Guide to DGNB for buildings

– Certification of sustainable buildings

 Humanity has the ability to make
development sustainable to ensure
that it meets the needs of the
present without comprimising the
ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.
Brundtland report, 1987

2
Introduction

This guide is aimed at anyone who wants to know more about DGNB or just has an interest in
sustainable construction. On the following pages, you will get an introduction to DGNB for buil-
dings and the principles on which the scheme is based. You can also read about how a buildign
achieves a DGNB certification, why it is relevant to certify, and when in the construction pro-
cess that a certification should be considered. Finally, you get an introduction to the 36 criteria
in the DGNB system for buildings.

DGNB is measurable sustainability

DGNB is an international sustainability certification that aims to promote sustainability in the
built environment. In Denmark, it is possible to certify both existing buildings and new buildings
as well as urban areas. All certifications are adapted to Danish conditions and requirements.

As a certification, DGNB serves as a benchmark for sustainability. This means that a DGNB
certification can be used to highlight and disseminate the sustainable efforts in the individual
building and in the construction industry in general. DGNB focuses on promoting ‘repeatability’,
ie. repeat and strengthen the sustainability solutions in construction - rather than the individual
developer having to invent sustainability from scratch every time.

At the same time, DGNB functions as a tool for organizing sustainability efforts in the construc-
tion process and making the most appropriate decisions during the development of the indi-
vidual and unique building - without DGNB being a pre-packaged solution for what a building
should look like. By making a DGNB certification, the client and consultant get a structured and
systematic review of all parameters of the building as it is planned and executed.

It is about identifying and reducing costs that do not contribute to increasing the value of the
building in either the short or long term - and then it is of course about creating an increased
value of the building in the end. DGNB helps to identify and reduce costs that do not contribute
to increasing the building’s economic and environmental value in either the short or long term.
Tools are used for this, such as a life cycle assessment (LCA) that assesses the building’s overall
environmental impact, and a lifetime cost calculation (LCC) that assesses the building’s overall
economic cost. An overview is also created of the derived effects of the solutions and where
synergy effects are possible.

DGNB is quality assurance

Both international and Danish experience shows that the construction process involves fewer
errors and misunderstandings when it is planned based on the DGNB criteria. This makes sure
that the construction is on time, fewer unforeseen events and fewer accidents. As a tool, DGNB
is therefore relevant for everyone who works with construction - regardless of whether the goal
is a DGNB certification or not.

It still requires targeted builders and skilled consultants to create quality, but DGNB is a quality
assurance and a way to make sustainability more specific and action-oriented. It is a way of
translating the consideration of global climate challenges for future generations, so that it is
both possible to achieve, and at the same time meaningful in a local perspective for e.g. the buil-
der and the purchasers of the building.

3
Table of content

The holistic way of DGNB 6

Why certify with DGNB? 9
Benefits of DGNB 10
Is DGNB a good business? 12
Evaluation of the building 14
Overview of criteria 15
Requirements and process 18
DGNB version 2020 19
DGNB Diamond 21
UN Sustainable Development Goals 22
DGNB Heart 23
Innovation 24
Circular economy 26
Process quality 28
Environmental quality 32
Economic quality 36
Social quality 38
Techinical quality 44
Site quality 48
Examples of certified projects 52
Contact 56
Overview of members 58
 The holistic way of DGNB

Environmental Economical Social

quality quality quality
22.5% 22.5% 22.5%

Technical quality 15%

Process quality 12.5%

Site quality 5%

The six main qualities of DGNB

DGNB for buildings consists of 36 criteria, including a number of sub-criteria, used to evaluate
the building. The qualities that are assessed through all DGNB certifications are based on the
original three sustainability aspects from the Rio Declaration (environmental, economic and so-
cial sustainability), which in the scheme are supplemented with an assessment of technical and
process qualities as well as the qualities of the site.

In contrast to other sustainability certifications, it is precisely the holistic view of sustainability

that characterizes DGNB. Here, the economic parameters are weighted on equal terms with the
environmental and social parameters, so that sustainability is meaningful in the daily practice in
the construction industry.

Through the certification, the criteria are weighted in relation to each other. This means that
sustainability in DGNB’s perspective is both about scoring high in the individual parameters,
but also about creating a balance between the parameters. What is understood as financially
sustainable is not necessarily environmentally sustainable, and an environmentally sustainable
initiative can easily be bad business. It is precisely these contradictions between different consi-
derations that the DGNB certification is trying to deal with.

Focus on action
DGNB tries to make sustainability action-oriented and meaningful by putting sustainability on a
formula based on Danish conditions and requirements. Again, it should not be seen as that there
is only one way to develop sustainable buildings, but that DGNB instead creates the framework
for making sustainable decisions. Therefore, DGNB is not a static standard either, but rather a
dynamic certification that develops as more knowledge and experience in the field emerges.
6
Why certify with DGNB?
In practice, DGNB has two primary functions. First, DGNB can be used as a benchmark and
guideline to promote a building’s sustainability and communicate efforts. Second, DGNB can be
used as an active tool in the planning of the building and the construction process. Through the
DGNB criteria, the concept of sustainability is operationalized, so that it is possible to plan and
prioritize the efforts across the disciplines and organizations involved during construction.

DGNB as a benchmark
The word sustainability is used and misused to such an extent that the meaning of the term
is gradually interpreted in many different ways. Through DGNB, the original ideas behind the
concept of sustainability are linked to tangible and action-oriented parameters. The goal is to
prevent the sustainable intentions from ending up as ‘greenwashing’, ie. when something on the
surface looks green or sustainable, but in reality is not.

With a certification, the builder gets a visible proof of his efforts, and the buyers of the building
know what they are getting when they buy or rent. It can e.g. have an impact on companies
that want to work with an active CSR strategy where sustainability is included. The certification
scheme also makes it possible to compare the sustainable qualities of buildings in a very specific
way and to continue to push the bar for sustainability as our experience, competencies and te-
chnological ability improve.

DGNB as a planning tool

As a planning tool, DGNB provides an overview of solutions and their connections from the
planning phase, to operation and demolition. In practice, this gives rise to a discussion of possi-
ble solutions under the given conditions of construction at an early stage in the process. In this
way, a structured approach to working with challenges is created before they become problems,
and a basis for acting proactively, so that the project’s visions are maintained throughout the
project.

The level of detail in the criteria and the holistic understanding of sustainability in DGNB make
it possible to focus on the parameters of the building that are sometimes overlooked or can be
difficult to work with. Here it becomes possible to weight e.g. the more diffuse and qualitative
values, such as security or architectural quality, towards e.g. technical measures - and perhaps
even further increase the value of solutions by combining them in new ways. However, this re-
quires that the ideas come into play at an early stage in the planning process, and that disciplines
meet across the board.

DGNB as a planning tool creates a common language that can be used across disciplines and
hierarchies. If DGNB is used early in the planning process, the extent of misunderstandings
between the parties involved is also reduced. It can facilitate the communication between e.g.
client and consultant, and create opportunities to enter into concrete and professional dialogue
with e.g. politicians in a municipality.

