Lecture 14 Flashcards
Area of Focus for the Oral Examination
1
Q
Difference between Indicator and Indices
A
Indicator: Something that represents a particular attribute, characteristic of property of a system. Is a measurable part of a system.
Ex: Descriptive, Performance, Efficiency, Policy, Total Welfare
Index: is a compound indicator that combines several lower-level indicators.
Ex: Human Development Index (HDI)
Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI)
Gross National Happiness (GNH)
2
Q
What do the indicators measure?
A
Descriptive: What’s happening?
Performance: Does is matter? Are we reaching targets?
Efficiency: Are we improving?
Policy: Are the measures working?
Total welfare: Are, on the whole, better off?
3
Q
Ex. Descriptive indicator
A
Air quality values
4
Q
Ex. Performance indicator
A
Ecological and chemical status of EU water bodies under the Water Network Directive
5
Q
Ex. Efficiency indicator
A
GHG emissions per unit of GDP
6
Q
Ex. Policy Efectiveness
A
Production and consumption of Ozone-depleting substances
7
Q
DPSIR Indicator Framework Explanation
A
The DPSIR framework (Driving forces, Pressures, State, Impacts, Responses) is a causal model developed by the European Environment Agency (EEA) to describe the interactions between society and the environment.
It provides a structured way to analyze environmental problems and develop effective policies. The framework evolved from the OECD’s PSR model (Pressure-State-Response).
8
Q
What is “Driving Forces” (D):
A
These are the social, demographic, and economic developments in societies that drive environmental change. Examples include industrial growth, population increase, and urbanization.
9
Q
What is “Pressures” (P):
A
These are the direct effects of driving forces on the environment, such as pollution, land-use changes, and resource extraction.
10
Q
What is “State” (S):
A
This represents the current condition of the environment, including aspects like air and water quality, biodiversity, and soil health.
11
Q
What is “Impacts” (I):
A
These are the consequences of environmental changes on ecosystems, human health, and the economy. For example, climate change impacts, health issues from pollution, and reduced agricultural productivity.
12
Q
What is “Responses” (R):
A
These are societal actions taken to address environmental issues, including policies, regulations, and initiatives aimed at reducing pressures or restoring environmental conditions.
13
Q
What does ‘Driving Forces’ in the DPSIR framework refer to?
A
Social, demographic, and economic developments that drive environmental change.
14
Q
How does the DPSIR framework assist in environmental policymaking?
A
By providing a structured way to link societal actions with environmental changes and impacts, guiding effective decision-making.
15
Q
Give an example of a ‘Response’ in the DPSIR framework.
A
Implementing stricter emissions regulations to reduce air pollution.
16
Q
What is the difference between ‘Driving Forces’ and ‘Pressures’ in the DPSIR model?
A
Driving Forces are underlying societal trends (e.g., economic growth), while Pressures are the direct environmental consequences (e.g., CO₂ emissions).
17
Q
How do ‘Impacts’ influence ‘Responses’ in the DPSIR framework?
A
Negative impacts, such as health problems from pollution, often trigger policy responses to mitigate or prevent further damage.
18
Q
Pillars of Sustainability and Their Interconnections
A
The three pillars of sustainability—Economic Development, Environmental Protection, and Social Development—do not function in isolation. Their interconnections are critical for achieving true sustainability. The intersections between these pillars represent areas where goals overlap and can complement or conflict with each other.
- Socio-Environmental
- Environmental-Economic
- Socio-Economic
19
Q
Socio-Environmental Intersection (People & Planet)
A
Ensuring environmental justice, equitable access to natural resources, and community engagement in environmental decision-making.
Example:
Environmental Justice: Ensuring marginalized communities are not disproportionately affected by pollution or environmental degradation.
20
Q
Environmental-Economic Intersection (Planet & Profit)
A
Developing economic activities that do not harm, and ideally enhance, environmental health.
Examples:
Green Technologies: Investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Circular Economy: Encouraging reuse, recycling, and sustainable production to minimize waste.
