Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
BUILDING CERTIFICATE
Structure – Application – Criteria
Preface Page 03
Basics Page 10
Copyright: DGNB
Second English Edition March 2009
02
Preface
Dear readers,
The construction and real estate economy are in a state of change: energy efficiency,
resource protection, residential and workplace health, value retention and risk mitigation
are now in focus. General conditions and market interests are changing. Therefore, in the
future buildings will be planned, built and operated differently.
Against this background, the German Sustainability Building Council (DGNB) together with
the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS) developed a voluntary
certification system for sustainable buildings. It was developed by experts from the complete
value chain of the construction and real estate sector and gives a clear orientation for this
future-oriented economical sector. We are pleased to present the certification system in this
brochure. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Sobek
The 2008 version of the German certification system is available for office and administra-
tion buildings. The practical experience gained during the certification’s test phase as well
as a numerous comments from the professional world will be included in the development
of the 2009 version. Parallel to this, the flexible rating system is being developed step-by-
step for other construction types. As previously, experts will be involved in the development
process. This decision process is pushed forward by the non-profit-organisation DGNB as
driving force and moderator.
The DGNB considers itself to be the central organization for exchange of knowledge, profes-
sional training, and for a raising public awareness for sustainable construction in Germany.
The focus of the DGNB is the development of the certification system that is described in
detail at the following pages.
Dipl.-Ing. Christian Donath
03
German Sustainable Building Certificate
For planning and evaluation of buildings, there is a new Sustainable building means to build intelligently: The focus is on
and clearly structured tool: The German Sustainable Build- a comprehensive quality concept that serves the building and real
ing Certificate. As meritocratic rating system, it covers all estate sectors, as well as society in general. Sustainable properties
relevant topics of sustainable construction. Outstanding are beneficial to the environment, conserve resources, comfortable
buildings are awarded in the categories bronze, silver, or and healthy for their users, and fit optimally into their socio-cultural
gold. surroundings.
In the same way, they stand for economic efficiency and long-term
value-retention. Sustainable properties are cost effective due to
their lower operation and maintenance costs. The manageable ad-
ditional planning and construction costs will usually amortize in a
few years.
04
German Sustainable Building Certificate
Made in Germany
The certificate is optimally adapted to the German and European
building environment. This includes building codes and norms, as well
as long-term market experience with energy efficient buildings etc.
05
German Sustainable Building Certificate
06
German Sustainable Building Certificate
Documentation
On this basis, the building design and construction can be started.
The consulting auditor is to establish an accompanying planning
and construction documentation in accordance with the specifica-
tions of the DGNB documentation guidelines.
Inspection of Conformity
After completion of the building, the DGNB checks if the specifica-
tions of the pre-certificate have been realized. An assessor performs
a conformity inspection based on the DGNB documentation guide-
lines, makes plausibility checks, and takes control-samples.
Auditors
Auditors accompany the owners during the certification process. To
be officially recognized as DGNB auditors, they have to participate
in a multi-week training by the DGNB or by educational institu-
tions that have been accredited by the DGNB, such as Universities
or Chambers. The modularly structured curriculum consists of an
introduction to sustainable construction; it also conveys the relevant XX The Seal is awarded in gold, silver, or
contents for the implementation of the certification system. bronze.
07
German Sustainable Building Certificate
08
German Sustainable Building Certificate
The topics are weighted differently in the overall assessment of the assigned the bronze, silver, or gold award. Furthermore, grades are
building, depending on their relevance. For example, for the certifi- given for the total performance of the building as well as for the
cate “New Construction Office and Administration, Version 2008”, individual topics.
both the economical and the ecological quality have the same
weighting (22.5% each). The quality of the location is not included Praxis-oriented Continuing Development of the
in the final grade but is presented separately. System
On this basis, the German Sustainable Building Certificate can be
Conclusive Individual Criteria adapted, in a practicable way, to the individual requirements of
Each topic is divided into several criteria. For instance, the energy different building types. Similarly, it can be adapted to regional
consumption, acoustical quality, or land consumption are consid- requirements or social developments, for example to the increasing
ered for the evaluation of a building. For each criterion, measur- importance of individual criteria like indoor air quality or CO2-
able target values are defined, and a maximum of 10 points can emissions of a building. The strength of the system is also based on
be assigned. The measuring methods for each criterion are clearly the involvement, from the beginning, of interested parties during
defined. the development of new variations. A supplementary commenting
procedure ensures that the requirements of the construction and
Detailed Weighting real estate sector are systematically queried and included into the
At the same time, each criterion has a weighting factor: it can flow system.
threefold into the evaluation of its respective topic. This way, for
instance, the energy consumption of an office building is of more
importance than the acoustical comfort. The weighting factor can
also be zero – the consideration of motorway bridges does not
require the criteria for indoor air quality.
09
German Sustainable Building Certificate
66.6%
with the evaluation matrix. 34 16
33 17
32 18
31 19
30 20
29 21
28 22
27 23
26 25 24
10
German Sustainable
G oup Go p
Building Certificate
cal Qu
R k o the re i
C a No 3 Ph oche ic o on ti apote We
al h ing 0, M10 ulf0 5m 5
G p G Achi e ev d he imp ts
A
I ac on si o e
10
al Q al
2 Ozon ep et p ten ia Ris s t the 10
g nal
3 Photo em cal oz ne cre pot
Oth tial
m cts 10
th
Performance
Health, comfort 21 Acoustical comfort 10,0 10 1 10 10 100%
and user 22 Visual comfort 8,5 10 3 26 30 85%
satisfaction
23 Influences by users 6,7 10 2 13 20 67%
24 Roof design 9,0 10 1 9 10 90%
25 Safety and risks of failure 8,0 10 1 8 10 80%
251,1 280 90% 22,5%
26 Barrier free accessibility 8,0 10 2 16 20 80% 86,4 %
Gold
27 Area efficiency 5,0 10 1 5 10 50%
Functionality 28 Feasibility of conversion 7,1 10 2 14 20 71%
29 Accessibility 10,0 10 2 20 20 100%
30 Bicycle comfort 10,0 10 1 10 10 100%
Assurance of the quality of the design and for 10,0 10 3 30 30 100%
31
urban development for competition
32 Art within Architecture 10,0 10 1 10 10 100%
33 Fire protection 8,0 10 2 16 20 80%
Technical Quality
XX Example ofF an
ed v evaluation
u matrix for a building
15 8 that
% was
awarded with a Gold certificate.