DGNB screening DGNB Precertification DGNB Certification (final)

Opportunity for
influence

Costs

Construction Preliminary Main project Construction phase Finished construction

program project 9

The figure illustrates how the potential for influence is greatest in the early planning phase, while the costs are
lower compared to the later phases. Source: www.dgnb-system.de
Benefits of DGNB

Focus on reducing costs

International studies show that there is a perception in the construction industry that the costs
of sustainable construction are higher than they actually are. The intention of DGNB is precisely
to reward the projects that are also financially sustainable both in the short and long term. To
assess this life cycle cost (LCC) is evaluated.
Source: World Green Building Council (2013): ”The Business Case for Green Building”

Increased value of the building

A sustainable building is an attractive building that is easy to operate and where it is nice to stay.
This is significant as the social value that a building creates for people throughout its lifetime is
often many times greater than the economic cost that it has required to build it. In other words,
a focus on sustainability can increase the building’s environmental and social value, which can
be economically reflected in the sales price. Experience from Germany shows that sustainable
construction provides greater economic profit from sales.
Source: World Green Building Council (2013): ”The Business Case for Green Building”

Dissemination of value and marketing

With a certification, the developer gets a credible platform to convey the values that are part of
the sustainable construction. DGNB is the customer’s guarantee that the construction actually
lives up to expectations. DGNB can also be part of an active CSR policy.

Fewer misunderstandings and mistakes

With DGNB, investors and builders have a tool to communicate their requirements and wishes
for the construction on to the executing parties. Experience shows that clear communication
with DGNB leads to fewer errors and misunderstandings, and makes it easier to deal with the
challenges that arise during the process.

Systematics and overview

DGNB provides a systematic review of the construction even before it is built. It creates an
overview and predictability, which makes it possible to handle challenges in the beginning, just
as it provides flexibility through the construction process.

Less waste and better use of resources

DGNB is about making the best possible use of the available resources - from environmental to
economic. The criteria strive for there to be as little waste as possible in all parts of the construc-
tion and construction process.

Flexibility and robustness

A sustainable area is robust to both ongoing and acute change. DGNB promotes flexibility,
which creates the basis for rapid changeover and solutions that protect against the acute situati-
ons caused by e.g. climate change. This minimizes the risk for both the developer and the buyer
and better secures the building for the future.

Room for new thinking

DGNB does not provide exact suggestions on how a construction should be carried out or look
like. The main idea with DGNB is to create a framework with flexibility for the developer’s own
sustainable and innovative solutions. DGNB is continuously updated as more knowledge and
experience in the field becomes available.
 Is DGNB a good business?

As an investor or constructor, it is impossible in our society, and with the way we build today, to
close our eyes to the bottom line. Although few people gradually doubt the need for a sustai-
nable change, good intentions can be subordinate if the business model is unsustainable.

Working with sustainability is about the ability to link the long-term vision with the conditions
that are fundamental to construction today. The constructors who choose to work with DGNB
do so precisely because the scheme links the consideration of sustainability with the considera-
tion of the bottom line. Here, the economic criteria are weighted as highly as the environmental,
social, process, technical and area-specific criteria.

A good business is a business that is financially sustainable - and it is rewarded in DGNB. The
idea is not that good business in itself creates sustainable urban development, but that it is
necessary to encourage and enable sustainable development in the long run. National and in-
ternational experiences are gradually speaking their clear language in relation to the economic
potentials of sustainable construction - even though there may be more costs associated with
the development phase.

In general, sustainable construction in DGNB’s view should not necessarily lead to higher costs
and lower returns compared to ’conventional’ construction. Instead, the idea is that DGNB
should contribute to financially sustainable construction by assessing the economy throughout
the building’s lifetime, minimizing resource waste, increasing employee satisfaction and pro-
duction, and in this way achieving a high quality building and creating good business for both
developers and users.

Certification costs
The DGNB certification itself is associated with two primary costs: consulting costs and a certifi-
cation fee that covers costs associated with the certification process. These costs are described
below.

Expenditure on consultancy
To complete a DGNB certification, the project must have a DGNB consultant/auditor attached.
If the client does not have a trained DGNB consultant/auditor himself, there will be an expense
for consultants who can provide this service. The scope of this service depends, as a starting
point, on the size of the project, but also on the market for consultancy in general. DGNB.dk
does not set the prices for consulting, so price differences here are solely due to market condi-
tions in the area.

Certification fee
There is a fee associated with the certification process, which depends on the physical size
of the building. The certification process is the process in which DGNB.dk reviews the docu-
mentation in order to obtain a third-party assessment of the points obtained. If the project is
approved, a certification and a plaque will be awarded. The fee only covers the costs associated
with the certification itself, including the review of documentation in collaboration with inde-
pendent experts. The prices for certification can be found on the website www.DGNB.dk.

12
 Evaluation of the building

The final assessment of the construction is made on the basis of an evaluation matrix, which
contains all the criteria and the sub-indicators as well as the obtained points from 0 to 100%. In
practice, the evaluation points for each indicator are entered in the evaluation matrix (a simple
version is presented on the next page). These are automatically converted to a total score for
the entire criterion. The result is stated as the number of percent in relation to the maximum
achievable points.

The simplified evaluation matrix on the next page shows how the individual criteria are weigh-
ted individually. Also illustrated are so-called knockout criteria, where a minimum score is requi-
red, as well as various bonuses and awards that can be obtained.

There is a requirement for a minimum point score for five of the main areas (all except Site), so
that the construction as a whole has a high level of quality, while none of the main areas are
neglected in favor of others.

Finally, the construction can be awarded silver, gold or platinum. The percentage in the figure
below indicates how many points are required to obtain a plaque.

50% 65% 80%

Minimum 35% Minimum 50% Minimum 65%
in each quality in each quality in each quality

Silver Gold Platinum

It is, of course, about achieving as high a score as possible. However, it is important to note that
DGNB is not grounded in theory but rather in practice. This means that it is rarely possible to
satisfy all considerations - one consideration may be at the expense of another. In the same way,
a DGNB sustainability certification will find similarities in the various criteria, but also contra-
dictions. While, for example, there are environmental benefits of a certain type of windows or
insulation, it can have negative consequences for e.g. the economy or the indoor climate.

A DGNB certification is therefore both a matter of aiming for as high a score as possible within
each main area, but to that extent also to be able to balance the various criteria. This not only
provides a better score overall, but also a better and more sustainable construction in the end.
14
Overview of criteria

UP
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EN
NU S A
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VE (%

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BO RD
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UA

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CR

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AW
Q

SH
PRO 1.1 Comprehensive project brief 1.9 %

PRO 1.4 Sustainability aspects in tender phase 1.9 %

PLANNING
PRO 1.5 Documentation for sustainable management 1.3 %

PRO 1.6 Procedure for urban and design planning 1.3 %

PROCESS PRO 2.1 Construction site/construction process 1.3 %

(PRO)
PRO 2.2 Quality assurance of the construction 1.9 %
PERFORMANCE
PRO 2.3 Systematic commissioning 2.5 %
PRO 2.4 User communication 0.6 %

ENV 1.1 Building life cycle assessment 9.6 %

GLOBAL AND LOCAL
ENVIRONMENTAL ENV 1.2 Local environment impact 4.7 %
IMPACT
ENV 1.3 Sustainable ressource extraction 2.4 %
ENVIRONMEN-
TAL ENV 2.2 Potable water demand and water waste volume 2.4 %
RESOURCE-
(ENV)
CONSUMPTION AND ENV 2.3 Land use 1.2 %
TRASH
ENV 2.4 Biodiversity at the site 2.4 %

LIFE CYCLE COST ECO 1.1 Life cycle cost 9.6 %

ECONOMIC ECO 2.1 Flexibility and adaptability 6.4 %

ECONOMY FUTURE SECURITY
(ECO) ECO 2.2 Robustness 6.4 %

SOC 1.1 Thermal comfort 3.4 %

SOC 1.2 Indoor air quality 3.4 %

HEALTH, COMFORT
AND SOC 1.3 Acoustic comfort 3.4 %
USERSATISFACTION
SOC 1.4 Visual comfort 3.4 %

