Label natureplus

Our evaluation

After checking the label according to the requirements of the DGNB, we come to the following conclusion:

The natureplus label is recognised according to the DGNB System Version 2018 - New Construction and Interiors - within the scope of certification as follows:

• for criterion ENV1.2 Risks to the local environment as evidence of compliance with the emission requirements according to the table below.
• for criterion ENV1.3 Responsible resource extraction according to the table below.
  • in quality level 1.2:
    Recognition is granted for all natureplus product groups on the basis of the following natureplus certification guidelines:
    • Award Guideline 0000, Basic Criteria
    • Basic guideline 5002, Wood extraction and origin of wood
    • Guideline 5003, Nature Conservation in the Extraction of Mineral Resources
    • Guideline 5004 Social responsibility
  • in quality level 2.2.:
    Recognition is granted for all product groups that demonstrably contain a proven proportion of secondary raw materials (in % by mass).
• for criterion TEC1.6 Dismantling and recycling friendliness in indicator 1  Recycling-friendly choice of building materials
  Recognition is granted for the following product groups on the basis of the respective award guidelines
  • in quality level 1:
    • Cellulose insulation boards according to award guideline 0106
    • Blown-in and loose-fill insulating materials made of wood chips and shavings according to award guideline 0108
    • Wood fibre insulation boards according to award guideline 0201
  • in quality level 2:
    • Prefabricated timber construction elements in accordance with the 2001 Award Guidelines

Justification

The natureplus label makes an important contribution to the production of ecological building products. It sets ecological and social requirements that go far beyond the legal regulations. The products awarded the label are considered from an ecological perspective over their entire life cycle - from raw material extraction to disposal. The analysis of the product life cycle includes consideration of environmentally compatible resource extraction, social responsibility and possible recycling of raw materials. In addition, product-specific laboratory tests are carried out, e.g. for VOC and formaldehyde emissions, heavy metals, biocides and pollutants.

The criteria for awarding the label are available to everyone and are continuously adapted to new findings and standards with the participation of the interested public. The award procedure is clear and transparent. Compliance with the award criteria is verified by regular and comprehensive checks in the form of follow-up inspections, laboratory tests, audits and repeat tests. The testing laboratories must have the appropriate accreditation. The mark is awarded for a limited period of time and is only extended after renewed verification of compliance with the award criteria. The period of validity for the use of the label is generally three years.
The natureplus eco-label is based on the requirements of ISO 14024 and ISO 65 (EN 45011); standard for certification bodies. Accreditation in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 is being sought and promoted by natureplus.

If a label owner fails to comply with the award criteria of the label, he must remedy the deficiencies, otherwise sanctions up to and including withdrawal of the label may be imposed.

Ecological and social aspects for which the fulfilment of the requirements of the DGNB can only be partially guaranteed by the label natureplus are

Ecological requirements:

1.3 Seed treatment

4.1 Land use

5.1 Land degradation

6.1 Preservation of the water cycle

Social requirements:

2.2 Adequate housing conditions for employees

2.3 Sufficient medical care

6.3 Improving the local infrastructure

6.4 Consent of the resident community

Development potentials arise in particular in the incomplete consideration of the supply chain in the area of points 4.1, 5.1 & 6.1 of the ecological requirements and points 2.2, 2.3, 6.3 & 6.4 of the social requirements.

The recognition of the natureplus label is based on the evidence provided by the label provider. The basis for recognition is the criteria ENV1.3 Responsible resource extraction and ENV1.2 Risks to the local environment in the 2018 version.

The DGNB label recognition is currently limited with regard to the criterion ENV1.2 - Risks to the local environment to the emission verification of lines 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 20, 23, 47a, 48 - of the Certification Scheme New Construction and Interiors, Version 2018 - Criteria Matrix (Annex 1) and lines 1 and 2 Interiors, Version 2018 - Criteria Matrix (Annex 2).

Validity

The recognition applies to natureplus certified products and is valid for one year from the release of this test report, i.e. until 4 April 2024. Thereafter, the classifications will be adjusted or reviewed by the DGNB on the basis of confirmations or subsequent submissions from natureplus.