21
Q
Socio-Economic Intersection (People & Profit)
A
Creating economic systems that reduce inequality, promote fair labor, and improve living standards.
Examples:
Fair Trade Practices: Ensuring producers in developing countries receive fair wages and work in good conditions.
Inclusive Growth: Policies that ensure economic benefits are distributed across all social groups.
22
Q
Why is it difficult to balance all three pillars of sustainability?
A
Actions that benefit one pillar (e.g., economic growth) may conflict with the goals of another (e.g., environmental protection).
23
Q
What role does the circular economy play in sustainability?
A
It minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency, supporting both economic and environmental goals.
24
Q
What is the difference between goals and targets in sustainability?
A
Goals are broad, high-level objectives, while targets are specific, measurable actions to achieve those goals.
Example:
Goal: Ensure access to clean water (SDG 6); Target: Achieve universal access to safe drinking water by 2030.
25
What is the purpose of setting targets in sustainable development?
To provide clear, actionable steps towards achieving broader sustainability goals.
26
Why are measurable targets essential in sustainability?
They allow progress tracking, policy evaluation, and accountability.
27
How do sustainability goals guide policy-making?
They provide a framework for aligning national, corporate, and personal actions with long-term sustainability objectives.
28
What makes a target effective in sustainability planning?
It should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
29
What are examples of global sustainability goals?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending poverty (SDG 1), achieving gender equality (SDG 5), and climate action (SDG 13).
30
Give an example of a national sustainability target.
Germany’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
31
How do corporate sustainability goals align with global goals?
Companies set targets for reducing carbon footprints, adopting renewable energy, and ensuring fair labor practices in line with SDGs.
32
What were the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?
Eight international development goals set by the UN for 2000-2015, focusing on poverty reduction, education, gender equality, and health.
33
How are the SDGs different from the MDGs?
The SDGs are broader, covering 17 goals with 169 targets, addressing environmental, economic, and social dimensions for all countries, not just developing ones.
34
When were the SDGs adopted and what is their timeline?
Adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
35
Why were the SDGs introduced after the MDGs?
To address the limitations of MDGs, include environmental sustainability more explicitly, and ensure inclusivity across all nations.
36
What role did the MDGs play in the global sustainability agenda?
They focused international efforts on key development challenges, such as poverty reduction and health, and laid the groundwork for more comprehensive sustainability goals.
37
How successful were the MDGs in achieving their targets?
The MDGs achieved significant progress in reducing extreme poverty and improving health and education but were criticized for uneven progress and lack of environmental focus.
38
Why did the UN develop frameworks like the MDGs and SDGs?
To create a global roadmap for tackling development challenges, promote cooperation among nations, and establish measurable targets for accountability.
39
How do global frameworks like the SDGs promote sustainability?
By providing universal goals that guide national policies, corporate strategies, and personal actions towards sustainable development.
40
What is the significance of having a unified global framework like the SDGs?
It ensures coordinated efforts across countries, encourages resource sharing, and fosters international partnerships for achieving sustainability.
41
What sustainability goal addresses clean water?
Goal: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6).
Target: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.
42
What is an environmental sustainability goal related to climate?
Goal: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (SDG 13).
Target: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards in all countries by 2030.
43
What is an example of a global sustainability goal related to poverty?
Goal: End poverty in all its forms everywhere (SDG 1).
Target: Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030.
44
What is an Index:
An index is a composite indicator that combines several individual indicators into a single numerical value, offering a broader, multi-dimensional assessment of sustainability.
45
Examples of Indices Used for Measuring Sustainability.
* Gross National Happiness (GNH)
* Human Development Index (HDI)
* The Happy Planet Index (HPI)
* Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
* Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI)
46
How does an indicator differ from an index?
Indicators measure specific, individual aspects of a system (e.g., CO₂ emissions), while indices aggregate multiple indicators to provide an overall assessment (e.g., Human Development Index).
47
Why are indices important in sustainability measurement?
Indices simplify complex data by combining multiple indicators, making it easier to compare sustainability performance across countries, regions, or time periods.
48
What is an example of an environmental indicator?