SOC 1.6 Quality of indoor and outdoor spaces 2.3 %

SOCIAL
(SOC) FUNCTIONALITY SOC 2.1 Design for all 3.4 %

SOC 3.2 Building integrated art 1.1 %

AESTHETICS
SOC 3.3 Plan disposition 2.3 %

TEC 1.1 Fire safety 1.9 %

TEC 1.3 Quality of the building envelope 2.8 %

TEC 1.4 Use and integration of building technology 2.8 %

TECHNICAL
PERFORMANCE TEC 1.5 Ease of cleaning components 1.9 %
TECHNICAL
(TEC) TEC 1.6 Ease of recovery and recycling 2.8 %

TEC 1.8 Documentation with EPD 0.9 %

MOBILITY TEC 3.1 Mobility infrastructure 1.9 %

SITE 1.1 Local environment 1.3 %

SITE 1.2 Influence on the district 1.3 %

SITE
SITE SITE 1.3 Transport access 1.3 %
(SITE)
SITE 1.4 Access to amenities 1.3 %

Knockout criteria where a minimum score is required

DGNB Heart

Innovation

Circular economy

UN SDG

DGNB Diamond
* Applicable to office. Other building types are assessed differently in some criteria
15
16
17
 Requirements and process

Requirements for the building

A number of requirements are set for the building in order for it to be DGNB certified. These
include:
• New construction - The construction must be a new construction or extensive renovation.
• Total building - The building that is certified must consist of a single building. Selected flo-
ors or sections of the building cannot be certified.
• Time limit - Certification must take place within three years of completion or commissio-
ning of the building. Assumes, however, that air quality measurements etc. have been made
at the time of delivery.
• Physical scope - The building and its surrounding open spaces and connections must be
included in the certification, unless otherwise stated in the individual criteria.

Application
In the manual, the criteria are divided according to different building types:
• Office buildings
• Education / children’s institutions
• Residential
• Hotel
• Store
• Logistics
• Production
• Hospital
• Project specific (DGNB Flex)

Mixed-use buildings or uses that do not fall under these building types can be certified accor-
ding to project-specific criteria. Requirements for project-specific certifications are clarified in
collaboration between consultant/auditor and DGNB.DK.

Certification phases and process

There are two certification phases for new constructions: precertification and final certification.
The precertificate expires at the time of completion of the building. The final certification does
not expire. The year of the certification is stated on the certificate. The two phases do not pre-
suppose each other. It is possible to make a final certification without precertification, as long
as the requirements for the final certification are met. Experience has shown, however, that the
final certification is significantly less demanding if a pre-certification has already been made.

Find a DGNB Register the constructi- The consultant/auditor The consultant/auditor DGNB.dk performs
consultant/auditor on project at collects documentation submits documentation conformity assessment
(see overview at www.DGNB.dk and handles the to DGNB.dk (with a third party) and
www.DGNB.dk) sustainability manage- a certificate is awarded
ment of the project

To complete a DGNB certification, the project must be associated with a DGNB consultant/
auditor who is specifically trained in DGNB. An auditor is a trained consultant, but has also com-
pleted a certification of a building and the auditor courses. It is necessary that the consultant is
either an auditor in advance or takes the courses during the certification.
18
DGNB version 2020
In 2020, Green Building Council Denmark presents a new version of the DGNB manual - DGNB
version 2020. In addition to changes in the setup of the manual, structural changes have been
made in the weighting and major changes in various criteria. In addition, bonuses have been im-
plemented to contribute actively to the UN’s world goals and to include innovation and circular
economy.

Structural changes in weighting

The weighting of the six qualities of the criteria - process, environment, economy, social, techni-
cal and site - has been changed in the 2020 manual. This includes:
• The weighting of the site quality has changed from 0% to 5%.
• The weighting of the technical quality has changed from 22.5% to 15%.
• The weighting of the process quality has changed from 10% to 12.5%.

Site 5%
Process 12,5%
Technical 15%

Environmental 22,5%

Social 22,5%

Economy 22,5%

Major changes in various criteria

As part of the update of the manual, a number of criteria are deleted or moved and more are
added at the same time. In addition, there are minor changes in several of the existing crite-
ria. Eg. PRO1.6 Process for urban and design planning has been moved from social quality to
process quality, ENV2.1 Life cycle assessment (LCA) - Primary energy is moved under ENV1.1
Building life cycle assessment, and ENV2.4 Biodiversity at the site is included as a new crite-
rion.

In previous manuals, there was a limit value for a minimum of points in each criterion that one
had to achieve in order for one’s total points to become part of the weighting. This has been
removed, and your points count as soon as you comply with the requirement in the indicator.
However, in the knockout criteria SOC1.2 Indoor air quality and SOC2.1 Design for all, a mini-
mum score must still be achieved in order for the building to be certified.

Udmærkelser og bonusser
As part of the DGNB certification, the DGNB Diamond and DGNB Heart awards can be ob-
tained. As something new, bonus points can be obtained in the very criteria for integrating
the UN’s world goals, innovation and circular economy into construction. These awards and
bonuses are elaborated on the following pages.

DGNB DGNB UN SDG Innovation Circular

Diamond Heart bonus bonus economy 19
DGNB Diamond
DGNB Diamant is an award for high architectural quality that can be awarded to a DGNB certi-
fied building. In DGNB Diamant, the classic work virtues - usability, durability and beauty - are
interpreted in a sustainability perspective. DGNB Diamond serves as a separate award in addi-
tion to the DGNB certification. It is thus possible to have a building certified as DGNB Platinum
/ Gold / Silver + Diamond, respectively. The purpose is to support, clarify and highlight archite-
ctural quality in DGNB-certified construction through independent guidance and evaluation of
the specific project.

DGNB Diamant complements the DGNB certification in five areas: Architectural quality, durabi-
lity and robustness, coherence with the local area, plan disposition and choice of materials, and
detailing and indoor climate. The evaluation is based on a two-part peer review based on the
DGNB criterion regarding architectural quality, PRO 1.6. The peer review is performed by an
evaluation committee set up by DK-GBC in collaboration with the Academic Architects Associ-
ation (AA). The panel consists of three professional judges from AA’s professional judge corps,
one of the three has special knowledge of the DGNB certification system.

The following figure shows how the DGNB Diamond evaluation matrix relates to the DGNB
certification. The assessment is qualitative and assesses the level of the project’s qualities in the
nine panes on a scale from poor to excellent, where a majority must be at least at an excellent
level to achieve DGNB Diamond.

USEFULNESS DURABILITY BEAUTY

PLACE
The shape of the
building, external ap-
pearance and relation
How does the project create
spatial contexts that strengt-
How does the project How does the project help to
strengthen the place’s identi- strengthen experiential quali-
hen activities in exchange
ty and cultural values? ties in its surroundings?
with the surroundings?

to the place

SPACIOUSNESS How does the project create

The interior layout of
the building and spatial
relations
How are there rooms, buil-
ding parts and elements that How does the project offer
a diverse framework for significant experiential qua-
are more durable and which
social relations, and does lities in the design of space,
have a more changeable cha-
the outline fully develop the
racter in design, construction construction and choice of
intentions? materials?
and choice of materials?

DETAIL How does detailing strengt-

Construction technical
solutions, installations and
detailing
How will the project’s choice
of materials, patination, color How do the project’s
hen users’ use of spatial
scheme and ornamentation technical solutions carry a
qualities such as light, air
help to extend the life of strong narrative about the
and orientation? Are the
solutions easy for users to
building components and creation of the building and
promote social acceptance its building culture?
understand and apply?
and appreciation?

