighbourhood
Access to transportation
Proximity to use-specific facilities
Connections to public services (utilities)
Legal situation for planning
Extension options / reserves
21
 Precise adjustments. Accurate and clear.
The weighting of criteria. The assessment matrix of the DGNB certificate.

To make the DGNB certificate as informative and precise as it is possible to increase the weighting of each criterion as Score Criteria Points Weighted Points Group Points Group Total
Main- Weight- Adap- Perfor-
Perfor- Group Perfor-
criteria- Criteria Group Criteria ing tation mance
possible, we have clearly defined targets values for all crite- much as threefold or to disregard it entirely based on its so- group Achieved Maximum Achieved
max.
possible
Factor Factor Achieved
max.
possible
Index Achieved
max.
possible
mance
Index
Weight mance
Index

Global warming potential 10 10,0

ria. Each criterion can receive a maximum of 10 points based cietal or political relevance and its importance for the specific Ozone depletion potential 10 10,0
10
10
3
1
1
1
30
10
30
10
100%
100%

on its documented or calculated quality. At the same time, use profile (see the assessment matrix on page 23). Life Cycle Analysis Photochemical ozone creation potential 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Acidification potential 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Eutrophication potential 10 7,1 10 1 1 7,1 10 71%
Ecolo- Risks to the local environment 10 8,2 10 3 1 24,6 30 82%
gical Effect on the
178,5 200 89% 22,5%
Qual- global and Local Sustainable use of resources 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
ity Environment
Microclimate – – – – 0 – – –

Gold, silver, or bronze. Ressource

Nonrenewable primary energy demand 10 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%
Total primary energy demand and share of renewable
10 8,4 10 2 1 17 20 84%
Performance-based scoring.
Consumption primary energy
and Waste
Generation Drinking water demand and volume of waste water 10 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50%
Space demand 10 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%

Eco- Life Cycle Costs Building Lifecycle Costs 10 9,0 10 3 1 27 30 90%

nom-
The points granted by the auditor, planner, or architect for granted. A gold certificate requires a score of 80 percent. ic 47 50 94% 22,5%
Qual- Economic
Suitability for Conversions 65 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%
ity
each individual criterion and the weighting of the criteria The goal is to promote a standard of high quality for build- Performance

Thermal Comfort in the winter 40 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%

collectively produce the score for the overall building and the ings. The performance in each of the topical categories rel- Thermal Comfort in the summer 40 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%
Interior Hygiene 10 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%

six topical categories. The score shows the extent to which evant for the score therefore has to be of a certain minimum Health, Comfort
and User-
Acoustic Comfort 20 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%

friendliness Visual Comfort 70 8,5 10 3 1 26 30 85%

the requirements are fulfilled. If the score is 50 percent, for level for a certificate to be issued. For instance, gold requires User Control Possibilities 60 6,7 10 2 1 13 20 67%
Quality of outdoor space 10 9,0 10 1 1 9 10 90%
Socio-
instance, the building will receive a bronze certificate. The a score of at least 65 percent in the first five topical catego- cultur- Safety and risk of hazardous incidents 20 8,0 10 1 1 8 10 80%
al and
Handicapped accessibility 10 8,0 10 2 1 16 20 80%
func- 251 280 90% 22,5%
score can also be based on grades, with 3.0 being required ries. Silver requires a score of at least 50 percent; bronze, tional Space efficiency 0,7 5,0 10 1 1 5 10 50% 86,4%
Qual- Gold
ity Suitability for conversion 70 7,1 10 2 1 14 20 71%
for bronze. If the score is 65 percent, a silver certificate is 35 percent. Functionality
Public access 60 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%
Bicycling convenience 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Social integration – – – – 0 – – –
Assurance of design and urban development quality
100 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%
in a competition
Aesthetic Quality
Percent for art 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Occupancy Profile Attributes – – – – 0 – – –
Fire prevention 100 8,0 10 2 1 16 20 80%
Noise, electromagnetic fields, etc. 100 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50%
Tech- Quality of building envelope‘s heat and humidity technology 45 7,7 10 2 1 15 20 77%
nical Quality of
74 100 74% 22,5%
Qual- Technical
ity Ease of cleaning and maintenance 50 7,1 10 2 1 14 20 71%

Easse of dismantling and recycling 100 9,2 10 2 1 18 20 92%

Quality of project preperation 40 8,3 10 3 1 25 30 83%

Integral planning 40 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%

Optimization and complexity of planning method 90 8,6 10 3 1 26 30 86%

Evidence of sustainable aspects in call for and awarding

Quality of 20 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%
Pro- of tenders
Planning
cess
Creation of conditions for optimal use and management 40 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50% 189 230 82% 10,0%
Qual-
ity
Construction Site / Construction Process 40 7,7 10 2 1 15 20 77%

Total Performance Index Nominal Performance Medals Grade Quality of companies involved / prequalification 10 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50%

Index in evaluation areas Quality of

Construction
Quality assurance for construction process 20 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%