CO₂ emissions per capita: This indicator measures the average carbon dioxide emissions produced per person in a specific region or country.
49
What is an example of an economic indicator?
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate: This indicator measures the rate at which a country's economy is growing.
50
What is an example of a sustainability index?
Human Development Index (HDI): Combines indicators like life expectancy, education level, and income per capita to assess human development.
51
What is the Environmental Performance Index (EPI)?
A composite index that ranks countries based on environmental health, ecosystem vitality, and climate policies.
Using 58 performance indicators, across 11 issue categories, the EPI ranks 180 countries on climate change performance, environmental health, and ecosystem vitality.
52
What is the Happy Planet Index (HPI)?
An index that measures sustainable well-being by combining life satisfaction, life expectancy, inequality, and ecological footprint.
53
How is an individual indicator constructed?
By selecting a specific measurable attribute (e.g., air quality index measured by PM2.5 levels) and collecting data to monitor changes over time.
54
How is a composite index constructed?
By selecting relevant indicators, normalizing the data, assigning weights based on importance, and aggregating them into a single score (e.g., HDI combines life expectancy, education, and income).
55
What is an example of an indicator used to construct an index?
Life expectancy is an indicator used in the Human Development Index (HDI).
56
Why is normalization important in building an index?
It ensures that different indicators, which may have varying units or scales, are standardized for accurate comparison and aggregation.
57
What role do weights play in index construction?
Weights determine the relative importance of each indicator within an index, influencing the final composite score.
58
Why might policymakers prefer indices over individual indicators?
Indices provide a holistic view of sustainability, summarizing multiple dimensions into a single, easy-to-understand score, which aids in communication and decision-making.
59
How are indicators used in sustainability policy-making?
Indicators provide specific data points that help assess the effectiveness of policies and track progress towards sustainability goals.
60
Sustainable development gooals
* Formulated 17 goals
* Goals are specified through respective targets (169 targets)
* 232 unique (244 in total) indicators for measuring the progress of achieving targets
21
61
Levels of Sustainability Goals
* Personal: e.g. food waste reduction, energy and water saving, dietary changes, green investment, green transportation, etc.
* Corporate (i.e. enterprise or company): e.g. aligning actions with municipal, national and international sustainability policies, pollution prevention, resource conservation, encouraging employees to take up green commutes, renewable energy investment, gender parity in senior management positions, etc.
* Municipal: e.g. climate action, protection of cultural heritage, citizen-led engagement, etc.
* National: e.g. human well-being and social justice, climate action and energy transition, circular economy transition, transition to sustainable agricultural and food systems, etc.
* International: e.g. EU’s sustainability policies, UN’s SDGs, etc.
62
What is the SDG pyrimid (planet, people, prosperity)?
The SDG are often conceptualized in a pyramid structure that categorizes the goals into three interconnected layers: Planet, People, and Prosperity.
This pyramid illustrates how environmental, social, and economic goals are interdependent and must be addressed together to achieve sustainable development.
- Planet (Environmental Sustainability)
- People (Social Sustainability)
- Prosperity (Economic Sustainability)
63
Planet (Environmental Sustainability) - Biosphere: bottom part
The foundation of the SDG pyramid is Planet, emphasizing that environmental sustainability is crucial for supporting human life and economic prosperity. Without a healthy planet, other development efforts cannot be sustained.
Key SDGs in the Planet Layer:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 15: Life on Land
Focus:
Protecting natural resources, combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable management of ecosystems.
64
People (Social Sustainability) - Societal: Middle part
The middle layer focuses on People, ensuring that all individuals have access to basic needs, rights, and opportunities to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Key SDGs in the People Layer:
SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Focus:
Addressing poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, and social justice to ensure inclusive and equitable development.
65
Prosperity (Economic Sustainability) - Economy: upper part
At the top of the pyramid is Prosperity, focusing on economic growth that benefits all while remaining within the planet's ecological limits.
Key SDGs in the Prosperity Layer:
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Focus:
Promoting innovation, sustainable industrialization, job creation, and equitable economic growth.
