Overview of the criteria

The DGNB System does not evaluate individual measures but the overall performance of a building based on criteria. If these criteria are fulfilled in an outstanding way, the building receives a certificate or pre-certificate in platinum, gold, silver or bronze for existing real estate. The DGNB continues to develop its certification system and adapts it to national and international standards and legislation.

Environmental quality

The six criteria of environmental quality allow an assessment to be made with regard to the effects of buildings on the global and local environment as well as the impact on resources and the generation of waste.

Building life cycle assessment (ENV1.1)

Local environmental impact (ENV1.2)

Sustainable resource extraction (ENV1.3)

Potable water demand and waste water volume (ENV2.2)

Land use (ENV2.3)

Biodiversity at the site (ENV2.4)

Economic quality

The three criteria of economic quality serve to assess the long-term economic viability (life cycle costs) and economic development.

Life cycle cost (ECO1.1)

Flexibility and adaptability (ECO2.1)

Commercial viability (ECO2.2)

Sociocultural and functional quality

The eight criteria of sociocultural and functional quality help to assess buildings with regard to health, comfort and user satisfaction as well as the essential aspects of functionality.

Thermal comfort (SOC1.1)

Indoor air quality (SOC1.2)

Acoustic comfort (SOC1.3)

Visual comfort (SOC1.4)

User control (SOC1.5)

Quality of indoor and outdoor spaces (SOC1.6)

Safety and security (SOC1.7)

Design for all (SOC2.1)