In the coalition agreement, the new federal government announced that it would introduce a digital building resource passport without specifying its content in more detail. The German Sustainable Building Council (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen - DGNB e.V.) has now published a proposal on what this should include and put it up for discussion.
The energy certificate has successfully established itself in the building sector in recent years. However, it does not consider CO2 emissions, which are such an important target value for climate protection, and focuses on the use phase of a property. The construction phase and the negative environmental impacts that occur there are left out. This is where the idea of a building resource passport comes in.
The Building Resource Passport is intended to create a basis for a more precise analysis of the use of grey energy and life cycle costs. Another goal is to achieve a circular economy in the building sector as well. "We were pleased with this announcement because it supports precisely the objectives we have been working towards for 15 years," says Dr. Christine Lemaitre, Executive Director of the non-profit organisation DGNB.
The Resource Passport is intended to provide transparent information on resource consumption, climate impact and recyclability for each individual building. The DGNB has oriented the content of the draft now presented to higher-level areas.
The first step is to request general information about the property, such as location, year of construction and type of construction. Furthermore, the total mass of the building is to be recorded, among other things. A major focus of the instrument is on information about the materials used and the use of circular materials. A list of the types of materials used is also required, as is information on the use of critical substances. In addition to construction and demolition waste, the proportion of renewable raw materials and reused or recycled materials is also recorded.
(Photo: © DGNB German Sustainable Building Council)