11
German Sustainable Building Certificate
Economical Quality
12
German Sustainable Building Certificate
13
German Sustainable Building Certificate
JJ Methodology JJ Goal
Evaluation of the greenhouse potential of the construction, Reduction of pollutant emissions that contribute to the destruction
operation and disposal of a structure over a period of 50 years of the ozone layer. Ozone is able to absorb short-wave UV-rays
(kg CO2-Equiv./m²NFA*a). The input quantities can be gained from and emit longer wavelength radiation omnidirectionally. The ozone
the operational phase of the energetic proof according to the Ger- layer shields the earth from a large part of the UV-radiation,
man regulation for energy saving in buildings and building systems prevents excessive warming of the earth’s surface, and contributes
2007 (EnEV 2007 = in German: Energieeinsparverordnung 2007). to protecting us from UV-A and UV-B radiation. The accumulation
For the identification of the ecological impacts of the building’s of R11‑equivalent in the atmosphere contributes to the destruction
construction, including its systems engineering, an eco-accounting of the ozone-layer. Consequences are e.g. tumour generation in
of the used materials and/or building parts according to DIN EN humans and animals, as well as disruption of photosynthesis.
ISO 14040 and 14044 is necessary. The required datasets for this
are provided via the information portal for sustainable building. For JJ Methodology
the evaluation of the construction, including the systems engineer- The input quantities for the operating phase can be taken from
ing, reference values are defined on the basis of an average office the energetic documentation according to EnEV 2007. For the
building. The evaluation of the “Global Warming Potential” criterion determination the ecologic impacts of the building’s structure,
is based on an average annual value of the realized building, which including the systems engineering, an eco-accounting of the used
is compared to the annual reference value. materials and building parts according to DIN EN ISO 14040 and
14044 is necessary. The required datasets for this are provided via
the information portal for sustainable building. For the evaluation
of the construction, including the systems engineering, reference
values are defined on the basis of an average office building. The
14
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
e valuation of the “Ozone Depletion Potential” criterion is based on building parts according to DIN EN ISO 14040 and 14044 is neces-
an average annual value of the realized building, which is compared sary. The required datasets for this are provided via the information
to the annual reference value. portal for sustainable building. For the evaluation of the construc-
tion, including the systems engineering, reference values are
JJ Data Basis defined on the basis of an average office building. The evaluation of
The data identification (eco-balance as well as calculations of EnEV) the “Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential” criterion is based on
is largely the same for the criteria 01 to 05 and 10 to 11. By enter- an average annual value of the realized building, which is compared
ing the building data into the appropriate software, the life-cycle to the annual reference value.
costs can be calculated simultaneously.
www.nachhaltigesbauen.de:> Baustoff- und Gebäudedaten > JJ Data Basis
Nutzungsdauern von Bauteilen The data identification (eco-balance as well as calculations of EnEV)
is largely the same for the criteria 01 to 05 and 10 to 11. By enter-
ing the building data into the appropriate software, the life-cycle
Criterion 03: Photochemical Ozone Creation costs can be calculated simultaneously.
Potential, POCP www.nachhaltigesbauen.de:> Baustoff- und Gebäudedaten >
Nutzungsdauern von Bauteilen
JJ Goal
Reduction of photochemical ozone creation potential – the mass-
based equivalent of destructive trace gases (e.g., nitric oxide and Criterion 04: Acidification Potentialpotential
hydrocarbons). These, in combination with UV-radiation, contribute
to the formation of near-surface ozone. The human- and eco-toxic JJ Goal
contamination of the near-surface air is called “summer smog”. It Reduction of Acidification Potential. Acidification means rising of the
adversely affects the respiratory system and damages plants and concentration of H-ions in the air, water and soil. Sulphur and ni-
animals. trogen compounds from anthropogenic emissions react in the air to
form sulphuric and/or nitric acid that falls to the earth as “acid rain”
JJ Methodology and negatively impacts water bodies, creatures, and buildings. The
The lower the photochemical ozone creation potential (“summer sum of the individual acidification impacts leads to forest dieback
smog”) is, the better is the evaluation (in kg C2H4-Equiv./m²NFA*a). and fish mortality. Acidic precipitations corrode historical buildings
The input quantity for the operating phase can be taken from the (sandstone). The evaluation criterion for this environmental impact is
energetic proof according to EnEV 2007. For the classifying the the acidification potential as is indicated by SO2 equivalents.
