The DGNB Certification System for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces
Applicable to projects with existing building stock and new developments
In addition to engaging in activities that help promote sustainability and climate action, one of the most important challenges of our time is the conservation of biodiversity. Biodiversity loss is not only a threat to food security, it’s also a threat to plant life and the stability of ecosystems, both of which play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of anthropogenic (i.e. human-induced) climate change.
For too long, those that shape the environment we build around ourselves have done too little to promote the biodiversity of exterior spaces. Insufficient priority has been given to preventing species extinction – with no meaningful acknowledgement of the impact of our actions. Yet there are so many ways for the construction sector to make a positive difference.
This has led the DGNB to enter into a close partnership with the Lake Constance Foundation. Together, a certification system has been developed as part of project UBi, which focuses on the impact of construction and buildings on biodiversity.
The DGNB System for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces helps companies, municipalities and the developers of districts to plan and preserve areas of developed land, façades and roofs in such a way that they support the conservation of species and ecosystem diversity.
Properties or developments that gain DGNB Certification for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces are eligible for preferential funding terms. The KfW Environmental Programme (ref. 240 & 241) supports the implementation of measures that promote environmental protection and resource efficiency. In addition, KfW‘s Natural Climate Action in Municipalities Programme (ref. 444) promotes biodiversity and the development of green spaces in residential areas.
The DGNB System for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces covers all kinds of activities relating to the creation, maintenance, conversion or upkeep of exterior spaces. As well as considering outdoor facilities areas within a plot of land or district, it also assesses the exteriors of buildings (roofs and façades).
CRITERIA AND WEIGHTING
Assessment is based on nine criteria, each assigned to one of three subject areas: environmental quality, economic quality, and socio-cultural and functional quality. Scores for each criterion are weighted differently to go towards the certification result.
Environmental quality 70%
Habitats (ENV1-A - 20%)
Vegetation (ENV2-A - 20%)
Contextual integration (ENV3-A - 7,5%)
Water (ENV4-A - 10%)
Land use (ENV5-A - 7,5%)
Materials (ENV6-A - 5%)
Economic quality 10%
Socio-cultural and functional quality 20%
Participation and knowledge sharing (SOC1-A - 10%)
Costs and values (ECO1-A - 10 %)
Quality of space and design for all (SOC2-A - 10%)
Ensuring exterior spaces are demonstrably sustainable allows you to ...
create livable environments positively influence on-site biodiversity
mitigate the impacts of climate change
protect the soil
support future European and national targets relating to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity
THE BENEFITS OF DGNB CERTIFICATION FOR BIODIVERSITY-PROMOTING EXTERIOR SPACES
Climate change adaptation
Protection of natural resources – for generations to come
make it easier to identify with places and share a sense of belonging
Positive positioning regarding the future of biodiversity as a topic of corporate sustainability communicationn
Reduced investment risks
Preparation for upcoming regulations
Use of the DGNB Certificate as evidence in meeting reporting obligations
Eligibility for subsidies, e.g. under the KfW Environmental Programme
Start making a difference today and position yourself as a pioneer in this area. How? By submitting a project you’re involved in for the pilot phase of the DGNB System for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces. Projects eligible for certification may be on or around existing developments or newly created exterior spaces.
Need to know more about DGNB Certification for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces? For a free download of our criteria catalogue, information on how the certification process works, or details of project registration and certification fees, simply go online and visit our website: www.dgnb.de/certification/biodiversity
Interested in supporting biodiversity conservation in the construction industry? Like to learn more about this topic? The DGNB Academy, which is the training and further education arm of the DGNB, offers a comprehensive programme of seminars throughout the year. These include individually bookable seminars on topics such as ‘Biodiversity and People’. For more information, go to https://www.dgnb.de/seminar-programme
The DGNB Academy is also developing a fast-track fundamentals course on biodiversity basics and the thinking and logic behind certification. This training will also include an on-demand module on submitting projects and the certification process itself. After successful completion of training, participants will be eligible to accompany the DGNB Certification for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces. More information will be available soon on our DGNB Academy website: www.dgnb.de/academy
The services offered by the German Sustainable Building Council, or DGNB, are based on the results of voluntary panel work conducted by the DGNB Association. As an independent non-profit organisation, the DGNB currently has more than 2,500 members, representing stakeholders involved in all stages of the building and property industry value chain. Alongside and supported by our members, our aim is to champion the ambition of enhancing and establishing the principles of independence, state-of-the-art thinking and continuous quality assurance.
DGNB Certification for the planning, construction and operation of sustainable buildings and districts pulls together know-how from all areas of expertise in the construction industry and as such, is subject to continual development. As an independent assessment instrument, it is valued and made use of worldwide.
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