Once the project is registered for DGNB certification, the project can also be registered for a
DGNB Diamond evaluation. This is done by contacting DK-GBC at www.dk-gbc.dk.

You can read more about DGNB Diamond in the publication of DK-GBC ”DGNB Diamond - An
evaluation of sustainable architectural quality”.
21
UN SDGs
The UN’s world goals were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 and have since become a
guideline for how various institutions, companies and societies can contribute to creating sus-
tainable development by 2030. The 17 goals have been called the most ambitious plan for the
world ever and places new demands on all countries to take responsibility and contribute to a
sustainable transition.

The DGNB criteria provide an overview of solutions and their connections from the planning
phase, to operation and demolition. By using DGNB as a planning tool when developing new
buildings, you get a starting point to work with 13 out of the 17 world goals.

Both the 2020 manual and the publication of DK-GBC ”UN World Goals and DGNB” elaborate
on how each criterion addresses relevant world goals. In addition, in certain criteria, extra points
can be achieved with an UN SDG bonus, which specifically rewards the integration of the world
goals. UN SDG bonuses are marked with ” ”.
DGNB Heart
The perception of whether a building is sustainable depends in particular on whether it is he-
althy and comfortable to live in. Based on this, a certification for the building’s indoor climate,
DGNB Heart, is introduced.

There are great benefits to focus on human health in buildings. For building users, this includes
increased energy levels and productivity, fewer sick days, less risk of comorbidities and generally
more well-being. The improved satisfaction of the users of the building also plays a role for the
building owners, who achieve increased property and rental value as well as longer rental time
and less waiting time before selling.

As the certification is centered around the indoor climate, the following qualities are assessed:
• Air quality - including degassing of materials.
• Thermal indoor climate - including temperature and draft.
• Acoustics - including reverberation times and sound insulation.
• Visual indoor climate - including the quality of daylight and artificial light.
• Architectural quality - including views and outdoor spaces.

DGNB Heart is thus an excellence scheme for social sustainability in construction and is therefo-
re mainly integrated into the criteria for social quality. In the following sections, criteria included
in DGNB Heart are marked with ” ”. If enough points are collected within these criteria, the
DGNB Heart certification will be awarded.
Innovation
Alternative approaches and new thinking of existing solutions can often contribute to a more
sustainable product. For this reason, points can be obtained for alternative, innovative, new con-
cepts, processes and technologies.

Innovation is a broad concept and therefore it is included in several criteria, where the innovati-
ve initiative can replace the otherwise standardized indicators and achieve the same number of
points. Innovation is thus an alternative and sustainable way of meeting the criterion.

Innovation is marked with ” ”, if it is included in the criterion.

 Circular economy
The industrial economy is basically based on a linear economy: we extract raw materials,
manufacture products, consume and throw away. Thus, many resources are lost. There is a
need for new approaches - approaches that will ensure that we also have access to the valuable
resources in the future.

With circular economy, a new concept is seen. Here, materials and products are included in
circular economy. The watchwords are reuse and recycling. The idea is that materials and products
are used up to several times, or that the materials are used in new products. In this way, no
resources will be lost and the materials and products will retain their value. Circular economy is
thus a sustainable model that demands innovation and development without affecting ourselves
and the earth.

A scientific study conducted by the people behind ‘Building a Circular Future’ defines 15
important principles for circular construction projects. These 15 principles, which are ranked
under the headings ”Design for disassembly”, ”Material passport” and ”Circular Economy”, should
be seen as idealistic guidelines, and should all be considered when starting a new project. The
publication of DK-GBC ”Circular Economy and DGNB” elaborates on how the DGNB system’s
criteria can be used to specify the 15 basic principles and the circular way of thinking in general.

In addition to the fact that circular economy is included in several places as part of the principles,
bonus points can also be obtained for integrating circular economy directly into one’s construction.
An example is e.g. ENV2.2, where bonus points can be obtained if rainwater or gray wastewater
is included in the water consumption.

Design for disassembly Material passport Circular econonmy

Materials Documentation New business
Choose materials with proper- To ensure the quality and In order for the circle to
ties that increase the chances value of the materials and close, new business
that they can be recycled resources at all stages areas occur

Incentive
Life Identification
All parties in the chain
Design the building with Physical identification on
must have an economic
all the life of the compo- all individual elements to
advantage from entering
nents in mind ensure transparency
into

New models
Systems Maintenance
Instead of selling new
Design a simple building Proper maintenance is
products, for example,
that fits into a system of important to preserve the
a service could be sold
larger context value of the materials
instead

Joints Safety Partnerships

Choose reversible joints To have safe procedure Cooperation is a necessity,
that can keep recurring and through all stages of the life no one can run a circular
disassembling of the building economy alone

Handling
Dismantling Circulation
Provide necessary informati-
Make plans for behavior as The value of the resources in
on on how the materials are
well as dismantling. Design the the technical and biological
treated in the intermediate
building for dismantling circles must be maintained
phases

1
Vugge til vugge, ”Cirkulær økonomi”, 2018
2
Kasper Guldager Jensen, John Sommer et al., ”Building a circular future”, 2016
26
 PROCESS 12,5%

/PRO
Process quality is about ensuring that quality is increased and maintained from
planning to finished construction. The process quality is assessed in DGNB on the
basis of the degree and quality of sustainability in the building, and whether the
work carried out in the process phase has a significant influence on the final result.

28
PRO 1.1 Comprehensive project brief 1.9%
Purpose
The purpose is to promote the quality and sustainability of the building through early planning
and careful project preparation.

Relevance and focus

Careful project preparation has a major impact on the quality of the building. The intention of
the criterion is to optimize the planning by early detection of the client’s and users’ require-
ments, including expectations for sustainability, and agree on the project’s goals in accordance
with the description.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated on the basis of how the concept/construction program defines the
client’s and users’ needs, goals and financial means as well as the project’s framework conditions
and other requirements. The project’s sustainability goals, user participation and information to
the public are also evaluated.

PRO 1.4 Sustainability aspects in tender phase 1.9%

Purpose
The purpose is to ensure that sustainability aspects are included in the contract tender.

Relevance and focus

If sustainability aspects are integrated into selection and award criteria, the building’s environ-
mental and social quality can be increased, as the product quality is not selected solely on the
basis of economic priorities. This means that e.g. entrepreneurs are selected on the basis of a
holistic approach to sustainability and the qualities it brings.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated on the basis of whether the sustainability aspects are integrated
into the selection and award criteria. Sustainability requirements can be social clauses, proper
employment and working conditions, sustainable choice of building materials, etc.

PRO 1.5 Documentation for sustainable

management 1.3%
Purpose
The purpose is to facilitate the future operation of the building by having documentation and
guidance.

Relevance and focus

As buildings become more complex, it is increasingly important to formulate advice and guidan-
ce material for users and owners on how the individual parts of the building, including technical
installations, are used, maintained and repaired.

Evaluation
To meet the criterion, guidelines are formulated regarding the use, operation and maintenan-
ce of the building. Drawing material must be updated as completed, and a user manual must
explain the connection between the building’s technical installations and how these are to be
used (including how they are used in the most sustainable way).

29
 PRO 1.6 Procedure for urban and design planning 1.3%
Purpose
It is a goal to secure buildings that people will appreciate for a long time. Sustainability and ar-
chitecture are interdependent, and in order to achieve sustainable construction, it is therefore
important to have a high architectural quality of the buildings.

