DGNB-certification
Technical college receives platinum award
“Very good” for Technikum: German Sustainable Building Council rates it at 80.6%
OTTO FUCHS' newest building received the top rating from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) last year. With a certification result of 80.6%, the platinum award was presented in front of the technical center on October 7, 2022.
The DGNB - German Sustainable Building Council - is a non-profit association that has developed into Europe's largest network for sustainable building since 2007. It stands for sustainability in the built environment and is synonymous with quality and future viability.
It has also set itself the task of developing and promoting ways and solutions for the sustainable planning, construction and use of buildings.
With the DGNB award, OTTO FUCHS can benefit from a number of advantages. The association promises higher market opportunities, faster and more favorable lending as well as worldwide comparability with other DGNB-certified buildings.
Draft of the technical center
The planning phase of the pilot plant
Sustainability continues to gain relevance - also in the construction industry.
The project team pursued clear objectives, as the new building was to be designed to be as sustainable, resource-saving and future-proof as possible. Sustainable and ecological as well as modern and functional elements were to be combined.
Functionality, user-friendliness, adaptability
The requirements for the current and future OTTO FUCHS working environment quickly revealed the need for a high degree of flexibility for future adaptations, as well as optimal conditions for collaborative teamwork and good room acoustics.
The basic idea emerged: a flexible, light-flooded building with different zones for everyday work and events.
In addition, areas for communication between employees and visitors have been created. Each open-plan office on the floors has conversation cells that can be used for meetings. Outside of these, there are also various options, such as meeting tables and seating in the kitchens, which can be used for lunch breaks as well as for short meetings.
On the other hand, areas for concentrated work have been created. Both the conversation cells, which are soundproof, and the so-called “snails”, which can promote effectiveness through spatial separation, can be used for this.
The façade consists entirely of electrically switchable glass that darkens individually depending on the incidence of light. This means that elements such as shutters or blinds are not necessary – modern technology and optics have been combined here.
An extensive energy concept was also designed. This includes, on the one hand, an automated ventilation system for a pleasant indoor climate and, on the other hand, a green roof area that provides a habitat for plants and animals.
But what does “sustainable construction” mean?
The concept of the technical college allows for a high degree of flexibility on the individual floors. This means that it can be adapted to the current and future challenges of the working world.
The location of the various pieces of furniture and building materials played a role. For example, local suppliers were used for the plumbing fixtures, and our sister company SCHÜCO was involved in the design of the facade and interior.
The DGNB certification
During the certification process, the auditor considered various aspects:
Environmental quality:
impact on the local and global environment, use of resources and waste generation
Economic quality:
long-term profitability and value development
Sociocultural and functional quality:
health, comfort and user satisfaction
Technical quality:
quality of technical execution, as well as dismantling and recycling friendliness
Process quality:
quality assurance during planning and construction
Location quality:
impact of the project on its surroundings and vice versa
The Technikum achieved particularly good results in the areas of oeconomic quality and socio-cultural and functional quality, with 86% and 88% respectively.