66
Integration Across the Pyramid - SDG
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) is often seen as cross-cutting goals that support all three layers by fostering good governance and international cooperation.
67
What are Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS)?
VSS are non-mandatory guidelines and certifications that promote sustainable practices in production, processing, and trade, focusing on environmental, social, and economic criteria.
68
Why are VSS considered voluntary?
Because their adoption is not required by law; companies and producers choose to comply with them to demonstrate commitment to sustainability.
69
What are the primary functions of Voluntary Sustainability Standards?
They promote sustainable practices, ensure transparency in production, improve product quality, and provide a framework for monitoring and evaluation.
70
How do VSS serve a marketing function?
By differentiating products in the market, enhancing brand reputation, and attracting consumers who prefer sustainable and ethically produced goods.
71
How do VSS contribute to supply chain management?
They ensure that sustainability practices are maintained throughout the supply chain, from production to final sale.
72
What are the benefits of VSS for producers?
Access to premium markets, improved production practices, potential price premiums, and better working conditions.
73
How do consumers benefit from VSS?
They gain confidence in the ethical and sustainable origin of products, leading to informed and responsible purchasing decisions.
74
What are the benefits of VSS for businesses?
Enhanced brand image, access to new markets, reduced risks related to environmental or social issues, and alignment with global sustainability goals.
75
What are the main challenges faced by producers in adopting VSS?
High costs of certification, complex compliance requirements, and potential exclusion of small-scale producers due to resource constraints.
76
What challenges do consumers face with VSS?
Difficulty in understanding different standards and potential greenwashing, where companies falsely claim to meet sustainability criteria.
77
How can VSS pose challenges for businesses?
Increased operational costs, potential supply chain disruptions, and the complexity of managing multiple certification systems.
78
What is the relationship between VSS and compulsory legal standards?
VSS often complement legal standards by setting higher or more specific sustainability criteria, while legal standards provide the mandatory baseline.
79
What is co-regulation in the context of VSS?
A regulatory approach where voluntary standards and legal regulations work together, with governments recognizing or integrating VSS into legal frameworks.
80
What are examples of co-regulation forms involving VSS?
Public-private partnerships, government-endorsed certification schemes, and legal incentives for adopting voluntary standards.
81
What are the main components of a VSS system?
Standard-setting bodies, certification processes, accreditation organizations, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and claims/labels for consumer communication.
82
Why is transparency a key component of VSS systems?
It ensures credibility, allowing stakeholders to trust that sustainability claims are verifiable and standards are consistently applied.
83
What is certification in the context of VSS?
The process by which a product, process, or service is evaluated and verified to meet the specific criteria of a sustainability standard.
84
What is accreditation in a VSS system?
Formal recognition that a certification body is competent to perform evaluations according to specific standards, ensuring the integrity of the certification process.
85
What is the difference between certification and accreditation?
Certification assesses compliance with a standard, while accreditation ensures the certifier itself meets quality and competency requirements.
86
What are claims in the context of VSS?
Statements made by companies or products that indicate compliance with specific sustainability standards (e.g., "organic," "fair trade").
87
What role do labels play in VSS?
Labels visually communicate a product’s compliance with sustainability standards to consumers, aiding in purchasing decisions.
88
Why are claims and labels important in sustainability marketing?
They enhance product visibility, build consumer trust, and create competitive advantages by highlighting ethical and sustainable attributes.
89
What is the risk associated with sustainability claims and labels?
Greenwashing, where misleading or false claims give the impression of sustainability without substantive practices behind them.
90
What is a traceability system in sustainability?
A traceability system tracks the movement of products through the entire supply chain, from production to the final consumer, ensuring transparency and accountability.
91
Why are traceability systems important in sustainability?
They help verify the ethical and sustainable origins of products, prevent fraud, and support compliance with environmental and social standards.
92
What does 'chain of custody' mean in traceability systems?
The chain of custody refers to the documented and verifiable path that a product follows through each stage of the supply chain, from raw materials to final sale.
93
Why is tracing the chain of custody important?
It ensures the integrity of sustainability claims by providing proof that products were handled according to specific standards throughout the supply chain.
