Reflections on How DGNB(UD) Certification Standards Effect Design Methods

DGNB is an abbreviation of Deutsche Gesellshaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen, a German sustainability standard and certification system that has operated for a decade and that was appointed as the official Danish system by Green Building Council (GBC) Denmark in 2009. In 2012 GBC Denmark launched a second DGNB standard, now focusing on urban districts.

This certification standard is currently still in the process of being adjusted to Danish standards. DGNB Urban Districts (DGNB(UD)) pleads for using their system as design ‘tool’ or guideline for the very early design stages. This process has not been investigated or described well. In this paper, the effect of DGNB(UD) on design is investigated in a case study using DGNB(UD) as a ‘design tool’.

The effects on the design process is observed and compared to well established methodologies of integrated energy design (IED) and traditional beaux- arts architectural design. The case study addresses the design of an abandoned harbor area to be re-inhabited and to provide new functions.