ecologic impacts of the building’s structure, including its systems
engineering, an eco-accounting of the used materials and/or of the
15
German Sustainable Building Certificate
The lower the acid potential, the better is the evaluation (in kg JJ Goal
SO2-Equ./m²NFA*a). The input quantity for the operating phase can
be taken from the energetic proof according to EnEV 2007. For the Reduction of Eutrophication. Eutrophication describes the transi-
classifying the ecologic impacts of the building’s structure, including tion of water bodies and soil from a nutrient-poor to a nutrient-rich
its systems engineering, an eco-accounting of the used materials (a.k.a..eutrophic) state. This state is mainly caused by supplying
and/or of the building parts according to DIN EN ISO 14040 and phosphor- and nitrogen compounds. These compounds can get
14044 is necessary. The required datasets for this are provided via into the environment via fabrication of building materials and via
the information portal for sustainable building. For the evaluation washing-off of combustion-emissions. The change in available nutri-
of the construction, including the systems engineering, reference ents e.g., increases the formation of algae in water bodies , which
values are defined on the basis of an average office building. The can lead to higher fish mortality, among other things.
evaluation of the criterion “Acid Potential” is made by an average
annual value of the realized building (structure and use) that is JJ Methodology
opposed to and adequate specific reference value. The input quantity for the operating phase can be taken from the
energetic proof according to EnEV 2007. For the classifying the
JJ Data Basis ecologic impacts of the building’s structure, including its systems
The data identification (eco-balance as well as calculations of EnEV) engineering, an eco-accounting of the used materials and/or of
is largely the same for the criteria 01 to 05 and 10 to 11. By enter- the building parts according to DIN EN ISO 14040 and 14044
ing the building data into the appropriate software, the life-cycle is necessary. The required datasets for this are provided via the
costs can be calculated simultaneously. information portal for sustainable building. For the evaluation of
www.nachhaltigesbauen.de:> Baustoff- und Gebäudedaten > the construction, including the systems engineering, reference
Nutzungsdauern von Bauteilen values are defined on the basis of an average office building (type-
representative). The final evaluation of the “Eutrofication Potential”
criterion is based on an average annual value of the realized build-
ing (structure and use), which is compared to the annual reference
value. The lower the eutrophication potential is, the better is the
evaluation (in kg PO4-Equiv./m²NFA*a).
JJ Data Basis
The data identification (eco-balance as well as calculations of EnEV)
is largely the same for the criteria 01 to 05 and 10 to 11. By enter-
16
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
ing the building data into the appropriate software, the life-cycle Criterion 08: Other Impacts on the Global
costs can be calculated simultaneously. Environment
www.nachhaltigesbauen.de:> Baustoff- und Gebäudedaten >
Nutzungsdauern von Bauteilen JJ Goal
The impacts of a building on the global environment shall be
reduced. A central aspect is the proof of the use of certificated
Criterion 06: Risks for the Local Environment wood. Subtropical and boreal woods are only allowed to be used
if the supplier can certify the “controlled, sustainable cultivation of
JJ Goal the forest of origin”. Only certificates that are issued by the For-
The risks for the local environment are minimized through a pur- est Stewardship Council (FSC) or certification authorities that are
poseful choice of building materials that come in contact with the accredited by the Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification
surrounding air, soil, and surface- and/or groundwater during the Schemes (PEFC) are accepted. The certification criteria of sustain-
operation of the building. able forestry established by the FSC have international consensus.
For the verifiability, the supplier has to declare both the country of
JJ Methodology origin and the wood’s species. An FSC-certificate is only valid in
Materials and substance types that can cause environmental risks combination with the appropriate FSC-trade certificate “chain of
are queried individually and on a per-product basis. Substance types custody”.
that are considered are halogens, heavy metals, organic solvents,
and substances and products that fall under the biocide- and JJ Methodology
REACH guidelines. There are 4 defined action-levels that build on Action Level 1: No use of tropic, sub-tropic, or boreal wood. No
each other. The requirements of a higher action-level include the proof required.
successful implementation of all requirements of the level below Action Level 2: Use of at least 20% of FSC- or PEFC certificated
it. Each action-level contains a list of materials and products to wood or wood-based materials, independent of country of origin or
be avoided. The more action-levels that can be fulfilled, the lower wood species.
the risks for the local environment are. Proof for the successful Action Level 3: Use of at least 50% of FSC- or PEFC certificated
implementation includes: declarations for the required materials wood or wood-based materials, independent of country of origin or
and products, submission of material and product lists, and a test wood species.
certificate that confirms the compliance of the declared and used
products and materials with the requirements. JJ Data Basis
The quantification is taken from the amounts provided in the
request for bids. The use of certified wood has to be verified by the
declaration of the products.
17
German Sustainable Building Certificate
18
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
JJ Methodology
The percentage of renewable energy as compared to the total
primary energy demands for the construction and use is evaluated
over a period of 50 years. The input quantities for the operating
phase are taken from the energetic proof according to EnEV 2007.
Here, differing from EnEV 2007, the standard is a coverage propor-
tion of 15 % of the heat-demand by solar heat. For the classifying
the ecologic impacts of the building’s structure, including its systems
engineering, an eco-accounting of the used materials and/or of the
building parts according to DIN EN ISO 14040 and 14044 is neces-
sary. For the evaluation of the construction, including the systems
engineering, reference values are defined on the basis of an aver-
age office building. The evaluation of the criterion “Percentage of
Renewable Primary Energy” is made by comparing the percentage
of renewable energies regarding the total primary energy demands
of the realized building with the reference building.
