A well-designed building is more sustainable because the users will take better care of it. But superior design can be difficult to certify. To remedy this, DGNB has developed a special distinction called DGNB Diamond.
The CEO of DGNB, Dr. Christine Lemaitre, explains how DGNB Diamond celebrates exceptional aesthetics and architectural quality in a building.
DGNB certifications have become increasingly popular as building owners have discovered the value of being able to document the sustainability and quality of their buildings. But while a DGNB certification has specific criteria for factors like air quality, material sourcing and life cycle costs, some things are harder to quantify.
– Architects are generally excited about the holistic aspects of DGNB. As we have certified more use types, we began to get feedback about a lack of focus on architectural quality in the certifications. So, we enlisted a board of architects to help develop a way to rate and certify good architecture. The result is DGNB Diamond, says Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO of DGNB e.V.
DGNB Diamond is an add-on distinction used in connection with a DGNB certification but not as part of the certification itself. The evaluation which determines if a building can earn a DGNB Diamond always takes the completed building into consideration and is only obtainable if the building has already achieved a good DGNB rating.
It is not a beauty award, but rather a recognition of the fundamental virtues that all architects are trained in, Christine Lemaitre explains:
– For the DGNB Diamond, we use a mechanism similar to a competition. A panel of least three professional architects evaluate the building based on considerations that are part of good architecture. They look at factors like functionality, choice of materials, proportions, and context with the surroundings. Based on the combined evaluation, the panel recommends whether to award the DGNB Diamond or not.
So far, nine buildings in total have achieved the DGNB Diamond – seven in Germany and two in Denmark. It is mostly office buildings, but also a congress center and a multi-resident building. All the buildings have had a very intense design phase and a good knowledge of the use and users. This highlights that exceptional architecture is most likely to happen if the architect has sufficient input to make the right decisions.
– DGNB Diamond is intended as a tool for investors and project developers and a way to reach stakeholder groups that have not previously been part of the conversation. We hope that it helps make it clear that discussions about good architecture is not just for architects, says Christine Lemaitre.
One of the projects, which has earned a DGNB Diamond is the Danish School ‘Skolen på Duevej. The school attained a DGNB gold certification for a new extension, which was designed with a strong holistic focus and an emphasis on interaction with the surroundings. The old part of the building is heritage-listed and sustainability is reflected in an integrated rainwater solution, well insulated load-bearing exterior walls, natural ventilation and Troldtekt acoustic panels to ensure good acoustics in all rooms.
PHOTO:
Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO of DGNB.
Innovation must ensure that architecture is constantly evolving – functionally and aesthetically. Most people spend 80-90 per cent of their time indoors, and when function and design complement one another, it can make a big difference to people’s daily lives and well-being.
For this very reason, aesthetics and design are weighted in several of the leading sustainable building certification schemes. You can read more about this on this theme page, where architects talk about their innovative approach to design.