Systematic initiation of operation 10 7,5 10 3 1 23 30 75%

from 50 % 35 % Bronze 3,0 Standortqualität: gesonderte Bewertung, geht nicht in die Gesamtbewertung ein
Risks in micro-environment 50 7,0 10 2 1 14 20 70%
Relationships in the micro-environment 60 7,1 10 2 1 14,2 20 71%
from 65 % 50  % Silver 2,0 Site Image and state of site and neighbourhood 30 1,0 10 2 1 2 20 10%
Qual- 93,3 130 72%
ity Access to transportation 30 8,3 10 3 1 24,9 30 83%
Proximity to use-specific facilities 80 9,7
from 80 % 65 % Gold 1,5 Connections to public services (utilities) 40 9,4
10
10
2
2
1
1
19,4
18,8
20
20
97%
94%

to be entered Grade 1,0 95 % Grade 3,0 50 % Performance Index from 80% GOLD
will be automatically calculated Grade 1,5 80 % Grade 4,0 35 % 65-79,9% SILVER
fixed value Grade 2,0 65 % Grade 5,0 20 % 50-64,9% BRONZE
not applicable to this occupancy profile

Consistent quality through the consideration of Total Performance as well as Example of an assessment matrix of a DGNB gold certified building, occupancy profile
Nominal Performance Indices across all areas of evaluation ”New office and administrative buildings, version 2008“

22 23
 Precise adjustments. Accurate and clear.
The weighting of criteria. The assessment matrix of the DGNB certificate.

To make the DGNB certificate as informative and precise as it is possible to increase the weighting of each criterion as Score Criteria Points Weighted Points Group Points Group Total
Main- Weight- Adap- Perfor-
Perfor- Group Perfor-
criteria- Criteria Group Criteria ing tation mance
possible, we have clearly defined targets values for all crite- much as threefold or to disregard it entirely based on its so- group Achieved Maximum Achieved
max.
possible
Factor Factor Achieved
max.
possible
Index Achieved
max.
possible
mance
Index
Weight mance
Index

Global warming potential 10 10,0

ria. Each criterion can receive a maximum of 10 points based cietal or political relevance and its importance for the specific Ozone depletion potential 10 10,0
10
10
3
1
1
1
30
10
30
10
100%
100%

on its documented or calculated quality. At the same time, use profile (see the assessment matrix on page 23). Life Cycle Analysis Photochemical ozone creation potential 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Acidification potential 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Eutrophication potential 10 7,1 10 1 1 7,1 10 71%
Ecolo- Risks to the local environment 10 8,2 10 3 1 24,6 30 82%
gical Effect on the
178,5 200 89% 22,5%
Qual- global and Local Sustainable use of resources 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
ity Environment
Microclimate – – – – 0 – – –

Gold, silver, or bronze. Ressource

Nonrenewable primary energy demand 10 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%
Total primary energy demand and share of renewable
10 8,4 10 2 1 17 20 84%
Performance-based scoring.
Consumption primary energy
and Waste
Generation Drinking water demand and volume of waste water 10 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50%
Space demand 10 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%

Eco- Life Cycle Costs Building Lifecycle Costs 10 9,0 10 3 1 27 30 90%

nom-
The points granted by the auditor, planner, or architect for granted. A gold certificate requires a score of 80 percent. ic 47 50 94% 22,5%
Qual- Economic
Suitability for Conversions 65 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%
ity
each individual criterion and the weighting of the criteria The goal is to promote a standard of high quality for build- Performance

Thermal Comfort in the winter 40 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%

collectively produce the score for the overall building and the ings. The performance in each of the topical categories rel- Thermal Comfort in the summer 40 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%
Interior Hygiene 10 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%

six topical categories. The score shows the extent to which evant for the score therefore has to be of a certain minimum Health, Comfort
and User-
Acoustic Comfort 20 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%

friendliness Visual Comfort 70 8,5 10 3 1 26 30 85%

the requirements are fulfilled. If the score is 50 percent, for level for a certificate to be issued. For instance, gold requires User Control Possibilities 60 6,7 10 2 1 13 20 67%
Quality of outdoor space 10 9,0 10 1 1 9 10 90%
Socio-
instance, the building will receive a bronze certificate. The a score of at least 65 percent in the first five topical catego- cultur- Safety and risk of hazardous incidents 20 8,0 10 1 1 8 10 80%
al and
Handicapped accessibility 10 8,0 10 2 1 16 20 80%
func- 251 280 90% 22,5%
score can also be based on grades, with 3.0 being required ries. Silver requires a score of at least 50 percent; bronze, tional Space efficiency 0,7 5,0 10 1 1 5 10 50% 86,4%
Qual- Gold
ity Suitability for conversion 70 7,1 10 2 1 14 20 71%
for bronze. If the score is 65 percent, a silver certificate is 35 percent. Functionality
Public access 60 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%
Bicycling convenience 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Social integration – – – – 0 – – –
Assurance of design and urban development quality
100 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%
in a competition
Aesthetic Quality
Percent for art 10 10,0 10 1 1 10 10 100%
Occupancy Profile Attributes – – – – 0 – – –
Fire prevention 100 8,0 10 2 1 16 20 80%
Noise, electromagnetic fields, etc. 100 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50%
Tech- Quality of building envelope‘s heat and humidity technology 45 7,7 10 2 1 15 20 77%
nical Quality of
74 100 74% 22,5%
Qual- Technical
ity Ease of cleaning and maintenance 50 7,1 10 2 1 14 20 71%

