Certifications
Green Building certification processes run in several stages. The documentation required to be compiled and submitted by the accredited auditor. You can achieve with an auditor, whose consulting services are becoming more broad- above-average success. The Green Building Label of a building documents publicly that the sustainability criteria have been met. In addition, a certified building is of high quality and brings the high quality requirements of the client to express. Standards facilitate marketing and reduce over many decades, the management costs. And in addition they make a socially relevant contribution to the future. We offer consulting and certification “DGNB”, “BREEAM”, “HCH” and “LEED” standards from the beginning and we also support you in planning or execution.
DGNB Certification
The DGNB label is a joint development of the German Sustainable Building Council e.V. and the German Federal Ministry for Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS). It allows the holistic rating of a building on a scientific basis. There are separate marks for six different fields; the overall rating of the building is expressed in a single label. As an evidence with publicity effect, the certified buildings obtain a Gold, Silber or Bronze label - depending on the overall sustainable quality.
The rating system evaluates the qualities of a building in six different fields:
- Ecology
- Economy
- Social and functional aspects
- Technique
- Processes
- Location
The DGNB certifications are available for the following types of building:
Existing building
- office and administration
- retail buildings
- industrial constructions
- housing construction
Newly constructed building
- educational facilities
- office and administration buildings
- office and administrative buildings with modernization
- retail buildings
- hotel buildings
- industrial buildings
- health care buildings
- laboratory building
- tenant improvements
- variable in use
- residential buildings (more than 6 units)
- small residential buildings (up to 6 units)
- places of assembly
Quarters
- urban areas
- industrial sites
- commercial quarter
We offer comprehensive consulting and certification to DGNB standards from the beginning. The “ifes” advises the client and investor on the way to certification in all aspects of sustainable construction. We formulate common goals for the planned building and apply at the DGNB. During the planning and construction process we monitor and document the requirements. After completion of the object we are submitting the documents to the DGNB. If all criteria are met, the DGNB assigns the label officially and permanently. The sustainability of the building is immediately communicated.
The certification process occurs in different stages:
- commission of the auditor
- project registration: The auditorapplies to the DGNB and defines the target values
- awarded with a preliminary certificate (not mandatory)
- planning and construction-related documentation of the project
- conformance testing: The auditor prepares the required documents and submits them to the DGNB
- certificate ceremony: The client receives the certificate and the certificates of the DGNB
BREEAM-Certification
BREEAM is the most widely used assessment and certification system for sustainable buildings. It was introduced in 1990 by the BRE (Building Research Establishment). Since then, over 200,000 buildings were successfully certified. BREEAM stands for "Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method ". Points will be awarded in nine categories, which are grouped according to their weighting to a final result. There are regional and building specific assessment systems, in which the evaluable aspects can be different in each case.
The recommended process procedure includes the certification in the construction phases:
- Design Stage - Pre-Certificate
- Post-Construction Stage - final certificate
We are licensed for all types of buildings except the UK and offer the certification according to BREEAM standards and comprehensive advice from the beginning. The “ifes” advises clients and investors on the way to certification in all aspects of sustainable construction. Together, we formulate the objectives for the planned building and perform an assessment. Hereby we show the client and the project`s team, the opportunities and potential risks of the project.
During the planning and construction process, we monitor and document certification requirements. We examine the project`s documents and submit the registration to the BRE. Furthermore, we review the requirements of the BREEAM criteria and match them, if necessary, with the national regulations and standards. In the course of this work a series of evidence has to be provided about energy requirements, ventilation effectiveness, daylight utilization and thermal comfort. We also like to provide you these simulations and evidences.
After the object`s completion, we review the evidence and documentation again and submit it with our report to the BRE Certification Authority. This affiliate awards the certificate with the level attained. The sustainability of the building is immediately and officially communicable.
LEED-Certification
The LEED certification allows the comprehensive evaluation of buildings on a scientific basis. It was developed by the non-profitable society USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). Individual systems exist for different market segments. Consequently, the aspects to be evaluated are different in each case. The entire LEED certification is based on the American standards in accordance with ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air - Conditioning Engineers, Inc.).
LEED certification for commercial buildings and residential construction are possible for the following market sectors:
- new construction
- existing buildings
- professional development
- shell construction projects
- property development
- privately owned homes
We offer comprehensive consulting and certification according to LEED standards from the beginning. The “ifes” advises the client and investor on the way to certification in all aspects of sustainable construction. We formulate common goals for the planned building and carry out the assessment, which shows the client and the project team opportunities and potential risks of the project.
During the planning and construction process, we monitor and document certification requirements. We review the project documents and forward the registration at the USGBC. We examine the energy requirements, the ventilation efficiency and thermal comfort in accordance with applicable ASHRAE standards. In the course of this work, simulations are often necessary, which we can perform for you.
After completion of the object we are submitting the evidence and documentation to the certification authority. The final decision by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) regarding the certification is imminent. Then the label is officially and permanently, and the sustainability of the building is communicable.