New DGNB certificate sets standards for outdoor spaces that promote biodiversity

In addition to activities for greater sustainability and climate protection, the preservation of biodiversity is one of the most important tasks of our time. There are many ways to make a positive contribution in the construction sector. For this reason, the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), in close cooperation with the Lake Constance Foundation and with the involvement of numerous experts, has developed a certification system that addresses precisely this issue. The DGNB system for biodiversity-promoting outdoor spaces helps companies, municipalities and neighborhood developers to design and maintain areas on built-up properties, facades and roofs in such a way that they support the preservation of species and ecosystem diversity.

In terms of content, the DGNB system for biodiversity-promoting outdoor spaces is based on nine criteria. These include the creation of diverse habitats and structures as well as measures to promote a native, species-rich selection of plants. On the other hand, the cultivation and spread of invasive species should be avoided. The criterion "connection to the environment" strengthens permeability and connections to the surroundings and encourages dealing with disruptive factors such as lighting or animal traps. Other ecological criteria deal with the water balance, the unsealing of soil and the selection of pollutant-free, circular and climate-friendly materials.

The certification is applicable both for areas in already built environments and for newly developed outdoor spaces. Properties can only be certified if a certain minimum proportion of the outdoor areas are designed to promote biodiversity. For existing projects, this required minimum percentage is 30 percent, for new construction projects it is 40 percent. Areas on building facades and roofs that contribute to biodiversity can also be taken into account. Another difference between newly designed and converted areas relates to the certification logic. In addition to the familiar DGNB certificates in platinum (highest possible rating level), gold and silver, there is also the DGNB certificate in bronze as an entry level for existing projects.