Easse of dismantling and recycling 100 9,2 10 2 1 18 20 92%

Quality of project preperation 40 8,3 10 3 1 25 30 83%

Integral planning 40 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%

Optimization and complexity of planning method 90 8,6 10 3 1 26 30 86%

Evidence of sustainable aspects in call for and awarding

Quality of 20 10,0 10 2 1 20 20 100%
Pro- of tenders
Planning
cess
Creation of conditions for optimal use and management 40 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50% 189 230 82% 10,0%
Qual-
ity
Construction Site / Construction Process 40 7,7 10 2 1 15 20 77%

Total Performance Index Nominal Performance Medals Grade Quality of companies involved / prequalification 10 5,0 10 2 1 10 20 50%

Index in evaluation areas Quality of

Construction
Quality assurance for construction process 20 10,0 10 3 1 30 30 100%

Systematic initiation of operation 10 7,5 10 3 1 23 30 75%

from 50 % 35 % Bronze 3,0 Standortqualität: gesonderte Bewertung, geht nicht in die Gesamtbewertung ein
Risks in micro-environment 50 7,0 10 2 1 14 20 70%
Relationships in the micro-environment 60 7,1 10 2 1 14,2 20 71%
from 65 % 50  % Silver 2,0 Site Image and state of site and neighbourhood 30 1,0 10 2 1 2 20 10%
Qual- 93,3 130 72%
ity Access to transportation 30 8,3 10 3 1 24,9 30 83%
Proximity to use-specific facilities 80 9,7
from 80 % 65 % Gold 1,5 Connections to public services (utilities) 40 9,4
10
10
2
2
1
1
19,4
18,8
20
20
97%
94%

to be entered Grade 1,0 95 % Grade 3,0 50 % Performance Index from 80% GOLD
will be automatically calculated Grade 1,5 80 % Grade 4,0 35 % 65-79,9% SILVER
fixed value Grade 2,0 65 % Grade 5,0 20 % 50-64,9% BRONZE
not applicable to this occupancy profile

Consistent quality through the consideration of Total Performance as well as Example of an assessment matrix of a DGNB gold certified building, occupancy profile
Nominal Performance Indices across all areas of evaluation ”New office and administrative buildings, version 2008“

22 23

An attractive future market.
Sustainable building from the auditor’s viewpoint.
Doreen Kruschina
Doreen Kruschina
Planung+Baumanagement
„I was an auditor back when sustainable building was just get-
ting going, and I have already helped get a number of projects
certified. Since the beginning of the first pilot phase, I have
witnessed great interest in the possibility of having a building‘s
overall performance assessed. Contact with foreign business
partners shows that, in North America and the Anglo-Saxon
world, a sustainability certificate is part of an investor project
like a registration plate for a car. In industrial construction and
logistics, where every palette space is valuable, a sustainability
certificate for a building‘s entire lifecycle has commercial val-
ue by making different buildings comparable and by lowering
utility costs for the long-term, which represents clear addition-
al benefits for tenants and investors.“
Michael Scharpf
Sustainability Director
ARCADIS Facility
Management GmbH
„With training, auditors get qualifications far beyond certifi-
cations. They get comprehensive knowledge about sustain-
able building. Whether we are talking about development,
financing, planning, construction, or operation, sustainability
will be one of the main drivers in a building‘s lifecycle.“
24
Büro- und Geschäftshaus
Rheinauhafen Köln, Baufeld 10
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver
Occupancy profile:
New office and administrative buildings
Dr.-Ing. Wolfram Trinius
Ingenieurbüro
Trinius GmbH
„Sustainable building is becoming standard practice on the
German market – a clear sign that excellent building quality is a
good selling point even in times of crisis. I mainly have two hopes.
© Gatermann + Schossig Bauplanungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
First, I‘d like for the trend to continue so that the sustain-
ability of buildings comes to represent greater quality on the
market. That would be an important incentive to successively
improve our buildings and our built environments. Second,
I‘d like for the construction sector to play its crucial role in
European and global targets for environmental and climate
policy. Through innovative, sustainable building, the construc-
tion sector can have a greater impact in the development and
implementation of future-proof solutions.“
Engineer (FH)
Cornelia Jacobsen
ingenieurbüro
hausladen gmbh
„Integral planning focuses on energy efficiency, affordability,
and comfort. The DGNB certificate broadens that scope to
include other important aspects, such as the materials used
and the quality of the site. The wonderful thing about my role
as an auditor is that, on the one hand, I can document that
quality for the building owner. On the other, I also see myself
as a consultant who develops an optimal building concept in
collaboration with the entire planning team.“
25

