DGNB's key principles
The DGNB certification is achieved through third-party certification where environmental, social and economic dimensions are assessed equally.
Environmental
Within the environmental dimension, DGNB is mainly focused on resources, the environmental impact of materials and toxicity.
Social
Within the social dimension, DGNB is mainly focused on the comfort of the user in terms of thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, indoor air quality, daylight control and ensuring views to the outside.
Economic
Within the economic dimension, DGNB is mainly focused on the stability of value and the life cycle costing of the building.
What are the focus areas and main levers within each
Environmental
Resource - Minimise resource use of the building through an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment). Use of products with an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration.
Environmental Impact - Reduce the environmental impact of the building with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Use of products where an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) exists. Use the LCA as a tool to make solutions in the design.
Toxicity - Avoid building materials that contain harmful substances
Social
Comfort - Ensure Visual comfort, thermal comfort and acoustic comfort. Ensure quality daylight control and views to the outside.
Indoor air quality - Optimize indoor air quality, and minimise air pollution, emissions and harmful substances from building products.
Economic
Material efficiency - Life cycle costing to minimize costs over the lifetime of the building and stability of value, through the flexibility of a space.