Relevance and focus

Experience shows that buildings with high architectural quality will have a longer durability and
greater conversion potential. Architecture is therefore relevant within sustainable construction,
both for the experience of the building, but also as a longer service life can be achieved.

Evaluation
The evaluation assesses the process used to achieve an architectural quality, e.g. whether an
architectural competition, turnkey contract competition, jury assessment or variant studies have
been carried out. Here, it is examined whether the building has achieved broad support, which
can ensure long-term use.

PRO 2.1 Construction site/construction process 1.3%

Purpose
The purpose is to minimize impacts on the environment and the local area during construction.

Relevance and focus

Construction sites and construction processes burden the environment in the local area with
vibrations, noise and dust, which in itself can be a nuisance to the surroundings. Seen in a larger
perspective, the construction process also has impacts in the form of extensive waste volumes
and energy consumption. This criterion thus also focuses on reducing these loads.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated qualitatively on the basis of how the process has taken into account to
minimize and sort waste, e.g. by innovating concepts for waste prevention, to minimize the noise
and vibration level on the construction site as well as the dust level, and finally to protect the
environment on the construction site by a concept for soil and groundwater protection.

PRO 2.2 Quality assurance of the construction 1.9%

Purpose
The purpose is to raise the level of knowledge and exclude errors and shortcomings in the devel-
opment and use of good building documentation and quality control.

Relevance and focus

The focus of the criterion is to exclude errors and deficiencies during the execution of the buil-
ding through documentation and quality control, as well as document whether these goals have

30
 been achieved in the completion of the building. A high level of knowledge about the building’s
materials and the building parts also makes it easier to rebuild and reuse during demolition.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated on the basis of the quality assurance material. Here, there is a special
focus on materials and excipients, which can be documented by performed measurements, e.g.
the building’s air tightness, thermographic surveys, sound insulation and measurements of the
moisture content in exposed building parts.

PRO 2.3 Systematic commissioning 2.5%

Purpose
The purpose is to ensure that the building’s installations function as intended in connection with
the building’s commissioning.

Relevance and focus

Commissioning is a quality management process performed to verify and document the perfor-
mance of building installations through all phases of construction from planning, design, installa-
tion to operation and maintenance.

Evaluation
The evaluation is divided according to assessment of the scope and quality of balancing, as well
as testing of technical installations from simple function testing to performance testing and as-
sessment of the organization around commissioning and the process itself.

PRO 2.4 User communication 0.6%

Purpose
Our goal is to actively inform the building’s users about the building’s sustainability. In this way,
users are motivated to exhibit behaviors that support the sustainable operation of the building.
Such behavior will ultimately increase users’ own well-being and comfort.

Relevance and focus

The users’ cooperation and involvement is incredibly important when it comes to ensuring that
the building is also operated sustainably. To achieve this, users need to have the necessary infor-
mation and training.

Evaluation
In order to encourage users to play an active role in the sustainable operation of the building,
the amount of relevant information that has been communicated to users is evaluated. In additi-
on to the provision of a sustainability guide, points will also be awarded for having a sustainabili-
ty information system installed in the building and for providing a technical user manual.

31
 ENVIRONMENT
/ENV
22,5%

An environmentally sustainable building has the least possible impact on the global
and local environment. The environmental quality of DGNB includes assessments
of the building’s energy efficiency, resource consumption, including land resources,
use of renewable resources and reduction in the impact on biodiversity.

32
ENV 1.1 Building life cycle assessment 9.5%
Purpose
The purpose is to reduce environmental impacts for the entire life cycle of the building.

Relevance and focus

A building affects the environment through all phases of its life cycle, from the manufacture of
materials, the operation and maintenance of the building to the disposal and recycling of mate-
rials. The impacts are due to both consumption for construction and emissions to water, soil and
air. The consequences of these impacts include depletion of fossil resources, global warming,
depletion of the ozone layer, photochemical ozone formation, acidification and nutrient loading.

Evaluation
Points are awarded for including the results of the life cycle assessment early in the planning
process and the development of an operating energy concept that goes beyond the require-
ments of the building regulations. In addition, assessment of alternative variations of the buil-
ding’s design and choice of materials using life cycle assessment will be evaluated positively.
The result of a complete life cycle assessment, calculated in accordance with the prescribed
standard, is evaluated in relation to reference values.

ENV 1.2 Local environment impact 4.7%

Purpose
The purpose is to minimize, avoid or replace hazardous or harmful building materials, products
and treatments that are dangerous to humans, plants and animals.

Relevance and focus

Building materials can either in pure form or in their composition contain environmentally ha-
zardous substances. This can lead to environmental impacts that, among other things, means
depletion of the ozone layer, damage to flora and fauna and in some cases be hazardous to hu-
mans. The criterion assesses the local risks of carefully selected substances and products.

Evaluation
The evaluation is based on a qualitative assessment for each indicator and for each individual pro-
duct. Only the relevant indicators are evaluated. The assessment is divided into four quality steps,
where step 4 is the most sustainable solutions. The specific substances and materials in focus are
i.a. halogenated products, heavy metals, biocides, chemicals in REACH (EU chemicals legislation)
classified as SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

ENV 1.3 Sustainable ressource extraction 2.4%

Purpose
The purpose is to promote the use of materials that are recovered and processed in accordance
with recognized environmental and social standards.

Relevance and focus

The criterion includes protection of forests, prohibition of child labor and compliance with stan-
dards for the extraction of natural stone. Illegal and unsustainable extraction is a global problem
with negative economic, environmental and societal impacts. The damaging effects can be un-
controlled deforestation with consequences such as erosion, flooding and desertification, extin-
ction of fauna and flora, as well as deterioration of the living conditions of the local population.

Evaluation
The use of products whose raw materials are extracted responsibly is assessed positively. At
present, there is a focus on the use of wood and natural stone, but in the long term these mate-
33
 rials can be supplemented or replaced with a focus on other types of material. Points are awarded for
the percentage of wood and wood materials that can be documented as either FSC-, PEFC-certified
or recycled wood. For natural stone, documentation of CE marking is required for stones from coun-
tries in the EEA and Switzerland. When using natural stone from other countries, the requirements of
ILO Convention 182 must be met.

ENV 2.2 Potable water demand and water waste volume 2.4%
Purpose
The purpose is to reduce the load on the natural water cycle.

Relevance and focus

Although the amount of water is high in Denmark, there is generally a shortage of high quality
drinking water. In addition, a discharge of rainwater to the drainage system will burden treat-
ment plants, increase the risk of floods and reduce the renewal of groundwater resources. This
criterias focus is therefore to reduce drinking water consumption and wastewater discharge.

Evaluation
Consumption of drinking water and the formation of wastewater is assessed on the basis of an
Excel tool, where water consumption for installations in the building, treatment of wastewater
and drainage of rainwater is calculated and assessed. The estimated water consumption is me-
asured against a dynamic limit value, which is also calculated for the current building based on
standard assumptions.

ENV 2.3 Land use 1.2%

Purpose
The aim is to limit the involvement of new areas for buildings and infrastructure.

Relevance and focus

Land is a limited resource. This criterion therefore focuses on reducing the inclusion of new areas
and increasing the recycling of developed land. This means that the criterion focuses on the areas
being utilized as efficiently as possible. In addition, the criterion emphasizes that the buildings con-
tribute to improving the environmental quality of the land.

Evaluation
The criterion evaluates the land’s current use status, the building density and the land’s soil pol-
lution condition, and in addition the area’s future biofactor is calculated.