An attractive future market.
Sustainable building from the auditor’s viewpoint.
Doreen Kruschina
Doreen Kruschina
Planung+Baumanagement
„I was an auditor back when sustainable building was just get-
ting going, and I have already helped get a number of projects
certified. Since the beginning of the first pilot phase, I have
witnessed great interest in the possibility of having a building‘s
overall performance assessed. Contact with foreign business
partners shows that, in North America and the Anglo-Saxon
world, a sustainability certificate is part of an investor project
like a registration plate for a car. In industrial construction and
logistics, where every palette space is valuable, a sustainability
certificate for a building‘s entire lifecycle has commercial val-
ue by making different buildings comparable and by lowering
utility costs for the long-term, which represents clear addition-
al benefits for tenants and investors.“
Michael Scharpf
Sustainability Director
ARCADIS Facility
Management GmbH
„With training, auditors get qualifications far beyond certifi-
cations. They get comprehensive knowledge about sustain-
able building. Whether we are talking about development,
financing, planning, construction, or operation, sustainability
will be one of the main drivers in a building‘s lifecycle.“
24
Büro- und Geschäftshaus
Rheinauhafen Köln, Baufeld 10
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver
Occupancy profile:
New office and administrative buildings
Dr.-Ing. Wolfram Trinius
Ingenieurbüro
Trinius GmbH
„Sustainable building is becoming standard practice on the
German market – a clear sign that excellent building quality is a
good selling point even in times of crisis. I mainly have two hopes.
© Gatermann + Schossig Bauplanungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
First, I‘d like for the trend to continue so that the sustain-
ability of buildings comes to represent greater quality on the
market. That would be an important incentive to successively
improve our buildings and our built environments. Second,
I‘d like for the construction sector to play its crucial role in
European and global targets for environmental and climate
policy. Through innovative, sustainable building, the construc-
tion sector can have a greater impact in the development and
implementation of future-proof solutions.“
Engineer (FH)
Cornelia Jacobsen
ingenieurbüro
hausladen gmbh
„Integral planning focuses on energy efficiency, affordability,
and comfort. The DGNB certificate broadens that scope to
include other important aspects, such as the materials used
and the quality of the site. The wonderful thing about my role
as an auditor is that, on the one hand, I can document that
quality for the building owner. On the other, I also see myself
as a consultant who develops an optimal building concept in
collaboration with the entire planning team.“
25
 Great variety on a joint basis –
creating new occupancy profiles.
The DGNB certification system is quickly being expanded. To this end, to each other. In this task, it receives support from the profile. This evaluation process provides important informa-
we have defined a transparent system development process to create DGNB’s expert groups, each of which consists of some tion to the working group, which optimizes the targets and

new occupancy profiles and variants as need be. The major strengths 10 proven experts, who ensure the quality of the DGNB cer- reference values used to determine a building‘s performance;
tificate across occupancy profiles. They are also responsible the working group also uses the information to minimize the
of the process are its practicability and the inclusion of the bundled
for the further development of the core system. processing time for individual criteria. Once the feasibility of
expertise of the DGNB and its members.
the new occupancy profile has been demonstrated in the
Once a new occupancy profile has been adopted, the pilot pilot phase, the DGNB uses the expertise of its members for
phase begins. Here, the profile is tested on specific projects further optimization. All members have eight weeks to pro-
to make sure it is practicable. At the same time, the auditors vide comments and suggestions on all of the content and
involved are asked about their experience in applying the results via a special online tool on our website.
Each of the system‘s new occupancy profiles goes through
different development phases. First, DGNB members (and
possibly third-party experts) come together to form a prepa-
ratory group. Without any deadline or other administrative
Preparatory group sets foundations
obligations, they set the foundations for the develop-
ment of a potential new occupancy profile for the DGNB DGNB office reviews results

system. The results of the preparatory group then are passed

Results are passed on to certification system committee
on to the various bodies within the DGNB. First, the DGNB
office checks whether the requirements for a new occu- A working group is founded

pancy profile are fulfilled. If so, the profile is passed on

to the certification system committee, which determines
whether the profile is a new, overriding type of occupancy
(main group) or a variation of an existing type of occupancy
(subcategory). In the first case, the DGNB Board of Directors
has to give its consent. Then, a working group is founded
to begin the actual development of the criteria of the new
occupancy profile. Each working group generally consists of
some 20 interdisciplinary, voluntary DGNB members who
have the explicit expert knowledge. Bundling the expertise
of architects, planners, researchers, and other representa-
tives of the real estate sector is one of the system‘s great
The working group develops the content on the basis of the current DGNB system
The DGNB office coordinates and supports the content from the working group
With support from the DGNB‘s expert groups and DGNB office and in collaboration with
the working group, the certification system committee reviews and revises the results
In collaboration with the expert groups,
the certification system committee adopts the profile
The DGNB office work up the documentation requirements
and collect registrations for the pilot phase
The pilot phase begins once a sufficient number of pilot projects
(generally 5-10) come together
The new occupancy profile is evaluated

strengths. The experts partly try to see which criteria can
be taken over from the core system and where new criteria
need to be developed. In this way, they can incrementally
formulate a new occupancy profile, which will then be
presented to the DGNB certification system committee for
adoption.
DGNB members comment on the results of the pilot phase on the DGNB‘s website
The DGNB office assess the evaluation phase and comments phase
In collaboration with the certification system committee,
the working group reviews the assessment and revises if necessary
The certification system committee adopts the occupancy profile

