The BMVBS has drawn up guidelines for a procedure for the public recognition of certification systems, aiming to bring more transparency to the competitive area of building certification. For the occupancy profile ‘New Office and Administration Buildings’, the DGNB system has now been recognised as an “appropriate system for evaluating sustainable building”, and has been recommended as good practice in planning and building.
The bar has been set high. As the recognition procedure makes clear, a certification system consists of much more than just a list of criteria for sustainable building. Extensive documentation is required for the evaluation process, including an assessment matrix and other accounting tools for the auditor. Furthermore, a comprehensive organisational structure must lie behind the certification system: the auditors’ training alone, for example, must involve regular courses, licensing and testing procedures, continuous development and updating of the curriculum, and much more. The certification procedure must also be transparent and clearly regulated, and be organised with the backing of a recognized certification body. The Ministry additionally attaches great importance to quality assurance – a key area in which the DGNB System excels.
Further information
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen
German Sustainable Building Council
Kronprinzstraße 11
D-70173 Stuttgart
Tel.: +49 (0)711 72 23 22-0
Fax: +49 (0)711 72 23 22-99
Mail: info@dgnb.de
www.dgnb.de
