In terms of content, the DGNB System is based on three essential paradigms that set it apart from other certification systems available on the market:

• Life cycle assessment

• Holistic approach

• Performance orientation

Certification consistently considers the entire life cycle of a project and evaluates the overall performance of a project instead of individual measures.

The DGNB System is based on the three central sustainability areas of ecology, economy and socio-cultural quality, which are equally weighted in the assessment. In the sense of a holistic approach, the DGNB System also evaluates the location as well as the technical and process-related quality. The performance in these qualities can be assessed through certification criteria. These are individually adapted to different schemes and can be applied to new buildings, existing buildings, renovations and buildings in use.