Interiors

The average person spends 90 per cent of its life indoors. So it's only natural that we want to (and indeed should) feel comfortable indoors and protected from environmental influences. Ultimately, the biggest influences on personal comfort are the design and architecture of rooms, which also affect health and productivity.

Conscious of growing expectations regarding indoor environments, the DGNB has reworked its original schemes to include a scheme for interiors entering use for the first time.

The aim is to fill a gap in the certification system: previously, parts of a building such as extensions to retail areas or offices were not covered. The scheme that currently covers such projects is for offices (or administration areas) or retail areas. It is now possible to gain certification for the development of offices, supermarkets, discounter outlets or shopping centres, irrespective of whether it involves new, existing, previously certified or uncertified buildings.

The system deliberately keeps everything simple and includes practical options for providing evidence of standards. By only covering 18 criteria for offices and 15 criteria for retail developments, the scope of certification is also not unnecessarily broad.

The overall goal of this new scheme is to promote healthy living in ergonomic buildings, thereby boosting personal comfort and allowing people to work more effectively. Other aspects that are considered important within this goal are the prudent use of financial resources, avoiding too many material resources and greater emphasis on non-hazardous products. Ultimately, the scheme for interiors should provide a foundation for environmentally friendly indoor environments that consciously focus on health and economy. Thought should also be given during construction to any new materials that are used and how interiors are fitted and furnished.

This scheme can be used for planning purposes and is aimed at interior designers, tenants and future building owners who place emphasis on buildings of high standard.

The advantages of healthy indoor environments:

• Enhanced productivity and turnover
• Customer satisfaction and employee loyalty
• Access to new customer groups
• Healthy work and selling environment
• Atmosphere
• Creativity and inspiration
• Work-life balance
• Comfort for all user groups
• Efficient cost and resource management
• Value retention for interiors and furnishings

Volume certification:
The idea behind the system is to allow for multiple certification. With the introduction of the full market version of the scheme for new interior developments (office and retail), it is possible to complete and submit the documentation for multiple certification.

Status:
We are currently developing the DGNB system for sustainable interiors further to address additional uses, such as Hotels and Restaurants. Please contact us in case you are interested in joining a pilot phase with your own project.

Project registration:
Projects can be registered here. Further information on certification criteria can be found in the members area.