Certification | Indicators
Introduction
The greenpass (Pre-)Certification is based on a set of 50+ meaningful, scientifically developed and accepted key performance indicators (KPIs) for assessing the climate resilience of real estate and open spaces. These consist of quantitative indicators and qualitative bonus indicators (BI).
Challenges
In the greenpass (Pre-)Certification, the following six urban challenges are quantitatively assessed:
- Climate
- Water
- Air
- Biodiversity
- Energy
- Costs
Indicators
The following overview shows the indicators (KPIs) used and quantitatively evaluated in the greenpass (Pre-)Certification:
Climate
Water
Air
Biodiversity
Energy
Cost
Climate
Albedo
Shading Area Factor
Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET)
Air Temperature
Global Radiation
Night-time Cooling
Thermal Load Score
Thermal Comfort Score
Water
Run-off Score
Evapotranspiration
Sealing Grade
Water Storage
Water Demand GI
Water Demand GI/TCS
Air
Carbon Storage Score
Wind Flow
Biodiversity
Leaf Area
Green Area
Shannon Index
Energy
Thermal Storage Score
Cooling Degree Hours
Cost
Cost Invest GI
Cost Invest GI/m2
Cost Invest GI/TCS
Cost Invest GI/Water Storage
Cost Invest GI/Red. Cooling Hours
Cost Maintenance GI
Cost Maintenance GI/m2
Cost Water Demand/m2
KPI Directory
Below you will find more detailed information with descriptions of the individual indicators (KPIs) of the greenpass (Pre-)Certification.
Climate
In the challenge Climate of greenpass (Pre-)Certification, the following indicators are evaluated:
Albedo
Abbreviation | ALB |
| KPI Entity | 0-1 |
| Output | Value |
Description
Albedo (ALB) is assigned to the challenge of climate. It describes the reflectivity or retroreflective behavior of surface materials. This indicator indicates the average albedo of the materials used in the project area, expressed as a single average value. Surfaces reflect solar radiation differently depending on their albedo.
Dark materials, such as asphalt, have a low albedo and reflect only 15-25% of the incident radiation, resulting in higher heat absorption. In contrast, light-colored surfaces, such as white walls, have a higher albedo, reflecting 65-80% of the radiation, thus reducing heat absorption.
Shading Area Factor
Abbreviation | SAF |
| KPI Entity | 0-1 |
| Output | Value |
Description
The shading factor (SAF) is assigned to the challenge of climate. It indicates the ratio of shaded area (by buildings, vegetation) to unshaded area, averaged over 24 hours. A value of 1 means that 100% of the area is shaded on average throughout the day, while a value of 0 means that there is no shading at all during the day. Since shading makes a significant contribution to improving the urban microclimate, a high shading factor of at least 30% should generally be aimed for. The shading factor can be calculated from planning data or using simulation methods, including daily curves.
Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET)
Abbreviation | PET |
| KPI Entity | °C |
| Output | Value |
Description
Physiological equivalent temperature (PET) is assigned to the challenge of climate. It is an established human-biometeorological thermal index for human thermal well-being. The PET is typically simulated at 1.5 m above ground level at specific times (4 a.m., 3 p.m., 10 p.m.) and time periods (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) for a standard human (adult: 30 years old, male). The PET calculation can be adapted for specific groups of people, such as particularly vulnerable elderly people or children.
The PET calculation is based not only on air temperature, but also on relative humidity, wind speed, and short- and long-wave radiation, which are the determining factors. Therefore, whether one is in the sun or in the shade is crucial for thermal well-being. In contrast to air temperature, the PET provides a comprehensive representation of the complex interactions between the urban environment, human physiology, and climate. The PET is therefore the most important indicator for evaluating the quality of projects with regard to thermal well-being.
Air Temperature
Abbreviation | AT |
| KPI Entity | °C |
| Output | Value |
Description
The indicator Air temperature (AT) is assigned to the climate challenge. For the analyses, the AT is calculated at 1.5 m above ground for specific times. The AT value indicates whether the air body in the project area is warming and is also included in the calculation of the perceived temperature and heat emission.
Night-time Cooling
Abbreviation | NTC |
| KPI Entity | °C |
| Output | Value |
Description
The nighttime cooling coefficient (NTC) indicates the project's nighttime cooling performance. The NTC is calculated from the hourly average air temperature difference between the supply and exhaust air flows in the model area during the night (from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.). A positive value means that heated air predominates in the model area during the night and is released into the environment. In contrast, a negative value indicates cooling during the night.
Global Radiation
Abbreviation | RAD |
| KPI Entity | W |
| Output | Value |
Description
Global radiation (RAD) is assigned to the challenge of climate. It describes the sum of direct and diffuse shortwave radiation reaching an area. The higher the radiation, the more energy is available in the project area, which can lead to overheating.
