DGNB building certification criteria
Find out more about the DGNB certification criteria for buildings here
DGNB criteria
The environmental categories assessed in the DGNB certification are subdivided into around 40 criteria checklists. Target fulfillment is assessed using checklists and evaluation points. There are different certification versions for new buildings, existing buildings and refurbishments.
Criteria profiles are the individual criteria that are assessed as part of DGNB certification. Each of the six environmental categories is divided into these profiles.
Up to 100 checklist points can be achieved by fulfilling the sub-criteria of a profile. Bonus points make it possible to increase the total number of points per criterion beyond 100. These additional points count as overfulfillment and can only be credited within a main criteria group.
The DGNB awards assessment points for the achievement of defined target values in a criterion. Up to 10 assessment points are awarded depending on the fulfillment of the targets. In addition, there is a threshold value (1 point) and a reference value (5 points).
Each criterion profile is given a weighting that varies depending on the usage profile. The degree of fulfillment of the environmental categories results from the combination of the number of points achieved and the weighting of the respective criterion.
The DGNB certification system evaluates the sustainability of the building holistically using various criteria and indicators. The DGBNB criteria cover the following environmental categories:
Resource efficiency:
Evaluation of the quantity and type of materials used, including their reusability and recyclability.
Environmental compatibility:
Consideration of the impact of the construction project on the local flora and fauna and the preservation of biodiversity.
Harmless to health:
Testing of ingredients for harmful substances to ensure indoor air quality and the well-being of users.
Origin and certification:
Durability and maintenance:
Evaluation of the durability and maintenance requirements of the materials to ensure long-term use.
Product information and transparency:
Requirement for manufacturers to provide comprehensive information on the materials used and their ecological and health effects.
The following criteria from the DGNB 2018 and 2023 for new buildings are particularly relevant for materials and construction products:
- ENV 1.1 Life cycle assessment of the building
- ENV 1.2 Risks to the local environment
- ENV 1.3 Responsible resource extraction
Ecological quality
| No. | Criterion | ||
| ENV1.1 | Life cycle assessment of the building | ||
| ENV1.2 | Risks for the local environment | ||
| ENV1.3 | Responsible resource extraction | ||
| ENV2.2 | Drinking water demand and wastewater volume | ||
| ENV2.3 | Land use | ||
| ENV2.4 | Biodiversity at the site | ||
Economic quality
| No. | Criterion | ||
| ECO1.1 | Building-related costs in the life cycle | ||
| ECO2.1 | Flexibility and convertibility | ||
| ECO2.2 | Marketability | ||
Socio-cultural and functional quality
| No. | Criterion | ||
| SOC1.1 | Thermal comfort | ||
| SOC1.2 | Indoor air quality | ||
| SOC1.3 | Acoustic comfort | ||
| SOC1.4 | Visual comfort | ||
| SOC1.5 | Influence of the user (max. 100 points) | ||
| SOC1.6 | Quality of stay inside and outside | ||
| SOC1.7 | Security | ||
| SOC2.1 | Accessibility | ||
Technical quality
| No. | Criterion | ||
| TEC1.2 | Sound insulation | ||
| TEC1.3 | Quality of the building envelope | ||
| TEC1.4 | Use and integration of building technology | ||
| TEC1.5 | Ease of cleaning the building structure | ||
| TEC1.6 | Easy to dismantle and recycle | ||
| TEC1.7 | Immission control | ||
| TEC3.1 | Mobility infrastructure | ||
Process quality
| No. | Criterion | ||
| PRO1.1 | Quality of project preparation | ||
| PRO1.4 | Ensuring sustainability aspects in tendering and awarding | ||
| PRO1.5 | Documentation for sustainable management | ||
| PRO1.6 | Procedure for the urban planning and design concept | ||
| PRO2.1 | Construction site / construction process | ||
| PRO2.2 | Quality assurance of the construction work | ||
| PRO2.3 | Orderly commissioning | ||
| PRO2.4 | User communication | ||
| PRO2.5 | FM-compatible planning | ||
Location quality
| No. | Criterion | ||
| SITE1.1 | Microlocation | ||
| SITE1.2 | Charisma and influence on the neighborhood | ||
| SITE1.3 | Traffic connection | ||
| SITE1.4 | Proximity to relevant properties and facilities | ||
How many points must be achieved for DGNB certification?
An overall degree of fulfillment of at least 80% is required for platinum certification. The target value for gold certification is at least 65%, and 50% for silver. For existing buildings, a bronze award is also possible, which requires a degree of compliance of at least 35%. However, a high overall level of compliance alone is not enough. Depending on the certification level, there is also a fixed minimum value that must be achieved for each environmental category. For example, at least 65% of the possible points in each category must be achieved for platinum certification.
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