The new occupancy profile is launched

This committee is the DGNB‘s central decision-making body
concerning the certification system. It ensures that the focal
points and targets of the DGNB certification system conform An overview of the DGNB‘s system development process

26 27
 Great variety on a joint basis –
creating new occupancy profiles.
The DGNB certification system is quickly being expanded. To this end, to each other. In this task, it receives support from the profile. This evaluation process provides important informa-
we have defined a transparent system development process to create DGNB’s expert groups, each of which consists of some tion to the working group, which optimizes the targets and

new occupancy profiles and variants as need be. The major strengths 10 proven experts, who ensure the quality of the DGNB cer- reference values used to determine a building‘s performance;
tificate across occupancy profiles. They are also responsible the working group also uses the information to minimize the
of the process are its practicability and the inclusion of the bundled
for the further development of the core system. processing time for individual criteria. Once the feasibility of
expertise of the DGNB and its members.
the new occupancy profile has been demonstrated in the
Once a new occupancy profile has been adopted, the pilot pilot phase, the DGNB uses the expertise of its members for
phase begins. Here, the profile is tested on specific projects further optimization. All members have eight weeks to pro-
to make sure it is practicable. At the same time, the auditors vide comments and suggestions on all of the content and
involved are asked about their experience in applying the results via a special online tool on our website.
Each of the system‘s new occupancy profiles goes through
different development phases. First, DGNB members (and
possibly third-party experts) come together to form a prepa-
ratory group. Without any deadline or other administrative
Preparatory group sets foundations
obligations, they set the foundations for the develop-
ment of a potential new occupancy profile for the DGNB DGNB office reviews results

system. The results of the preparatory group then are passed

Results are passed on to certification system committee
on to the various bodies within the DGNB. First, the DGNB
office checks whether the requirements for a new occu- A working group is founded

pancy profile are fulfilled. If so, the profile is passed on

to the certification system committee, which determines
whether the profile is a new, overriding type of occupancy
(main group) or a variation of an existing type of occupancy
(subcategory). In the first case, the DGNB Board of Directors
has to give its consent. Then, a working group is founded
to begin the actual development of the criteria of the new
occupancy profile. Each working group generally consists of
some 20 interdisciplinary, voluntary DGNB members who
have the explicit expert knowledge. Bundling the expertise
of architects, planners, researchers, and other representa-
tives of the real estate sector is one of the system‘s great
The working group develops the content on the basis of the current DGNB system
The DGNB office coordinates and supports the content from the working group
With support from the DGNB‘s expert groups and DGNB office and in collaboration with
the working group, the certification system committee reviews and revises the results
In collaboration with the expert groups,
the certification system committee adopts the profile
The DGNB office work up the documentation requirements
and collect registrations for the pilot phase
The pilot phase begins once a sufficient number of pilot projects
(generally 5-10) come together
The new occupancy profile is evaluated

strengths. The experts partly try to see which criteria can
be taken over from the core system and where new criteria
need to be developed. In this way, they can incrementally
formulate a new occupancy profile, which will then be
presented to the DGNB certification system committee for
adoption.
DGNB members comment on the results of the pilot phase on the DGNB‘s website
The DGNB office assess the evaluation phase and comments phase
In collaboration with the certification system committee,
the working group reviews the assessment and revises if necessary
The certification system committee adopts the occupancy profile

The new occupancy profile is launched

This committee is the DGNB‘s central decision-making body
concerning the certification system. It ensures that the focal
points and targets of the DGNB certification system conform An overview of the DGNB‘s system development process