Thermal Load Score
Abbreviation | TLS |
| KPI Entity | °C |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Thermal Load Score (TLS) is assigned to the climate challenge. It indicates the difference in air temperature between the supply air and exhaust air volumes in the project area over a daily period in °C. This indicator thus expresses how the measures implemented within a project affect the air temperature in neighboring neighborhoods and how they amplify or mitigate the UHI effect. A negative exhaust air flow therefore indicates a cooling of the air flow passing through the project and, consequently, a cooling of the air temperature in neighboring neighborhoods.
Thermal Comfort Score
Abbreviation | TCS |
| KPI Entity | 0-100 |
| Output | Value, Maps |
Description
The Thermal Comfort Score (TCS) is assigned to the challenge of climate. The indicator aggregates the thermal physiological stress (PET) for a standard human (adult: 30 years, male) in a project area outdoors into a single value. To calculate it, the different thermal comfort classes of a project area are weighted and converted to a factor with a value range from 0 to 100.
Areas in the project area with high thermal comfort are given a higher weighting than those with low thermal comfort. The TCS thus takes into account the heterogeneity of urban spaces, with traffic areas, courtyards, etc., and is clearly more meaningful than the average PET.
Water
In the challenge Water of greenpass (Pre-)Certification, the following indicators are evaluated:
Run-off Score
Abbreviation | ROS |
| KPI Entity | 0-1 |
| Output | Value |
Description
The runoff score (ROS) is assigned to the challenge of water. It indicates the proportion of rainfall that cannot be retained, temporarily stored, or infiltrated over the course of a year, but flows directly into the sewer. The calculation is based on standard values for material groups, such as paving, etc. A specific rainfall event or the connection of runoff-effective areas with infiltration areas is not taken into account. A value of 1 means that all the water flows into the sewer system, while a value of 0 means that the water is completely retained and thus available for plants and evaporation.
Evapotranspiration
Abbreviation | EVA |
| KPI Entity | l |
| Output | Value |
Description
Evapotranspiration (EVA) is assigned to the challenge of water. It is the sum of evaporation and transpiration, and thus the evaporation of water from plant, water, and soil surfaces. The calculation is based on standard values for vegetation types. This value allows an estimate of the water requirements of plants in a given year in the project area.
Sealing Grade
Abbreviation | SG |
| KPI Entity | % |
| Output | Value |
Description
The degree of sealing (DSI) is assigned to the challenge of water. It indicates the proportion of built-up and partially sealed surfaces to the project area. The degree of sealing can vary greatly depending on the project type and size. A high degree of sealing has a negative impact on water retention, evapotranspiration, and, consequently, overheating.
Water Storage
Abbreviation | WS |
| KPI Entity | l |
| Output | Value |
Description
Water storage (WS) is part of the water challenge. It calculates the maximum amount of water that can initially be absorbed and subsequently retained in a soil or substrate over the long term.
Water Demand GI
Abbreviation | WD |
| KPI Entity | l |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Water Demand Indicator (WD) is assigned to the challenge of water. It quantifies the amount of water required by the implemented green infrastructure in the project area for growth, functionality, and evapotranspiration.
Water Demand GI/TCS
Abbreviation | WDT |
| KPI Entity | l/TCS |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Water Demand GI/TCS (WDT) indicator is assigned to the challenge of water. It is based on the Water Consumption GI (WD) indicator and compares water consumption with the Thermal Comfort (TCS) indicator.
Air
In the challenge Air of greenpass (Pre-)Certification, the following indicators are evaluated:
Carbon Storage Score
Abbreviation | CSS |
| KPI Entity | kg |
| Output | Value |
Description
Carbon Storage Score (CSS) is assigned to the challenge of air. This indicator represents the carbon dioxide storage capacity of vegetation (biomass) and soil within the project area over the course of a year. CO2 storage is calculated using standard values from the scientific literature.
Wind Flow
Abbreviation | WF |
| KPI Entity | m/s |
| Output | Map |
Description
Wind speed (WS) is assigned to the challenge of air. It describes the air flow velocity at a height of 10 m. This indicator is also calculated at 1.5 m above ground for specific times (4 a.m., 3 p.m., and 10 p.m.) and is a building block for calculating other indicators such as PET and wind comfort.
Biodiversity
In the challenge Biodiversity of greenpass (Pre-)Certification, the following indicators are evaluated:
Green Area
Abbreviation | GA |
| KPI Entity | m2 |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Green Area (GA) indicator is assigned to the biodiversity challenge. It represents the totality of horizontal and vertical green areas provided by various types of green infrastructure within the project area.