19
German Sustainable Building Certificate
Criterion 14: Potable Water Consumption and Sew- Criterion 15: Surface Area Usage
age Generation
JJ Goal
JJ Goal The constant increase in traffic and settlement areas shall be
Potable water consumption and sewage generation shall be reduced. Preferably, areas shall be used that are already assigned as
reduced. Despite the ample supply of water, there is a deficiency traffic or settlement areas or that are allocated for the recovery of
of high-quality potable water. Only after elaborate filtration, where contaminated locations.
naturally occurring iron and manganese, pesticides and nitrates
from agriculture, and other harmful substances are removed, can JJ Methodology
water be used as potable water. The treatment of sewage in central It is evaluated, in which degree and in which sense the type of area
sewage treatment plants causes high expenditures, transport in consumption is changed by the construction project. Area is not
canalization, and the need for purification. The higher concentrated “consumed”, but a usage-change of the area takes place.
the sewage is, the more effective is the purification. Infiltration or
usage of storm water is preferable to the mere draining into the 1. The previous use of the area can be determined from the certifi-
sewage system. Infiltration contributes to the stabilization of the cates of title or extracts from the land survey register.
groundwater table, and evaporation contributes to the improvement 2. The previous contamination of the property by contaminated
of the micro‑climate. Storm water can replace potable water for sites, munitions, etc. can be determined based on available
e.g., flushing toilets. survey reports.
3. The realization of compensation measures can be identified
JJ Methodology based on available documents.
By adding the ascertained potable water consumption and the 4. Based on the planning documents, it is checked if a greened roof
sewage emergence, the “specific water-use value” („Wasserge- is planned, and can be approved as a compensation measure.
brauchskennwert“) is generated. This represents a simple value for 5. The type, extent, and direction of change of the actual use of the
the evaluation of the handling of water in the building. The basis for area are recorded and evaluated (change from nearly natural
the evaluation is established with the aid of defined assumptions to cultivated = negative; change from contaminated area to
concerning consumer behaviour and specific values. cultivated area = positive).
20
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
Criterion 16: Building-related Life Cycle Costs (LCC) Criterion 17: Value Stability
JJ Goal JJ Goal
Some of the goals of economic sustainability are the minimiza- A globalized and international market demands high efficiency,
tion of a building’s life cycle costs and the relative cost reduction flexibility, and adaptability. This is also reflected in the utilization
of alteration and preservation investments in comparison to new of buildings. A building designed for sustainability can be easily
constructions. In the past, the conventional planning and con- adapted to changing requirements. Change in the usage can result
struction process was focused mainly on the minimization of the from tenant or user changes, and also from reorganizations by the
manufacturing costs of a building. The follow-up costs receive only tenant. A high level of adaptability of buildings under the criterion
little consideration. However, current cost savings shall not be made of sustainability is present, if the alteration can be realized with a
at the expense of the future users and owners. Since the follow-up small amount of resources.
costs therefore need to receive more consideration, the expected
follow-up costs have to be evaluated. For this, only the building- JJ Methodology
specific costs are included. Area efficiency and adaptability of a structure are evaluated with a
checklist. The criterion is based on the utilization phase of the struc-
JJ Methodology ture. The largest opportunities to influence the direction are during
The lower the life cycle costs – according to the cash-value method the project development and planning phases. The better a building
(“Barwertmethode”) (in €/m²NFA), the better is the evaluation. Life can be altered and the less elaborate an alteration is, the better the
cycle costs of a building are all costs that arise during the entire ability to alterate is rated. Considerable resources savings can be
useful life of a building. The costs beginning with the project deve- achieved by considering the optimization of area utilization in an
lopment up to construction and handover are defined as production early planning phase. The following indicators are checked:
costs. The costs from commissioning up to disposal are defined
as follow-up costs. The life cycle costs are divided into three cost 1. Proof of inspection of the area efficiency
categories: production costs, follow-up costs, and deconstruction 2. Modularity of the building
and disposal costs. The largest opportunities to make decisions and 3. Spacial structure of the building
improvements are during the project development and planning 4. Electrical- and media provision
phases. 5. Heating, climate control (HVAC), water supply, and sewage
disposal
JJ Data Basis
Useful life: Guideline for sustainable building by BMVBS
Tool for calculating the LCC: Cost‑prediction tools from various
providers
21
German Sustainable Building Certificate
JJ Goal JJ Goal
The acceptance of the indoor climate is evaluated with focus on The acceptance of the indoor climate is evaluated with focus on
the factors; thermal comfort, air quality, noise and illumination. The the factors; thermal comfort, air quality, noise and illumination. The
thermal comfort of a person is closely linked to satisfaction at the thermal comfort of a person is closely linked to satisfaction at the
work place. On the one hand it is defined by an overall comfort; work place. On the one hand it is defined by an overall comfort;
on the other hand local uncomforting phenomenon can impact the on the other hand local uncomforting phenomenon can impact the
thermal comfort. Thus, a person can feel thermal comfort but can thermal comfort. Thus, a person can feel thermal comfort but can
be adversely affected by local draught on a body part. To assure be adversely affected by local draught on a body part. To assure
thermal comfort all criteria have to be fulfilled. thermal comfort all criteria have to be fulfilled.
JJ Methodology JJ Methodology
For the evaluation of the thermal comfort, the following listed For the evaluation of the thermal comfort, the following listed
criteria are assessed: criteria are assessed:
22
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
JJ Goal JJ Goal
The goal is to assure the indoor hygiene and to avoid negative The aim is to achieve a low level interference and background noise
impacts on the user’s state of health. with speech intelligibility in all rooms to avoid affecting use, health
and capability of the users. The lower the level of interference and
JJ Methodology background noises is, the less detraction and detriment to health
Through the choice of odourless and low-emission products the and capability. High speech intelligibility in communication rooms
basis for low emission concentrations of fugitive and smell active and high absorbability of sound propagation to restrict the mutual
substances can be established for interior spaces in the planning interfering potential is of advantage.
phase. The successful planning is ascertained by measuring the
TVOC-concentration of the room air at the latest 4 weeks after JJ Methodology
completion of the building. The completion time point is defined For the evaluation of offices different acoustic input parameters are
when all stages that affect the quality of the interior air are termi- necessary.