ENV 2.4 Biodiversity at the site 2.4%

Purpose
Our goal is to encourage positive steps towards creating, maintaining and increasing biological
diversity both on the buildings themselves and in their surroundings.

Relevance and focus

A decline in biodiversity is observed throughout the world, jeopardizing the very foundation of
human existence. Demonstrating respect for nature locally in the development area, projects a
positive image, both for customers and visitors, but also for employees. Well-being is demonst-
rably improved by being in healthy, natural environments, which in turn benefits people’s health.

Evaluation
In order to preserve the diversity of ecosystems, the quality of the biotope area is assessed. In
addition, it is assessed whether measures have been introduced for further development and
maintenance of the outdoor areas.
34
35
 ECONOMY 22,5%

/ECO
The economic quality is assessed on the basis of the building’s lifetime costs, value
stability and potential for economic development and robustness. The purpose is
to ensure the building’s value optimization on the operational side and includes
i.a. the construction project’s ability to minimize operating costs, the possibility of
higher rental prices, better rental options and increased productivity of the user of
the building.

36
ECO 1.1 Life cycle cost 9.6%
Purpose
Our purpose is to motivate the conscious use of financial resources throughout the life of the
building and to minimize the building’s total lifetime costs.

Relevance and focus

The general design and construction process often concentrates on minimizing construction
costs. Only the subsequent costs that arise during the use and operation of the building are ta-
ken into account to a limited extent. In this criterion, the costs are assessed throughout the life
of the building.

Evaluation
The evaluation focuses on whether total economic calculations have been integrated in the
design phase, and whether these have been performed for alternative solution proposals in an
attempt at optimization. In addition, the total economic costs are calculated in accordance with
the established method, which is compared with a given reference value to determine the buil-
ding’s performance.

ECO 2.1 Flexibility and adaptability 6.4%

Purpose
The purpose is to increase the building’s flexibility and thereby reduce the risk that the building
loses its application possibilities and is not utilized optimally, to ensure the longest possible
service life.

Relevance and focus

The technical and societal development means that working and living conditions are changing.
For the same reason, buildings must not only be efficient and flexible now, but they must also be
able to be converted to other uses at a later date in order to optimize user acceptance, the life
of the building and the cost of living. The criterion therefore focuses on the building’s efficiency
and flexibility.

Evaluation
The evaluation of this criterion is made on the basis of a number of specific checklists, which
examine two main criteria, namely the building geometry and the possibility of division into se-
veral units. This includes area utilization, room height, building depth, the vertical access roads,
division of floor plan, construction and technical installations.

ECO 2.2 Robustness 6.4%

Purpose
The purpose is to ensure economically robust buildings with long life and value stability.

Relevance and focus

Robust buildings will have a lower risk of being left empty, as they are more likely to be used
continuously throughout their lifetime. Conversely, a less robust building results in reduced mar-
ketability and limited rental options. This has negative consequences for value stability.

Evaluation
The evaluation is based on 5 indicators - including an assessment of the lifespan of primary buil-
ding materials, use of robust construction solutions, use of passive design strategies to ensure
longevity and minimization of technology, the extent of defects in delivery, and a robustness
study of the indoor climate to maintain a continued satisfactory indoor climate.
37
 SOCIAL 22,5%

/SOC
Social sustainability is about increasing the value of the building for users, includ-
ing user satisfaction, well-being, higher productivity and lower sickness absence,
as a result of e.g. better indoor climate, increased flexibility, accessibility for all as
well as safety and security. The social quality of DGNB is assessed on the basis of
parameters such as health, comfort, user satisfaction, functionality and aesthetics.

38
SOC 1.1 Thermal comfort 3.4%
Purpose
The purpose is to promote user comfort and well-being in the workplace all year round.

Relevance and focus

Thermal comfort is closely linked to the user’s satisfaction with the indoor climate as well as
health and well-being. The criterion focuses on the thermal comfort both in summer and in win-
ter and especially on ensuring comfortable temperatures, including avoiding overtemperatures,
drafts and cold radiation.

Evaluation
The evaluation of thermal comfort is based on nine indicators, which are assessed either quanti-
tatively or qualitatively. The operating temperature (in winter and summer period) and the rela-
tive humidity (in winter period) are assessed quantitatively. Draft (in winter and summer period),
asymmetric radiation temperature and floor temperature (in winter and summer period) as well
as the user control of the room temperature are assessed qualitatively.

SOC 1.2 Indoor air quality 3.4%

Purpose
The aim of the criterion is to ensure an indoor air quality that does not have negative effects on
users’ well-being and health.

Relevance and focus

The indoor air quality is directly related to the user’s well-being and health. The criterion must
ensure that the indoor air quality does not have negative consequences for the well-being and
health of the users. The criterion has a special focus on avoiding high concentrations of harmful
substances as well as odor nuisances. This criterion is a knock-out criterion, which means that
the building can only be certified if the minimum requirements for indoor air quality are met.

Evaluation
The air quality is evaluated primarily on the basis of a measurement of the volatile organic com-
pounds (VOC), where the building must comply with the limit value for TVOC concentration of
less than 3000 ug/m3 in order to be certified at all. In addition, the indoor climate is assessed
qualitatively based on ventilation, hoods and local pollution sources and an evaluation of radon
measurements.

SOC 1.3 Acoustic comfort 3.4%

Purpose
The purpose is to promote the user’s comfort, well-being and efficiency in the workplace in rela-
tion to the building’s acoustic conditions.

Relevance and focus

The quality of the sound conditions in the rooms also determines the users’ perception of com-
fort and well-being. This criterion focuses on the preconditions for a good acoustic indoor clima-
te as well as sound insulation of structures, noise from technical installations and external noise.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated on the basis of the acoustics of primary room types based on equi-
valent absorption area and reverberation time. In addition, airborne sound insulation between
rooms, step sound levels from floors in other rooms, indoor noise levels from external traffic and
noise from technical installations are evaluated.
39
SOC 1.4 Visual comfort 3.4%
Purpose
The purpose is to promote good daylight and artificial light in all rooms where people stay for
short and especially long periods, as visual comfort forms the basis for general well-being and
efficient, productive work.

Relevance and focus

Light has a great impact on human mental and physical health as well as human sense of com-
fort. Daylight in particular is of great importance for the feeling of comfort. Workplaces must be
well lit in all rooms where people stay for short and especially long periods. In addition, efficient
use of daylight provides a lot of potential energy savings in terms of artificial lighting and coo-
ling. This criterion therefore focuses on the lighting in the building, both natural and artificial, as
well as in relation to the significance for e.g. view from the building.

Evaluation
Evaluations are made on the basis of indicators for daylight on both common access roads, the
useful area and the workplaces in the building, for sunlight and sun protection, for measures
against glare in daylight and for the use and control of electric lighting.

SOC 1.6 Quality of indoor and outdoor spaces 2.3%

Purpose
The aim is to provide as many users as possible with views and access to high-quality outdoor
environments. The design of the outdoor areas must establish a diversity of outdoor spaces that
meet the needs of the different user groups.

Relevance and focus

In this criterion, the quality of the outdoor areas in the immediate vicinity of the building, is
assessed. This applies to both the view of the surroundings, the design and the quality of the
spaces, including whether they promote the opportunities for social contact between the users,
or whether they contribute to improvements in the local microclimate. The criterion defines an
outdoor area as balconies, roofs, living areas and green areas.
 Evaluation
The evaluation is based on two main criteria: quantitative evaluation of the quality of outdoor
open spaces (including roof, facade and possibly under the building) and a qualitative assess-
ment of building-related outdoor areas (visual integration of technology, design concept, social
use of outdoor areas, microclimate and interior design) .

