Requirements of the DGNB System for recognition of product labels

Every standard follows specified requirements that formulate differently defined quality criteria – for products or services – according to the objective of the standard.

The DGNB stipulates various requirements on a criteria-specific basis for standards within its framework for its recognition– the fulfilment forms the basis of the recognition. Depending on which DGNB criterion the label is recognised for, differing requirements must be fulfilled. Currently a recognition can be made for the following DGNB criteria:

Local environmental impact (ENV1.2)

Sustainable resource extraction (ENV1.3)

Ease of recovery and recycling (TEC1.6)

Requirement types

Minimum requirements

Within the framework of the acceptance procedure of standards, the compliance with minimum requirements – for the time being, exclusively for criterion ENV 1.3 – serves as a prerequisite for the recognition of a standard.

Primary and secondary raw materials

have been extracted, mined or manufactured without the use of child or forced labour
illegal extraction/manufacturing of raw materials has been precluded.

The recognition of the minimum requirements for criteria ENV 1.2 and TEC 1.6 is currently not explicitly required.

Systemic requirements

Within the framework of the acceptance procedure of standards, the evidence of systemic requirements must be provided as a matter of principle. The credibility of a standard is to be assessed by means of the "systemic requirements".

The aforementioned systemic requirements have to be fulfilled within the framework of a recognition for criterion ENV 1.3. In the recognition of standards for criteria ENV 1.2 and TEC 1.6, the proof of the requirements can formulate other requirements in some partial aspects on the basis of the standard. Within the framework of the recognition, deviations to the aforementioned systemic requirements can be accepted.

It is important to us that the standard-awarding organisation ensures that requirements are adhered to in the following areas with the aid of procedures and processes:

The standard clearly and explicitly conveys the objectives it promotes. Sponsorship, structure and procedures (basic principles of process and implementation management and establishment of monitoring systems) as well as the composition and operating principles of the decision-making bodies of the standard-awarding organisation are publicly and freely accessible.

Participation in the certification process in accordance with the standard is open to all. In fulfilling the systemic requirements of the standard, the applicant receives a licence/certificate from an independent third party. The awarding criteria of the certification system are based on scientifically and technically substantiated foundations. Awarding criteria, awarding principles, awarding and monitoring procedures are unequivocally and comprehensibly documented and exist in an appropriately prepared form. Information on certification service, complaints system (all levels: System, supply chain, extraction and certification bodies) are documented and visible.

The monitoring of the compliance with the awarding criteria and the awarding of the licence or the certificate is carried out by a qualified independent third party (recognised, accredited certification bodies or national supervisory authorities). Also independent third parties are declared by name. Standard awarders, licensees or certificate holders and independent third parties are legally and economically independent from one another.

The compliance of the awarding criteria is subject to comprehensive and regular monitoring on an individual basis. An unequivocal statement regarding the period of validity and a possible extension of the term of the licence/certificate is disclosed in connection with the awarding of the licence/certificate. Monitoring mechanisms that are required and must be adhered to are publicly and freely accessible. Shortcomings and infringements with regard to the awarding are disclosed and/or sanctioned.

The awarding criteria of the standard are specified on the basis of norms and relate to requirements that are necessary for attaining the objectives of the certification system.

The application of the standard promotes the objectives that it sets out to achieve. The results are recorded with the aid of a monitoring and evaluation process. Insights obtained from this process to improve the system are taken into account in the course of regular revisions to the standard. Results are published and freely accessible. The process for establishing and developing the standard includes open consultations with experts and interested parties.

The standard-awarding organisation can also alternatively provide proof that the "systemic requirements" have been fulfilled on the basis of the application of EN ISO 140024 or DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 or equivalent international foundations.

Content requirements for standards

These are determined in a criteria-specific fashion and relate to the fulfilment of requirements in certain DGNB criteria as part of the DGNB certification system of the respectively valid version.

CONTACT