nated including building services and commissioning of the sanitary
and ventilation plants but prior to furnishing by the user. With a 1. Average resulting overall noise pressure level LA,F,Ges in dB(A)
checklist the following criteria are evaluated: as expression of the level of interferences
2. Reverberation period T in s, oriented on the values according to
1. Indoor hygiene – fugitive organic substance (VOC) DIN 18041w (T/TDIN 18041)
2. Indoor hygiene – felt air quality, unwanted odours 3. Absorption of sound propagation in multiple-person offices DA
3. Indoor hygiene – microbiological situation, mould build-up in dB/m.
23
German Sustainable Building Certificate
JJ Goal JJ Goal
Visual comfort shall be achieved by balanced illumination with- Goal is the maximization of the user influence capabilities in the
out appreciable interferences such as direct and reflected glare, a sectors ventilation, sun protection, visor, temperature as well as
sufficient illumination level and the possibility to adjust illumina- regulation of daylight and artificial light at the workplace.
tion individually to the particular needs. Vitally important for the
workplace contentment is the view that informs about time of day, JJ Methodology
location, weather conditions etc. Further criteria are nonglaring, Within an early and integral planning of measures that convey the
light distribution and spectral colour in the room. The requirements users influence at the workplace, comfort can be conveyed. Ad-
are valid both for illumination by daylight and artificial light. vancement of comfort leads to increased satisfaction and achieve-
ment of users in office and administration buildings. A checklist
JJ Methodology of the possible influence by users is evaluated with the following
By an early and integral daylight and artificial light planning, a high criteria:
quality of illumination can be created with low energy demands for
illumination and cooling. Furthermore, a high degree of daylight 1. Ventilation
use can enhance workplace capability and health and reduce the 2. Sun protection
operational costs. In a checklist the visual comfort is evaluated: 3. Visor
4. Temperatures during the heating period
1. Daylight availability for the entire building (quantitative) 5. Temperatures outside the heating period
2. Daylight availability for the permanent workplaces (quantitative) 6. Regulation of daylight and artificial light
3. Visibility to the exterior (quantitative)
4. Non-glaring – daylight (quantitative)
5. Non-glaring – artificial light (quantitative)
6. Light distribution – artificial light (quantitative)
7. Colour reproduction and spectral colour (quantitative)
24
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
Criterion 24: Roof Design Criterion 25: Safety and Failure Risks
JJ Goal JJ Goal
The entire roof area should be designed. The integration of the roof Danger, accidents and catastrophes shall be avoided; safety shall
in the design of the building and its surroundings shall enhance the be assured as far as possible if accidents or catastrophes happen.
development of a three-dimensional urban surrounding. Utiliza- Insecurity and anxiety can constrain the movement of humans. The
tion of this area can reduce the CO2-emissions and can improve subjective sensation of safety contributes basically to the comfort of
the microclimate. Besides the designed integration of the techni- humans. Objective safety is present if actual dangers are avoided or
cal superstructures, the roof can improve the general welfare with for example with accidents if the extent of damage can be reduced
suitable areas. Such areas are greened roofs, solar-active areas, as far as possible.
socio-cultural utilizations such as roof terraces, historical references
to the direct surroundings such as choice of material and colour of JJ Methodology
the roofing in historical city centres. 1. Subjective sensation of safety and assault prevention
– Clearly laid out paths
JJ Methodology – Illumination level
The roof design is proofed with reference to planning documents. – Technical safety devices
The areas for technical superstructures have to be reduced to a – Safety outside the regular hours of work
minimum and the louvers shall be integrated in the design. Func-
tional surfaces for the general welfare are to be integrated in the 2. Reduction of the extent of loss in the case of damage
roof area. For an existing remaining risk, measures have to be taken that
reduce the extent of loss as far as possible in the case of damage.
– Operation instructions
– Risks of fumes
– Escape routes
25
German Sustainable Building Certificate
JJ Goal JJ Goal
Buildings shall be constructed barrier-free. Barrier-free accessibility Areas should be handled as economical as possible. Area efficiency
augments value and attractiveness for all population groups and is an index for the utilization of floor space inside buildings. A report
concerns for all people with motor and sensory restrictions. The by the German Society of Real Estate Funds (Deutsche Gesellschaft
percentage of these people will increase due to the demographic für Immobilienfonds) states that 2/3 of the project developers
shift. This has to be mastered with forward-looking and sustainable consider the factor area efficiency as a superior planning item. With
development. reference to the augmentation of area efficiency the following goals
for improvement can be presented:
JJ Methodology
The evaluation is carried out qualitatively to the degree of barrier 1. Optimization regarding costs
freedom. The allocation of credits is orientated on the possibility of Decrease of construction and operational costs, avoidance of
the equal utilization of the building by all people. The basic accessi- restricted use areas.
bility has to be assured. Without this basic accessibility no certifi-
cation for a new construction can be assigned. The more parts of 2. Environmental Optimization
the building that are adapted to the needs of disabled persons the Reduction of the property environmental impacts during operation,
better the whole building is rated. Also the external feature areas by reducing the technical equipment required for heating, ventila-
have an important benefit value and are therefore also included in tion, and cooling. With increased area efficiency the sealing of
the evaluation. The evaluation is orientated on the actual standardi- natural soil can be reduced.
zation.
3. Contribution to optimization in the social sector
Positive interaction in the working environment with well propor-
tioned areas and a clearly arranged design.
JJ Methodology
The specific value area efficiency corresponds to the proportion
between usable floor space to gross floor area (in m²/m²).
