What is sustainable building?
The principles and objectives of sustainable building are based on the three classic dimensions of sustainability: ecology, economy and socioculture, which are equally important. Protected goods and objectives have been defined for each area and criteria have been established to determine and evaluate the realisation and achievement of the objectives. The basis for the sustainable planning, construction and operation of buildings is the consideration of the entire life cycle, which is made up of the planning, construction, use and maintenance, modernisation, demolition, disposal and recycling phases.
Sustainable building at the national level
The Guideline for Sustainable Building (German: Leitfaden Nachhaltiges Bauen), which has been a tool for the sustainable planning, construction, utilisation and operation of buildings for many years, is binding for implementation in federal construction. It describes the principles and methods and provides specific instructions for action. However, the objectives formulated therein do not only apply to federal construction. Numerous federal states have introduced the associated Assessment System for Sustainable Building. Local authorities also apply the system to their construction projects.
The Assessment System for Sustainable Building (BNB) was developed to assess the implementation of sustainability requirements at the national level.
Further information can be found in the Sustainable Building information portal.