94
What industries commonly use chain of custody systems?
Forestry (FSC certification), food and agriculture (organic certification), fashion (fair trade textiles), and electronics (conflict-free minerals).
95
How do traceability systems track products from production to final sale?
By using documentation, barcodes, RFID tags, or blockchain technology to monitor products at each stage of the supply chain.
96
What information is typically recorded in a traceability system?
Details about the origin of raw materials, processing methods, transportation routes, and certifications at each stage.
97
What role does technology play in modern traceability systems?
Technologies like blockchain and RFID enhance transparency by securely recording data and allowing real-time tracking of products.
98
How do traceability systems provide proof of a product’s origin?
By maintaining detailed records and documentation at every supply chain stage, ensuring that sustainability claims are verifiable.
99
What is the significance of proof of origin in sustainability?
It builds consumer trust, supports regulatory compliance, and helps prevent greenwashing by validating sustainability claims.
100
How do traceability systems support product labeling?
They ensure that labels like organic, fair trade, or conflict-free are backed by verified supply chain data, confirming the authenticity of claims.
101
What are examples of certifications that require proof of origin through traceability?
Fair Trade Certified, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Rainforest Alliance, and Organic certifications.
102
What are the benefits of traceability systems for businesses?
Increased supply chain transparency, enhanced brand reputation, and improved risk management by identifying issues early.
103
How do consumers benefit from traceability systems?
They gain confidence in the ethical sourcing and sustainability of the products they purchase.
104
What challenges are associated with implementing traceability systems?
High costs, complexity in multi-tiered supply chains, and technological barriers in less developed regions.
105
How can traceability systems reduce the risk of fraud in supply chains?
By ensuring that each transaction and transfer is documented, making it harder to introduce counterfeit or unsustainable products.
106
What are levels of assurance in sustainability certification?
Levels of assurance refer to the degree of independence and objectivity in evaluating compliance with sustainability standards.
107
Why are different levels of assurance important in sustainability?
They help determine the credibility and reliability of sustainability claims, with higher assurance levels offering more impartial verification.
108
What is first-party assurance?
First-party assurance is a self-assessment where an organization evaluates its own compliance with sustainability standards.
109
Who conducts first-party assurance?
The organization or individual producing the product or service conducts the evaluation internally.
110
What are the benefits of first-party assurance?
It is cost-effective, allows for internal monitoring, and promotes continuous improvement within the organization.
111
What are the limitations of first-party assurance?
It may lack objectivity and credibility, as there is no external verification to ensure unbiased results.
112
What is second-party assurance?
Second-party assurance is conducted by a related party, such as a buyer, trade association, or business partner.
113
Who typically performs second-party assurance?
Purchasers or trade associations that have a vested interest in the product or service but are not entirely independent.
114
What are the advantages of second-party assurance?
It offers more objectivity than self-assessment and helps strengthen business relationships through verified compliance.
115
What is a limitation of second-party assurance?
Potential conflicts of interest since the evaluating party has a stake in the outcome.
116
What is third-party assurance?
Third-party assurance involves an independent organization, such as a certification body, verifying compliance with sustainability standards.
117
Who conducts third-party assurance?
An independent certification body with no direct relationship to the producer or buyer.
118
Why is third-party assurance considered the most credible?
Because it provides unbiased, objective verification, ensuring that sustainability claims are trustworthy.
119
What are examples of third-party certification bodies?
Fair Trade International, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Rainforest Alliance, and ISO certification bodies.
120
What are the disadvantages of third-party assurance?
It can be costly and time-consuming, especially for small-scale producers.
121
What is a combination assurance system?
(Group certification)
A system that uses a mix of first, second, and third-party assessments to verify sustainability, often seen in group certification.
122
What is group certification?
A certification approach where multiple producers, such as small farmers, are certified under a single umbrella, combining self-assessment and third-party verification.
123
Why are combination assurance systems useful?
They balance cost efficiency with credibility, making certification more accessible to small producers while ensuring external validation.
124
What industries commonly use group certification?