26
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
JJ Goal JJ Goal
The better a building can be converted with as little time and effort Acceptance and integration of a building inside a district, city and
as possible, the better the attribute “Feasibility of Conversion” region shall be enhanced by increased accessibility. Public acces-
is evaluated. The globalized and international market demands sibility enhances social communication. A diversity of use generates
high flexibility and adaptability. This is also reflected in the use of vitalization of the public space and augments the sense of security
a building. A sustainable designed building can easily be adapted of the users. At the same time it contributes to the economic sus-
to changing requirements. Change of use can result from tenant/ tainability of the building.
user change as well as from user reorganization. A high degree of
sustainable building conversion feasibility is present if a change can JJ Methodology
be realized with low resource consumption. With a checklist the following topics are evaluated:
27
German Sustainable Building Certificate
Criterion 30: Bicycle Comfort Criterion 31: Assurance of the Quality of Design and
Urban Development in Competition
JJ Goal
The percentage of cyclists shall be raised. As the larger number JJ Goal
of car journeys is shorter than 5 km, the change to bicycling can Planning competitions shall take place to attain the best solution
contribute significantly to the development of an ecologically sound for the architectonical and constructive tasks. With this, the architec-
and energy efficient mobility. Missing building-specific infrastructure tural diversity in Germany is assured. An expert jury can judge best
for bicycles in praxis often leads to “wild” parking in the public architectonical solutions and integration into the urban context.
space. Undervalued bicycle comfort often leads to breakdown of the Planning competitions in Germany are conducted under standard
bicycle infrastructure and cannot be compensated. regulations. They allow clients to find the appropriate contractor
within a clearly structured and transparent procedure. Competitions
JJ Methodology forward creativeness, innovative solutions and are efficient methods
The bicycle comfort is evaluated in a checklist with the following to optimize quality and profitability. With the reward of planning
topics: competitions, alternative solutions are developed that meet the
demands concerning design, profitability, functionality, energy
– Art of arrangement of the bicycle storing positions and required conservation, and environment protection.
space
– Quorum of storing positions per m² NFA JJ Methodology
– Are the storing positions located in front of the main entrance? Extent and quality of the conducted competitions have to be identi-
– Are the storing positions located in a proper distance to the fied:
main entrance?
– Do the offered storing positions meet the function of the build- 1. Has a successful competition been conducted according to
ing GRW95, RPW2008 or a similar method including the evaluation
– Are showers and changing rooms with drying facilities for the of the competition entries by a jury?
employee’s bicycle clothes present? 2. Which competition method was chosen; and does it include the
least number of restrictions?
3. Does the constructed building match in extent and quality the
essence of the award-winning competition entry?
28
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
JJ Goal
Art within architecture shall be enhanced. It is an element of
architecture that forms quality and expressiveness of the building
and is therefore an integral part of the construction job and the
responsibility of the owner. Art within architecture is a creative task
that establishes a direct relationship between building and public.
It marks a special object and site relationship and shall contribute
to strengthen acceptance and identification of the users with their
building, to attract attention and to add additional profile to the
location.
JJ Methodology
In a checklist the following topics concerning art within architecture
are evaluated:
29
German Sustainable Building Certificate
30
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
JJ Goal JJ Goal
The energy demand for the space conditioning shall be minimized, With targeted cleaning and maintenance, the used materials can be
high thermal comfort shall be assured, and structural damages shall operated for the maximum useful lifetime. The ease of cleaning and
be avoided. The quality of heat insulation and moisture-proofing of maintenance of the structure has a high impact on the costs and
the building’s shell shall be optimized. the environment of a building during the operating phase. Areas
that can be cleaned easily require lower expenditures on cleansers
JJ Methodology and cause lower cleaning costs.
Basis of the requirements are the specifications of EnEV 2007, DIN
4108, and DIN EN 12207. A higher quality increases the score. JJ Methodology
Individual requirements for the parts of the building’s shell are For the evaluation, the building is divided into the following three
described. Reference values are determined with the following categories of building parts:
method: Bearing structure
The building’s shell is evaluated with a checklist of the following External non-bearing structure, incl. windows and doors
criteria: Interior non-bearing structure
The technical implementation of each section is evaluated. By
1. Average heat transmission coefficient (qualitative) means of the technical parameters, it shall be identified whether a
2. Consideration for thermal bridges (qualitative) structure, based on its technical planning and construction, enables
3. Permeability of joints (qualitative) efficient cleaning and maintenance. The different sections of the
4. Formation of condensate (qualitative) construction are considered separately. Criteria for maintenance and
5. Air change rate (quantitative) for cleaning are queried.
31
German Sustainable Building Certificate
32
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
Criterion 43: Quality of the Project’s Preparation are essential preconditions for realizing sustainable buildings. This
necessitates enhanced coordination between all participants. Inte-
JJ Goal gral planning encompasses the entire lifecycle of a building; it starts
The tasks that should be achieved prior of work phase 1 of the Ger- with the project design and ends with the building’s demolition.
man fee structure for architects and engineers (HOAI = in german: An interdisciplinary design team, together with the owner, develops
Honorarordnung für Architekten und Ingenieure), should optimally an integral concept with a comprehensive strategy that is oriented
prepare the project. To be considered are: planning of the needs, toward sustainability, in order to, via high-quality planning, reduce
discussion to identify the objective, agreement on an objective, energy consumption and environmental pollution, and at the same
preparation of the architectural contest, and exerting influence time to improve the level of comfort and be economical.