26 27
 Dynamic development.
An overview of occupancy profiles.
The DGNB certification system is constantly being expanded.
Systems are already available for occupancy profiles in high
demand, such as office and administrative buildings, education-
al facilities, retail buildings, industrial buildings, and residential
buildings. While the focus has been mainly on new buildings,
the DGNB is incrementally laying the foundations for certifi-
cation of existing buildings. The DGNB working groups are
also currently working up a number of additional occupancy
profiles.
New retail buildings: consumer market
This occupancy profile includes supermarkets and retail chains.
The overall performance of the building and its annexes is in-
cluded in the assessment. The assessment focuses on energy
consumption and utilities because of the high level of such
consumption in retail buildings. The aspect of family friend-
liness was also integrated.
Fleur Keller
Director of competitions
and drafts
Hascher + Jehle
Planungsgesellschaft mbH
„We sustainably develop with concepts adapted intelli-
gently to local conditions and the climate in order to take
advantage of specific local energy potential, which is al-
ways different because there is no single solution for eve-
ry situation. For us, sustainable architecture thus comes
about where such structural features as the site, function,
design, material, and the manufacturing process not only
cover and complement each other, but also merge to
create an overall composition of space, form, proportion,
and meaningful content.“
28
New office and administrative buildings
Existing office and administrative buildings
New retail buildings
DGNB core system
New industrial buildings
New educational facilities
New residential buildings
New hotels
...
New retail buildings: shopping centers
Shopping centers are defined as centrally planned, large-sur-
face facilities with a concentration of retailers, restaurants,
and service firms. In assessing shopping centers, the focus
is primarily on media supply lines and retail areas, including
annexes. Changes made by individual tenants are only tak-
en into account to a limited extent, however. Furthermore,
energy consumption and family friendliness play a crucial
role in this occupancy profile.
New industrial buildings: logistics buildings
Logistics buildings are used for the distribution, delivery, and
sale of goods. The service life of logistics buildings is shorter
than that of other use profiles at 20 years. Furthermore, the
location plays a greater role in this occupancy profile. Accessi-
bility for people and goods is also an important aspect in the
Ernst-Ullrich Tillmanns
assessment.
Executive Director
4a Architekten
New industrial buildings: production sites
„The growing interest in sustainable building and such
This occupancy profile covers all buildings where goods and certificates mainly shows that the focus in real estate will
commodities are made from raw materials or precursor pro- increasingly be on quality and value growth. We see this
ducts with the input of labor and energy. A short service life as a long-term trend that requires competent architects.
of 20 years is also used to assess such buildings. An impor- This is good news for the industry! And we see the DGNB
as an important partner that visualizes the importance of
tant feature of the DGNB assessment of production sites is
planning in sustainable building, enables the sharing of
the separate assessment of labor/production areas and of-
expertise, and performs important public relations work
fices.
and lobbying among politicians.“
New educational buildings
In the occupancy profile for educational buildings, the DGNB
provides another crucial variant of its certification system for
kindergartens, schools, adult educational facilities, universi-
ties, and rooms mainly used for seminars, lectures, and as
classrooms. The modular assessment also allows for the ad-
Hellmuth Aydt
jacent use of offices, kitchens, cafeterias, libraries, and sports
Construction Department
facilities within the same building. In contrast, gymnasiums, State Capital Stuttgart
libraries, and cafeterias in separate buildings are not taken
„The State Capital Stuttgart has some 2,000 municipal
into consideration. The design of external facilities is of great buildings, including schools, museums, kindergartens,
importance for users and is therefore also assessed. hospitals, administrative buildings, libraries, gymnasiums,
and swimming pools. These buildings have to be construc-
ted and operated affordably and with little environmental
impact in terms of materials, design, the possibility of con-
version, and expenses for energy, cleaning, and servicing.
The German Sustainable Building Council‘s (DGNB) certifi-
cation system has come up with an assessment scheme in
its certification system that also defines our demands for
sustainability and provides answers to decisive questions in
all phases of the building‘s lifecycle.“
29
 Dynamic development.
An overview of occupancy profiles.
The DGNB certification system is constantly being expanded.
Systems are already available for occupancy profiles in high
demand, such as office and administrative buildings, education-
al facilities, retail buildings, industrial buildings, and residential
buildings. While the focus has been mainly on new buildings,
the DGNB is incrementally laying the foundations for certifi-
cation of existing buildings. The DGNB working groups are
also currently working up a number of additional occupancy
profiles.
New retail buildings: consumer market
This occupancy profile includes supermarkets and retail chains.
The overall performance of the building and its annexes is in-
cluded in the assessment. The assessment focuses on energy
consumption and utilities because of the high level of such
consumption in retail buildings. The aspect of family friend-
liness was also integrated.
Fleur Keller
Director of competitions
and drafts
Hascher + Jehle
Planungsgesellschaft mbH
„We sustainably develop with concepts adapted intelli-
gently to local conditions and the climate in order to take
advantage of specific local energy potential, which is al-
ways different because there is no single solution for eve-
ry situation. For us, sustainable architecture thus comes
about where such structural features as the site, function,
design, material, and the manufacturing process not only
cover and complement each other, but also merge to
create an overall composition of space, form, proportion,
and meaningful content.“
28
New office and administrative buildings
Existing office and administrative buildings
New retail buildings
DGNB core system
New industrial buildings
New educational facilities
New residential buildings
New hotels
...
New retail buildings: shopping centers
Shopping centers are defined as centrally planned, large-sur-
face facilities with a concentration of retailers, restaurants,
and service firms. In assessing shopping centers, the focus
is primarily on media supply lines and retail areas, including
annexes. Changes made by individual tenants are only tak-
en into account to a limited extent, however. Furthermore,
energy consumption and family friendliness play a crucial
role in this occupancy profile.
New industrial buildings: logistics buildings
Logistics buildings are used for the distribution, delivery, and
sale of goods. The service life of logistics buildings is shorter
than that of other use profiles at 20 years. Furthermore, the
location plays a greater role in this occupancy profile. Accessi-
bility for people and goods is also an important aspect in the
Ernst-Ullrich Tillmanns
assessment.
Executive Director
4a Architekten
New industrial buildings: production sites
„The growing interest in sustainable building and such
This occupancy profile covers all buildings where goods and certificates mainly shows that the focus in real estate will
commodities are made from raw materials or precursor pro- increasingly be on quality and value growth. We see this
ducts with the input of labor and energy. A short service life as a long-term trend that requires competent architects.
of 20 years is also used to assess such buildings. An impor- This is good news for the industry! And we see the DGNB
as an important partner that visualizes the importance of
tant feature of the DGNB assessment of production sites is
planning in sustainable building, enables the sharing of
the separate assessment of labor/production areas and of-
expertise, and performs important public relations work
fices.
and lobbying among politicians.“
New educational buildings
In the occupancy profile for educational buildings, the DGNB
provides another crucial variant of its certification system for
kindergartens, schools, adult educational facilities, universi-
ties, and rooms mainly used for seminars, lectures, and as
classrooms. The modular assessment also allows for the ad-
Hellmuth Aydt
jacent use of offices, kitchens, cafeterias, libraries, and sports
Construction Department
facilities within the same building. In contrast, gymnasiums, State Capital Stuttgart
libraries, and cafeterias in separate buildings are not taken
„The State Capital Stuttgart has some 2,000 municipal
into consideration. The design of external facilities is of great buildings, including schools, museums, kindergartens,
importance for users and is therefore also assessed. hospitals, administrative buildings, libraries, gymnasiums,
and swimming pools. These buildings have to be construc-
ted and operated affordably and with little environmental
impact in terms of materials, design, the possibility of con-
version, and expenses for energy, cleaning, and servicing.
The German Sustainable Building Council‘s (DGNB) certifi-
cation system has come up with an assessment scheme in
its certification system that also defines our demands for
sustainability and provides answers to decisive questions in
all phases of the building‘s lifecycle.“
29
 A global focus.
Local adaptation increases acceptance.

