Planning with the Declaration of Sustainability
The Declaration of Sustainability is a core element of the Phase Sustainability initiative of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB e.V.) and the German Federal Chamber of Architects. The Declaration of Sustainability is a guideline for identifying, discussing and anchoring sustainability goals in the project with the client at an early stage. It is a practical tool for all those involved in the construction process to get involved in the topic of sustainability step by step and to provide the client with structured support on sustainability issues.
So far, the guide is available for the following disciplines, which can be downloaded directly and free of charge here (as of now only in German):
Background knowledge
Moving away from statements and towards real action is the credo of the Phase Sustainability initiative. A central idea of the "Phase Sustainability" initiative is that the participating offices commit to prioritising the most important sustainability issues in their discussions with clients. They are supported in this by the "Declaration of Sustainability". The documents are intended to help discuss sustainability issues with the clients at an early stage of the project and, based on this, define a common objective in terms of holistic planning. The contents of the declarations are intended to serve as suggestions and can be incorporated into the formulation of the planner contract
Declaration of Sustainability for Architecture
The first declaration was developed for architects in 2019. It sets out 18 specific options for action in the areas of sufficiency, climate protection, the environment, circular value creation, positive spaces and building culture. In consultation with the architects, building owners should specifically define which sustainability aspects are particularly in focus for their project - as a basis for targeted, binding building planning that takes the most important climate protection and sustainability points into account from the outset.
Declaration of Sustainability for Interior Design
The Declaration of Sustainability for Interior Design comprises six subject areas, each with up to four sustainability goals. The idea is to establish in the early client meetings whether these individual goals are very important, important or less important for the specific project.
As the project progresses, it helps to continuously check whether the jointly defined path is still being adhered to.
"Baukultur" is about design quality, revitalisation, education & character and the creation of sustainable concepts. "Adaptivity" covers emotional quality, customisable use, flexible spaces that can be used 24/7 and modular solutions and structures. Thirdly, "People in space" addresses an integrative room programme, activating and regenerating ergonomics, biophilic design and design & corporate identity. "Room quality" summarises the objectives of surfaces for all the senses & visual comfort, light in context, acoustics and room climate.
"Circular value creation" addresses the utilisation of existing resources, the choice of materials, non-toxic products & separable compounds as well as the goal of making manufacturers and project partners responsible. Finally, with "Climate protection and social responsibility" the aim is to make the project climate-positive over its life cycle.
In addition, there is the use of technology that serves people and the commitment to keep an eye on the origin of partners and products.
Declaration of Sustainability for Structural Design
For structural planning, the declaration addresses aspects such as the lowest possible land consumption or the planning of buildings that are as resilient and developable as possible in the area of "sufficiency". Planning beyond laws and standards to anticipate the future is also encouraged. Flexible options for subsequent use should also be considered. In the area of "climate mitigation and adaptation", the focus is on avoiding CO2 emissions over the life cycle as well as implementing CO2-neutral energy generation in the building. In addition, there is the provision of CO2 sinks and building with regionally available materials.
Under the topic of "environment", the declaration addresses the promotion and safeguarding of biodiversity, the conscious use of water as a resource and the micro and macro climate. The sustainability declaration also aims to motivate circular value creation: through the reuse and further use of resources, the use of pollutant-free materials, resilient construction methods and forward-thinking sustainable operations.
"Moving away from statements and towards real action is the credo of the Phase Sustainability initiative.”
With "Focus on people", the declaration aims to encourage the provision of participation processes, promote acceptance among the groups of people affected, disclose procedures and decision-making processes and take existing infrastructure into account during planning. In addition, there is the topic of "building culture", which includes the creation of timeless, sustainable buildings with a high level of design quality. Building in existing buildings is also encouraged - by avoiding demolition and considering the context in which buildings are constructed.
Declaration of Sustainability for Landscape Architecture
Six topics represent the Declaration on Sustainability for Landscape Architecture. Are requirements such as heat, drought and flooding planned for in advance? And are CO2 sinks, such as natural climate protection with trees, moors, etc., planned for? The topic area "Climate protection and climate adaptation" also addresses the issues of CO2 emissions and the implementation of energy generation in outdoor spaces.
The "Environment" topic area focuses on biodiversity, or more precisely, how biodiversity is ensured and promoted in the project and in the supply chain. The soil balance, the micro- and macroclimate as well as the resource water are essential elements of this topic area.
Taking action
By participating in the initiative, planners, architects and engineers are demonstrating a new kind of solidarity towards the understanding that we can only make the necessary change and our contribution to climate protection together and that we must and want to actively implement this through every project.
Conclusion
The "Phase Sustainability" initiative is free of charge. The participating architecture, planning and engineering firms receive access to supporting work documents, templates and a pool of slides on the topics of the sustainability declaration.
By participating in the initiative, planners, architects and engineers demonstrate a new kind of solidarity towards the understanding that we can only make the necessary change and our contribution to climate protection together and that we must and want to actively implement this through every project.
Further information:
This knowledge was donated by:
Mail: a.braune@dgnb.de
Phone: +49 711 722322-67