over the energy input caused by the user and the usage. Especially
the agreed upon objective is an essential element of a high quality JJ Methodology
project preparation. 1. An interdisciplinary design team covers the most important
disciplines of the project. This generally includes at least the
JJ Methodology categories design, structural, technical building equipment, and
The following aspects will be verified and evaluated using a checklist: building physics. For contest and the work phases 1 to 5 (HOAI §
15), the involvement of interdisciplinary design teams has to be
1. Does quality-oriented planning for the needs exist? verified.
2. Was a discussion to identify the objective conducted? 2. Integral planning process: All targeted certification criteria are to
3. Was an agreement on an objective reached? be integrated into the planning. Their successful integration is to
4. Was an architectural or design contest with special consideration be presented through a short description of the results for each
for “Sustainable Building” prepared? work-phase starting from the concept design through the final
5. Was user behaviour and user equipment considered during the design and site supervision (HOAI § 15, WPH 2 to 5 and WPH 8).
simulation, and was goal-oriented influence over the energy 3. Did participation, consultative involvement, and a co-determi-
needs of the user and the usage exerted during planning and nation of the users take place? The inclusion of the future users
consultations? into the design normally increases their acceptance and satisfac-
tion.
4. Was the public involved, were they informed and consulted, and
Criterion 44: Integral Planning could they participate? An increased public participation can
be an important contribution to higher acceptance of decisions,
JJ Goal balanced solution, better quality decisions, fewer conflicts, and
The principles of integral planning are to be put into practice. Im- more identification of the population with its living and social
proving the quality of planning and optimizing the planning process environment.
33
German Sustainable Building Certificate
Criterion 45: Optimization and Complexity of the Criterion 46: Evidence of Sustainability during Bid
Approach to Planning Invitation and Awarding
JJ Goal JJ Goal
The necessary complexity of the approach to a design task shall The foundation for a high-quality construction execution is laid
be secured by a minimum number and quality of concepts that are during the bid invitation and awarding phases. During these phases,
to be generated. At the same time, the comparison of alternatives specific, manageable, and verifiable requirements for products and
shall be performed with a heightened emphasis on economical technologies for reaching the sustainability targets shall be formu-
and ecological aspects as well as encouraging an external quality lated. A contribution to the functionality and quality of the building
assurance during planning. Normally, those aspects are dealt with structure with simultaneous minimization of risks and impacts on
that must be worked on and verified during planning anyhow. By the environmental and health shall be achieved.
developing a comprehensive concept, the quality and traceability
will be increased. The common and partially required German safety – The integration of sustainability aspects into the bid invitations
regulations are of a high standard, which should, especially in the serves to raise the ecological and social quality of the building
international context, be emphasized. by preventing the decisions on product quality from being made
exclusively on economical viewpoints.
JJ Methodology – The integration of the sustainability aspects during the selection
The availability, extent, and quality of the following concepts and of companies serves to raise the economical and social quality of
documentation will be verified and evaluated; as also, the type and the building.
scope of the implemented alternative comparisons will be judged:
JJ Methodology
1. Health and Safety Plan The following aspects will be verified and evaluated using a check-
2. Energy Concept list:
3. Water Concept
4. Waste Concept 1. Integration of sustainability aspects into the bid invitation: The
5. Measurement Concept inclusion of sustainability aspects in the bid invitation will be
6. Concept for supporting the abilities of alteration, revitalization, verified. For this, relevant experts of the announcement are to be
and recycling presented.
7. Concept for assurance for ease of cleaning and maintenance 2. Integration of sustainability aspects during the selection of
8. Verification of the design documentation by independent third companies: It will be verified if the selection of the construction
party beyond the legal requirements firms was based on sustainability aspects, and which aspects of
9. Comparison of alternatives sustainability were incorporated into the selection during award.
34
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
35
German Sustainable Building Certificate
3. Low-dust construction site: Dust is normally generated while Criterion 49: Quality of the Executing Contractors/
handling construction materials during numerous and varied Pre-Qualification
work activities. An important contribution to the protection of
persons is achieved by minimizing dust. Furthermore, the envi- JJ Goal
ronment is to be protected from damages caused by materials. Competence and quality of the executing contractors shall be
4. Environmental protection at the construction site: The soil and described and valued. An appropriate instrument for the verification
groundwater shall be protected from hazardous materials depos- of these qualities is the pre-qualification of the performing contrac-
its and other forbidden influences during the construction phase. tors. In practice, additional in-house quality controls and evaluations
Chemical impacts can occur through products and operating are applied. By being registered in the pre-qualification list, the
procedures by which gaseous-, liquid, or solid materials can end contractors document their reliability, technical qualification, and
up in the ground. Further effects – e.g., excessive compacting – capability with a kind of quality certificate to the awarding author-
shall be avoided. ity. Pre-qualification (PQ-Procedure) is a preceding, assignment-
independent verification of suitability. The pre-qualification covers
JJ Methodology the complete performance chain up to the implementation of the
Announcement and bidding documents, documentations, or meas- subcontractors. Companies can avoid the disqualification of their
urement records show the execution of the measures and adher- proposals for formal reasons due to incomplete or outdated suit-
ence to the limit values for the topics: ability verification, and they optimize their chances of participating
in limited announcements and negotiations. By awarding the con-
1. Low-waste construction site tract to a PQ-certified contractor, the contracting agency can reduce
2. Low-noise construction site the potential risks, like insolvency of a participating contractor.
3. Low-dust construction site
4. Environmental protection at the construction site JJ Methodology
Verify to which extend the pre-qualification (according to § 8
VOB/A, the German construction contract procedures) was consid-
ered during contract award.
JJ Data basis
Guideline of the German Federal Ministry of Transportation,
Construction, and Urban Development for the execution of a pre-
qualification process – DQB German Association for Qualification
and Evaluation mbH (http://www.dqb.info).