Prof. Holger Hagge
Global Head of Building &
Workplace Development
Deutsche Bank
„What is green building? If you want to answer that
question, you quickly realize how useful a scoring sys-
tem based on professional, state-of-the-art technology
is. Certification systems like the DGNB‘s are helpful even
in the planning phase for the development of sustainable
buildings, environmentally friendly renovations, and the
tapping of ecological potential. After buildings have been
completed, certification also helps us to measure the extra
work done and assess the building‘s sustainability. Deut-
sche Bank uses a number of national and international
certifications and was a founding member of the DGNB
because we wanted to share our experience from the
renovation of the twin towers in Frankfurt, now known as
Green Towers. Our bank was the first building to receive a
pre-certificate in gold for a building that was modernized
in exemplary fashion for sustainability.“
New residential buildings
This certificate is awarded to residential buildings with,
ideally, more than six units. The focus of the assessment is on
the comfort and well-being of users. Such criteria as noise
protection, spatial flexibility, and indoor hygiene are there-
fore weighted more heavily. Likewise, low operating costs,
value retention, and the quality of the apartments them-
selves also play a crucial role in the assessment.
New office and administration buildings
This certificate is available for all buildings used mainly as
offices or for administrative purposes. Aside from ecological
and economic aspects, the focus of the assessment is on
user comfort – such as in terms of noise, temperature, and
appearance – which greatly affects the performance and
motivation of workers.
Modernized office and administration buildings
This occupancy profile was designed for existing buildings
used mainly as offices or administrative buildings with mod-
ernized façades, building services, etc. The assessment
focuses on operational costs and payback periods; in other
words, the certification system is especially suitable as an
optimization tool for architects and building owners in the
planning phase.
The DGNB‘s approach allows its certification system to be eas-
ily and quickly adapted to the requirements of other coun-
tries and building cultures. The internationality of the DGNB
core system, which is based on the EU‘s targets, standards,
and regulations, serves as the basis for future developments.
This approach offers a number of benefits. For instance, if a
country-specific adaptation does not include a standard for
a certain criterion, the European requirement in the core sys-
tem can be adopted. The process is similar to eco-balances.
If there are no country-specific data for a construction ma-
terial, the data records from the DGNB international core
system are used. For international users, the DGNB has one
The DGNB international certificate.
Our partner in Austria.
The DGNB‘s Austrian partner organization ÖGNI (Austrian
Green Building Council) was founded in the fall of 2009
by 120 founding members. ÖGNI‘s certification system com-
mittee adapted the DGNB system to Austria‘s standards and
For more information about our international partner network, visit www.dgnb-international.com
major benefit: it can be largely adapted to country-specific
building cultures, which increases acceptance and minimizes
the work required for an international portfolio to be certi-
fied. At the same time, buildings in one country can still be
compared to buildings in another. One important aspect in
the process is that the requirements for a DGNB bronze certi-
ficate are based on common building practice in the country
in question. In contrast, the DGNB gold certificate is based
on an international standard that is the same for all coun-
tries. In this way, the assessments are still meaningful on an
international scale.
regulations. After just a few months, the certification of the
first offices and administrative buildings began. The DGNB‘s
new occupancy profiles are now gradually being adapted to
Austrian conditions.