Agriculture (e.g., coffee cooperatives), forestry, and textiles.
125
Core Issues - Environmental
*Ecosystem integrity (ecosystem health and self regulation)
* Biodiversity
* Water
* Waste
* Energy
* GHG / Carbon emissions
* Chemicals
* Soil
126
Core Issues - Social
Labour rights (health and safety):
* Forced labour
* Child labour
* Minimum age
* No discrimination and equal remuneration
* Freedom of association
* Collective bargaining
* Occupational health and safety
Societal Rights (Building on UN Basic Human Rights):
* Access to medical care
* Housing
* Education
* Community benefits
* Local hiring and purchasing
* Land rights
* Food security
* Minority and indigenous rights
127
What does DGNB stand for?
DGNB stands for the German Sustainable Building Council (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen).
128
What is the DGNB certification system?
It is a comprehensive framework for evaluating and certifying the sustainability of buildings and urban districts, focusing on ecological, economic, and sociocultural factors.
129
What makes the DGNB certification unique?
DGNB takes a holistic approach by assessing the entire building lifecycle and emphasizing performance outcomes over prescriptive measures.
130
What are the main categories of DGNB quality criteria?
Ecological Quality, Economic Quality, Sociocultural and Functional Quality, Technical Quality, Process Quality, and Site Quality.
131
What does ecological quality assess in DGNB certification?
The building’s environmental impact, focusing on resource efficiency, emissions reduction, and biodiversity preservation.
132
Give an example of an ecological quality criterion in DGNB.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the carbon footprint and resource use throughout the building’s lifecycle.
133
How does DGNB assess resource efficiency?
By evaluating energy consumption, water usage, and material sustainability during construction and operation.
134
What is assessed under economic quality in DGNB certification?
The cost-effectiveness and value stability of the building over its lifecycle, including operational costs and maintenance efficiency.
135
What is an example of an economic quality criterion in DGNB?
Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to assess the total cost of ownership, including construction, operation, and deconstruction expenses.
136
Why is economic quality important in sustainable buildings?
It ensures that buildings are not only environmentally sustainable but also financially viable over the long term.
137
What does sociocultural and functional quality evaluate in DGNB?
The building’s impact on occupant well-being, comfort, and usability, focusing on factors like indoor air quality and acoustic comfort.
138
Give an example of a sociocultural quality criterion in DGNB.
Thermal comfort and natural lighting to ensure a healthy and pleasant indoor environment for occupants.
139
Why is accessibility included in sociocultural quality?
To ensure the building is inclusive and usable by people of all abilities, promoting universal design principles.
140
What is assessed under technical quality in DGNB certification?
The technical performance of the building, focusing on durability, fire safety, sound insulation, and energy efficiency systems.
141
What is an example of a technical quality criterion in DGNB?
Sound insulation performance to ensure minimal noise pollution within the building.
142
How does DGNB assess energy efficiency in technical quality?
Through evaluations of HVAC systems, renewable energy integration, and building automation technologies.
143
What does process quality refer to in DGNB certification?
The planning, construction, and management processes that influence the sustainability outcomes of the project.
144
Give an example of a process quality criterion in DGNB.
Integrated planning processes that involve all stakeholders from the start to ensure cohesive sustainability strategies.
145
Why is documentation important in process quality?
Thorough documentation ensures that sustainability goals are met at every project phase and allows for transparent evaluation.
146
What is evaluated under site quality in DGNB certification?
The building’s interaction with its surrounding environment, including transport accessibility, ecological impact, and integration into the urban landscape.
147
Give an example of a site quality criterion in DGNB.
Proximity to public transportation to reduce reliance on cars and encourage sustainable commuting options.
148
How does DGNB assess a building’s impact on biodiversity in site quality?
By evaluating land use and measures to protect or restore natural habitats on or near the construction site.
149
What are the benefits of DGNB certification for building owners?
Increased property value, lower operational costs, and improved occupant satisfaction due to sustainable building practices.
150
How does DGNB certification contribute to global sustainability goals?
By promoting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and encouraging sustainable urban development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