36
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
37
German Sustainable Building Certificate
Criterion 56: Risks at the Microlocation 2. Risks caused by weather and nature
The evaluation of this criterion is not part of the cumulative grade. a) Earthquake: threat grading according to CEDIM Risk Explorer
b) Avalanches: checking of the current regional danger of ava-
JJ Goal lanches
Technical risks and terror threats as well as nature caused risks c) Storm: storm loss liability index according to CEDIM Risk
shall be described for a location study. Concurrently it should be Explorer
analysed if and to what extent the technical solutions of the build-
ing structure will react to the available risks at the site. Following JJ Data basis
will be covered: Liability index of CEDIM Risk Explorers Germany, University of Karls
ruhe, avalanche chart of cities and local authorities (as far relevant)
1. Man-Made-Hazards (accidents) and terrorist attacks. These are
human induced catastrophes (large damages). This includes hu-
man, technical and organisational collapse. Criterion 57: Circumstances at the Microlocation
2. Risks caused by weather and nature (earthquake, avalanches, The evaluation of this criterion is not part of the cumulative grade.
storm, flood), they depend on the geographical circumstances of
the sites; they are generally not predictable and difficult to envi- JJ Goal
sion. The probability of occurrence and the possible gravity of the The circumstances at the microlocations will be characterized in or-
impact will be taken into consideration. der that they can be applied in a location study. Included are: ambi-
ent air quality, ambient noise level, building ground circumstances,
JJ Methodology ground pollution, electromagnetic fields, appearance of radon, city
The lower the risk resulted of Man-Made-Hazards, terrorism, and landscape / visual context.
weather and nature, the higher the quality of location.
JJ Methodology
1. Risk from Man-Made-Hazards and terrorism 1. The lower the impact will be, the higher the quality of location.
The risks will be judged by allocation of the sites to regions A higher quality rating of the landscape characteristic raises the
at risks. The hazard areas are in a range of traffic disasters on site quality. Following will be included and evaluated:
railroads, streets and air traffic up to industrial accidents with 2. Ambient air quality based on evaluation of the size and structure
potential of contaminant release / explosions, as well as ac- of the site using data from published released measured data
cidents of nuclear power plants. 3. Ambient noise level from existing public accessible noise charts,
as far as are available.
38
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
Criterion 58: Image and Condition of the Location Criterion 59: Connection to Transportation
and Neighbourhood The evaluation of this criterion is not part of the cumulative grade.
The evaluation of this criterion is not part of the cumulative grade.
JJ Goal
JJ Goal Traffic flow caused by building use is to be reduced by adequate site
The goal is to characterize image and condition of the neighbour- selection. These will be influenced by the user behaviour as well by
hood / site in order to make this information available for a location the quality of the transport connections.
study. In Germany criminality is considered part of the sustainability The traffic connection with various means of transportation belongs
indicator. Users are increasingly favouring sites that radiate the to the mandatory criterion of a good site. To the aspired qualities
feeling of comfort and safeness. Especially for the social quality beside a limited development of the transportation system, is the
it is important that sites should not only comply with functional integration of railroad, busses, streetcars and individual transporta-
requirements, but also are providing a positive disposition, at least tion to be considered. This also includes a connection of the lines at
not to present a negative image. Sites that perform better under the the transition points with coordinated time schedules. The evalua-
following criteria, command a stabile economical potential, due to tion of the transport connection follows various questions. On the
the promising successful commercialization. one hand the connection for personnel/inhabitants/visitors to the
surroundings e.g. to the macro site is expressed. For sustainability
1. A positive image and the attractiveness of a site support building only convenient traffic systems, like the local public transportation
sustainability. and connection to bicycle tracks will be evaluated.
2. Criminality in an area can diminish site quality.
3. A site that is tended and clean contributes remarkable to the site
quality.
39
German Sustainable Building Certificate
JJ Methodology JJ Methodology
Necessary distances and transportation schedules as well as avail- Density and extent of the respective user specific facilities and the
ability via various means of transportation shall be evaluated. De- distances to them shall be evaluated. The facilities are to be local-
scription and rating of the factual transporting distances (not linear ized from cartographical material; the distance to the location shall
distance!) in average walking and driving minutes will occur. be estimated for walking (not linear distance!).
Following aspects will be described and evaluated: Following facilities shall be gathered:
JJ Goal
The choice of the site shall contribute to the users and their visi- Criterion 61: Adjoining Media, Infrastructure
tor’s quality of life. The rating of the relevant user specific facilities Development
follows in two classes: Class I for an office complementary require- The evaluation of this criterion is not part of the cumulative grade.
ment: catering, local supply, free spaces.
Class II for an office complementary desirable: culture, public ad- JJ Goal
ministration, medical care, sport, recreation. Alternatives for supply and sanitation shall serve as ecological
The users of an office building do not remain self-sustaining; they goals, and financially release the cities and communities. Alternate
purchase the potentials of their environment in the normal course energy concepts shall be suggested to the property owners and
of life to satisfy their needs for recuperation, supply, education, etc. the handling of sewer water will be his responsibility. Another goal
Short distances are preferred for an efficient use of the available is the flood prevention. To achieve property sustainability, certain
spare time. technical requirements must be met at the site. The owner has only
40
New Construction of Office and Administration Buildings, Version 2008
JJ Methodology
The following aspects are described and evaluated:
41
German Sustainable Building Certificate
42
www.proesler.com
FSC certified paper
03/09
DGNB
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen e.V.
German Sustainable Building Council
Kronprinzstraße 14 | 70173 Stuttgart | Germany
Telefon +49 (0)711 72 23 22 0 | Telefax +49 (0)711 72 23 22 99
Deutsche Gesellschaft für nachhaltiges Bauen e.V.
German Sustainable Building Council E-Mail info@dgnb.de | Internet www.dgnb.de