image copyrigt

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Z-zwo Bürogebäude Friedrichstraße 40 TOWNTOWN Company Building 09 Karolinen Karree
Stuttgart-Möhringen Berlin Wien München
© Jens Willebrand © Petersenarchitekten © Swiss Town Consult AG © Hines Immobilien GmbH
DGNB Certificate in Silver DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver

page 4 page 12 page 20

Neubau Zentralgebäude Leuphana Universität Rhein-Galerie Europe Plaza
Lüneburg Ludwigshafen Stuttgart
© Universität Lüneburg: Prof. Daniel Libeskind © ECE, Rhein-Galerie, Ludwigshafen © Fay Projects GmbH
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold

30
 A global focus.
Local adaptation increases acceptance.

Prof. Holger Hagge
Global Head of Building &
Workplace Development
Deutsche Bank
„What is green building? If you want to answer that
question, you quickly realize how useful a scoring sys-
tem based on professional, state-of-the-art technology
is. Certification systems like the DGNB‘s are helpful even
in the planning phase for the development of sustainable
buildings, environmentally friendly renovations, and the
tapping of ecological potential. After buildings have been
completed, certification also helps us to measure the extra
work done and assess the building‘s sustainability. Deut-
sche Bank uses a number of national and international
certifications and was a founding member of the DGNB
because we wanted to share our experience from the
renovation of the twin towers in Frankfurt, now known as
Green Towers. Our bank was the first building to receive a
pre-certificate in gold for a building that was modernized
in exemplary fashion for sustainability.“
New residential buildings
This certificate is awarded to residential buildings with,
ideally, more than six units. The focus of the assessment is on
the comfort and well-being of users. Such criteria as noise
protection, spatial flexibility, and indoor hygiene are there-
fore weighted more heavily. Likewise, low operating costs,
value retention, and the quality of the apartments them-
selves also play a crucial role in the assessment.
New office and administration buildings
This certificate is available for all buildings used mainly as
offices or for administrative purposes. Aside from ecological
and economic aspects, the focus of the assessment is on
user comfort – such as in terms of noise, temperature, and
appearance – which greatly affects the performance and
motivation of workers.
Modernized office and administration buildings
This occupancy profile was designed for existing buildings
used mainly as offices or administrative buildings with mod-
ernized façades, building services, etc. The assessment
focuses on operational costs and payback periods; in other
words, the certification system is especially suitable as an
optimization tool for architects and building owners in the
planning phase.
The DGNB‘s approach allows its certification system to be eas-
ily and quickly adapted to the requirements of other coun-
tries and building cultures. The internationality of the DGNB
core system, which is based on the EU‘s targets, standards,
and regulations, serves as the basis for future developments.
This approach offers a number of benefits. For instance, if a
country-specific adaptation does not include a standard for
a certain criterion, the European requirement in the core sys-
tem can be adopted. The process is similar to eco-balances.
If there are no country-specific data for a construction ma-
terial, the data records from the DGNB international core
system are used. For international users, the DGNB has one
The DGNB international certificate.
Our partner in Austria.
The DGNB‘s Austrian partner organization ÖGNI (Austrian
Green Building Council) was founded in the fall of 2009
by 120 founding members. ÖGNI‘s certification system com-
mittee adapted the DGNB system to Austria‘s standards and
For more information about our international partner network, visit www.dgnb-international.com
major benefit: it can be largely adapted to country-specific
building cultures, which increases acceptance and minimizes
the work required for an international portfolio to be certi-
fied. At the same time, buildings in one country can still be
compared to buildings in another. One important aspect in
the process is that the requirements for a DGNB bronze certi-
ficate are based on common building practice in the country
in question. In contrast, the DGNB gold certificate is based
on an international standard that is the same for all coun-
tries. In this way, the assessments are still meaningful on an
international scale.
regulations. After just a few months, the certification of the
first offices and administrative buildings began. The DGNB‘s
new occupancy profiles are now gradually being adapted to
Austrian conditions.

image copyrigt

page 3 page 10 page 14 Seite 26

Z-zwo Bürogebäude Friedrichstraße 40 TOWNTOWN Company Building 09 Karolinen Karree
Stuttgart-Möhringen Berlin Wien München
© Jens Willebrand © Petersenarchitekten © Swiss Town Consult AG © Hines Immobilien GmbH
DGNB Certificate in Silver DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver

page 4 page 12 page 20

Neubau Zentralgebäude Leuphana Universität Rhein-Galerie Europe Plaza
Lüneburg Ludwigshafen Stuttgart
© Universität Lüneburg: Prof. Daniel Libeskind © ECE, Rhein-Galerie, Ludwigshafen © Fay Projects GmbH
DGNB Pre-certificate in Silver DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold DGNB Pre-certificate in Gold

30
 Papier FSC-zertifiziert

Excellence defined. Sustainable Building

with a Systems Approach.
Ensure the quality of your sustainable buildings in planning, construction,
and operation. The DGNB System helps you get there.
Kronprinzstraße 11
70173 Stuttgart
Germany
Phone +49 (0)711 72 23 22-0
Fax +49 (0)711 72 23 22-99
E-Mail info@dgnb.de
www.dgnb.de
www.dgnb-international.com