SOC 2.1 Design for all 3.4%

Purpose
The purpose is to ensure equal accessibility for all both indoors and in the associated outdoor
areas to achieve usability with regard to all users of the building.

Relevance and focus

Everyone can have either permanent or temporary motor, sensory or cognitive impairments that
limit their mobility and movement. In DGNB, accessibility is about everyone, regardless of disa-
bility, having equal access in line with the building’s other users. It is important, already in the
planning phase, to consider accessibility in order to ensure attractive, and equivalent solutions,
as well as to reduce the need for subsequent, and often costly, adjustments to meet the requi-
rements in the field.

Evaluation
This criterion is a knock-out criterion, which means that the building can only be certified if the
minimum requirements for the building’s accessibility are met. This requires that in the early
design phase a strategy has been drawn up for equal access and use of the building. The quality
level of the building is then assessed in accordance with the Building Regulations’ requirements
for barrier-free design.
42
SOC 3.2 Building integrated art 1.1%
Purpose
The purpose is to contribute positively to the quality and expression of the building by integra-
ting art by professional artists.

Relevance and focus

Publicly available integrated art is seen in DGNB as an important element of the building culture,
because the integrated art can establish a connection between the surroundings, the building
and its use. The art can help increase users’ acceptance of and identification with the building,
supporting social sustainability. In addition, art can create attraction and profile the place in
question. The art can be decidedly building-integrated in the form of artistically crafted buil-
ding elements, but can also be integrated on surfaces. The decisive factor is not the degree of
integration in the building, but that the art is site-specific and that it can thus not be removed
without the building losing part of its significance.

Evaluation
The evaluation is carried out on the basis of an assessment of the qualitative information regar-
ding the planning and implementation of the integrated art. The criterion looks at three indica-
tors: the financial resources for building-integrated art, the involvement of artists and art exper-
ts, and how the art is presented and published to the outside world and the building’s users.

SOC 3.3 Plan disposition 2.3%

Purpose
The purpose is to ensure the building’s functionality and flexibility in various applications to pro-
mote the building’s spatial and architectural qualities.

Relevance and focus

Office and administration buildings can have changing uses throughout their lifetime. Flexibility
and adaptability are important prerequisites for up-to-date working conditions and thereby also
affect users’ satisfaction with the building. Extra spatial and functional facilities, the architec-
tural quality of the applications and the interplay between the rooms can increase the comfort
and health of all users of a building. The criterion therefore evaluates a building’s plan allocation
with a view to assessing the functional application possibilities, combined with an assessment
of the flexibility in the event of changes in the need for use. It promotes the sustainability of a
building to think long-term in relation to adaptability.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated differently depending on whether it is a certification for housing,
office, educational or children’s institutions, but overall it is evaluated on the basis of two main
indicators: variation of application possibilities and the quality of the use areas.

43
 TECHNICAL 15%

/TEC
The technical quality is assessed in DGNB based on the quality of the technical
solutions in the building. This applies to the construction itself, but also in relation
to the maintenance of the building, as well as the extent to which it is possible to
dismantle and remove building parts after use. Technical quality goes across both
environmental, social and economic quality, as the choice of technology affects the
result for the other qualities.

44
TEC 1.1 Fire safety 1.9%
Purpose
The purpose of fire protection is to provide satisfactory security against fire and against the
spread of fire to other buildings on own and surrounding grounds.

Relevance and focus

The criterion has a special focus on reducing the probability of a fire and the spread of fire and
smoke, which will not only affect the building itself, but also its surroundings. In addition, it is
evaluated whether significant fire safety measures have been installed and whether the building
is equipped with escape routes that ensure that people can leave the building before they are
affected by critical amounts of heat and smoke. There must also be a justifiable opportunity for
rescuing people and for the extinguishing work.

Evaluation
The criterion evaluates three indicators: basic indicators (compliance with applicable fire requi-
rements), additional fire protection and safety (evacuation plan, technical safety devices and
safety outside normal opening hours).

TEC 1.3 Quality of the building envelope 2.8%

Purpose
The purpose is to achieve low heat loss, good thermal indoor climate and moisture-proof con-
structions to secure the future of the building.

Relevance and focus

The quality of the climate screen must ensure optimal energy consumption and a good indoor
climate in the building. The criterion focuses on minimizing heat loss through the facade as well
as moisture-proof construction.

Evaluation
The evaluation is based on six indicators: insulation requirements for building components
(U-value), line losses, dimensioning transmission losses for the climate screen, moisture protecti-
on of building components and the air tightness of the climate screen.

TEC 1.4 Use and integration of building technology 2.8%

Purpose
The purpose is to secure the future of the building’s adaptability with regard to the location and
execution of technical installations and to ensure a robust operation of these.

Relevance and focus

Technical systems are the building components with the greatest replacement, and at the same
time they have a high influence on the building’s functionality. Therefore, it is crucial that the
technical systems are easy to adapt and easy to maintain, so that the life of the building is exten-
ded and the operating costs are reduced. The adaptation of technical systems is therefore espe-
cially sustainable if the systems and the raw house can be converted without using/consuming
many resources.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated within three main indicators: accessibility to the technical installations,
adaptation of the operating temperature to integrate renewable forms of energy and the flexibi-
lity of electrical installations.

45
TEC 1.5 Ease of cleaning components 1.9%
Purpose
The purpose is to reduce the operating costs for cleaning and maintenance, while the materials
used achieve a long service life.

Relevance and focus

Surfaces that are easy to clean require fewer cleaning agents, and at the same time require less
time for the actual cleaning task. The ease of cleaning thus has both positive environmental
effects and significance for the costs in that connection. In addition, the criterion also focuses
on the maintenance of the building in general (degree of maintenance and the availability of
maintenance).

Evaluation
The criterion is divided into five main groups: the availability of the external glass areas, cleaning
of the external building components, the flooring’s tolerance to light soiling, dirt collection zones
at the entrances and a general cleaning-friendly device at e.g. radiators, toilets and stair guards.

TEC 1.6 Ease of recovery and recycling 2.8%

Purpose
The purpose of the criterion is to ensure efficient use of nature’s resources. Therefore, solutions
are rewarded that make it possible to reuse resources without loss of value and properties.

Relevance and focus

Building owners who reduce material consumption will benefit from the reduced costs already in
the construction phase. For the users of the building, the positive effects will be reflected in the
costs during the use phase when the building needs to be maintained, repaired or modernized.
The long-term purpose of the criterion, which requires in-depth knowledge of the materials in
the building, is to be able to consider buildings as a temporary ”storage” of materials. This will
mean that even at the end of use of the building, it will still be a lucrative business to separate
the building, in order to be able to reuse or recycle the materials in the next product system.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated on the basis of whether the materials can be separated and sorted for
recycling as well as on the basis of the building’s dismantling and recycling concept. The evalua-
tion is also based on the results obtained using DGNB’s LCA tool.
TEC 1.8 Documentation with EPD 0.9%
Purpose
The aim is to push the industry to increase the level of environmental product declarations for
construction products through demand.

Relevance and focus

It is expected that increased demand for environmental declarations in DGNB will lead to more
manufacturers declaring their products and thus contribute to increased knowledge of the en-
vironmental properties and in the long run promote environmentally friendly materials.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated based on the number of EPDs in the building. The individual EPDs
must represent at least 25% of the relevant area, volume or weight of a construction product,
either alone or in groups. The EPDs can be downloaded from different EPD providers, but must
be prepared in accordance with EN 15804.