Leaf Area
Abbreviation | LA |
| KPI Entity | m2 |
| Output | Value |
Description
The leaf area indicator (LA) is assigned to the challenge of biodiversity. It indicates the ratio of leaf area in m² to the projected base area or wall area of the green infrastructure in m² (Leaf Area Index - LAI). Leaves can be considered the "operative" organs of a plant in terms of climate regulation. The larger the leaf area, the more shade, transpiration, and CO2 absorption. This indicator can be used to compare the planting density of two or more designs. Depending on the planned use of the open space, a high LAI and thus denser shade and more evaporative cooling from plants are beneficial for the microclimate.
Shannon Index
Abbreviation | SI |
| KPI Entity | Index |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Shannon Index (SIN) is assigned to the challenge of biodiversity. It is the most widely used indicator of biological diversity and measures the species diversity within a plant community. A higher value indicates greater biological diversity.
Energy
In the challenge Energy of greenpass (Pre-)Certification, the following indicators are evaluated:
Thermal Storage Score
Abbreviation | TSS |
| KPI Entity | W |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Thermal Storage Score (TSS) is assigned to the challenge of energy. It indicates how much radiant energy (see global radiation) is stored in the materials used in the project area. The decisive factors are the physical properties of the materials: albedo, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity. The lower the value, the less energy is stored in the materials, which primarily reduces the heat island effect, as the nighttime radiation of thermal energy is lower, thus increasing thermal comfort for people.
Cooling Degree Hours
Abbreviation | CDH |
| KPI Entity | h |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Cooling Degree Hours (CGH) indicator is assigned to the energy challenge. It indicates the number of hours a building's air conditioning system is in operation due to a given outdoor temperature. As outdoor temperatures decrease, cooling degree hours and consequently the building's energy demand for cooling decrease, leading to potential cost savings. The official threshold for cooling degrees varies by country or climatic conditions.
Cost
In the challenge Cost of greenpass (Pre-)Certification, the following indicators are evaluated:
Cost Invest GI
Abbreviation | GI |
| KPI Entity | € |
| Output | Value |
Description
The GI Investment Costs (CI) indicator is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the absolute total investment costs for green infrastructure (GI) for the project. It is based on a cost and price comparison database for the various GI types.
Cost Invest GI/m2
Abbreviation | GIM |
| KPI Entity | €/m2 |
| Output | Value |
Description
The indicator Investment Costs GI/m2 (CIM) is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the investment costs per square meter of green infrastructure (GI) for the project. It is based on the total investment costs and is compared with the area of GI.
Cost Invest GI/TCS
Abbreviation | GIT |
| KPI Entity | € |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Investment Costs GI/TCS (CIT) indicator is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the investment costs for green infrastructure (GI) for the project in relation to the thermal comfort performance. It is based on the total investment costs and is compared with the thermal comfort value.
Cost Invest GI/Water Storage
Abbreviation | GIW |
| KPI Entity | € |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Investment Costs GI/Water Storage (CIW) indicator is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the investment costs for green infrastructure (GI) for the project in relation to the water storage capacity. It is based on the total investment costs and is compared with the water storage capacity.
Cost Invest GI/Red. Cooling h
Abbreviation | GIC |
| KPI Entity | € |
| Output | Value |
Description
The indicator Investment Costs GI/Reduction in Cooling Degree Hours (CIC) is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the investment costs for green infrastructure (GI) for the project in relation to the cooling degree hours. It is based on the total investment costs and is compared with the cooling degree hours. Cooling degree hours serve as an indicator of cooling demand. Depending on a national threshold value for the outside temperature, the necessary hours for cooling demand are calculated. The hotter it gets outside, the more cooling is necessary. At the same time, the cooling energy output can be further reduced through greening.
Cost Maintance GI
Abbreviation | CM |
| KPI Entity | € |
| Output | Value |
Description
The indicator Maintenance Costs GI (CM) is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the absolute total maintenance costs for green infrastructure (GI) for the project. It is based on a cost and price comparison database for the various GI types.
Cost Maintance GI/m2
Abbreviation | CMM |
| KPI Entity | €/m2 |
| Output | Value |
Description
The Maintenance Costs GI/m2 (CMM) indicator is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the maintenance costs per square meter of green infrastructure (GI) for the project. It is based on the total maintenance costs and is compared with the area of GI.
Cost Water Demand/m2
Abbreviation | CWD |
| KPI Entity | €/m2 |
| Output | Value |
Description
The indicator Cost Water Demand/m2 (CWD) is assigned to the challenge of costs. It shows the cost of water demand per square meter of green infrastructure (GI) for the project. It is based on a cost and price database.
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