TEC 3.1 Mobility infrastructure 1.9%

Purpose
It is our goal to reduce air and noise pollution from transport by increasing users’ access to en-
vironmentally friendly, efficient and affordable transport.

Relevance and focus

Sustainable and smart traffic infrastructure allows users to choose the mode of transport that
best suits their individual needs. If the conditions necessary for the use of a wide range of mo-
bility modes are established for the building, pollution and other adverse effects from motorized
private transport can be expected to be reduced. In addition, user satisfaction with the building
is increased, the scope of affordable mobility is expanded, and health-promoting cycling and
walking are encouraged.

Evaluation
Mobility is connected to the building and its infrastructure as a starting point and as a desti-
nation. Increased use of alternative modes of transport can be supported by the fact that the
building has good infrastructure and parking facilities for various means of transport. This is a
qualitative and quantitative method that evaluates the availability of suitable facilities for the
indicators of bicycle infrastructure, rental systems, electromobility and user comfort.
 SITE 5%

/SITE
The quality of the area is assessed both on the basis of the building site itself and
the surrounding area. The purpose is to find the optimal location for the constructi-
on, including identifying potential problems in the area that may have an impact on
the construction. The assessment of the quality of the area must always be carried
out in order to obtain a certification of the building and as of 2020, site quality
stands for 5% of the total score.

48
SITE 1.1 Local environment 1.3%
Purpose
The purpose of this criterion is to protect the building and its users from the negative influen-
ces of natural disasters as well as to improve the building’s resilience to influences in the local
environment.

Relevance and focus

Natural hazards can occur due to the geographical conditions of the area, and their intensity and
frequency can usually not be affected or predicted. The criterion evaluation method takes into
account the probability that a given hazard will occur and how serious the impact will be.

Evaluation
The criterion is evaluated on the basis of six indicators: the area’s classification according to
stormy weather risk, risk of flooding during sea level rise and precipitation, respectively, the out-
door air quality, the noise level and radon concentration.

SITE 1.2 Influence on the district 1.3%

Purpose
The purpose is to increase the economic and social quality of both the building and the area
based on the image and condition of the area and the neighborhood.

Relevance and focus

The image of an area contributes significantly to the building being accepted by its users and the
guests who visit the area. Similarly, a new building can lead to the urban area in question impro-
ving its image. The criterion describes, on the one hand, the influence that the area has on the
market value of the building. On the other hand, the influence that the building has on the area
itself is also evaluated. If this influence is positive, the evaluation is improved.

Evaluation
The evaluation is assessed on the basis of the results of an analysis of the area, the building’s
qualitative impact on the site or the immediate area, the potential for synergies, and whether
the building will give a boost to the local area by attracting new users.

SITE 1.3 Transport access 1.3%

Purpose
The purpose is to ensure good access to the building through the supply of traffic connections
as well as their location. In addition, it is desired to ensure that sustainable traffic connections
are established in close relation to the building.

Relevance and focus

Sustainable, intelligent traffic connections allow users to choose the most appropriate means
of transport for their individual needs. If a number of public transport options are offered, it is
expected that the amount of pollution etc. associated with private motorized transportation will
be reduced. In addition, user satisfaction with the local area and the building will increase as
public transport comes at an affordable price and better opportunities to use healthier alternati-
ves, such as walking and cycling.

Evaluation
The evaluation is based on five indicators: the quality of the road network, proximity and extent
of public transport, the area’s coverage of cycle paths, access to footpaths and pedestrian con-
nections, and barrier-free design of stops.
49
 SITE 1.4 Access to amenities 1.3%
Purpose
The purpose of the criterion is to optimize the daily needs of the building’s users through near-
by, easily accessible social and commercial infrastructures and thereby achieve social acceptance
of the building, as well as to ensure the building’s integration into its urban context by opening a
wide range of uses to the public.

Relevance and focus

The facilities of the local area have a great influence on the perceived quality of the building’s
location. Furthermore, if a building and its surrounding area offer different uses to the public,
this promotes communication and a sense of a common community.

Evaluation
Distances between the building and relevant social and commercial facilities are determined and
categorized as “nearby and easily accessible” if they are within a certain radius. The evaluation
also examines what kind of infrastructure is available in the building itself.

50
51
 GAPS Psykiatrisygehus
Area: 7.000 m2
Constructor: Region Sjælland
Architect: Karlsson Arkitekter/Vilhelm Lauritzen Arkitekter
Year: 2016 (Gold)

Administrationscenter Skanderborg
Area: 14.958 m2
Constructor: Skanderborg Kommune
Architect: Schmidt, Hammer & Lassen
Year: 2017 (Platinum)
 Sundmolen
Area: 11.045 m2
Constructor: CC Copenhagen Residential A/S
Architect: Arkitema Architects
Year: 2019 (Gold)

Skolen på Duevej
Area: 1.150 m2
Constructor: Frederiksberg Kommune
Architect: AART Architects/Nordic Office of Architecture
Year: 2019 (Gold)
 Vonsildhave
Area: 6.328 m2
Constructor: Kolding Kommune, By- og Udviklingsforvaltningen
Architect: Luplau & Poulsen Arkitekter
Year: 2015 (Gold)

Lensmarken
Area: 4.080 m2
Constructor: CIVICA
Architect: ERIK arkitekter
Year: 2019 (Gold)
 Innovest Skjern
Area: 6.818 m2
Constructor: Ringkjøbing Skjern Forsyning
Architect: Årstiderne Arkitekter
Year: 2018 (Gold)

Axel Towers
Area: 23.245 m2
Constructor: ATP Ejendomme
Architect: Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter
Year: 2018 (Silver)
Contact us for more information on how DGNB can
contribute to sustainable development
See below how DGNB and Green Building Council Denmark are connected.

Green Building Council Denmark (DK-GBC) is a non-profit organization that works to promote
sustainability in the built environment. DK-GBC was founded in 2010 by a broad section of the
entire Danish construction industry, including investors, builders, consultants, suppliers, financi-
al companies, accountants and law firms - all with a desire to promote sustainability in the built
environment.
DK-GBC is responsible for the daily development, adaptation and operation of DGNB in Den-
mark. DK-GBC also trains DGNB consultants and auditors.
DK-GBC is the parent organization of the organization DGNB.dk.

All publications prepared by DK-GBC are open-source. You can find manuals for buildings, gui-
des and other publications on our website.

Find out more about Green Building Council Denmark, our courses, educations and events at
www.dk-gbc.dk.

DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) is both the term for the international
sustainability certification and for the German non-profit organization that has developed the
certification. About 150 experts from companies and public institutions have contributed to
the development and adaptation of the Danish version of the sustainability certification DGNB.
Today it is possible to certify new construction and extensive renovation of office buildings, ho-
spitals, multi-storey buildings & terraced houses, educational and children’s institutions, existing
office buildings and urban areas. If a project does not fall into one of these categories, it can be
certified under the FLEX scheme.

DGNB.dk is responsible for the certification process in Denmark.

Read more about the DGNB certification, see the certified buildings and the trained consultants
at www.DGNB.dk.

And you are always more than welcome to contact us at info@dk-gbc.dk.

Members af Green Building Council Denmark - July 2021
At Green Building Council Denmark we have 501 members. 81 premium members, 100 basic members, 295 support members and 25
personal members. You can read more about our members and member types at www.dk-gbc.dk.

Premium members

Photos: Niels Vierin og Ole Konstantyner

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