In Germany the DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer nachhaltiges Bauen: German Society for Ecological Construction) is responsible for ecological certification of buildings. The DGNB system is based on ideas on the ecology of culture that are similar to those advanced by Academician Dmitry Likhachev. The Germans evaluate buildings in accordance with six criteria: ecology, economics, technology, process, location, and socio-cultural and functional aspects. Each of these criteria is given a detailed breakdown. For instance, socio-cultural and functional aspects involve both a building’s interior air quality and certain architectural stipulations (a building’s roof should be usable and, where possible, covered in grass, or, where this is not possible, should fit in with the roofs of neighbouring old buildings; ventilation grilles should be camouflaged; etc.). Account is taken of whether a building has participated in an architectural competition and, if so, at what level. Also important are: Can the building be adapted to another function? How well integrated is it with public space (is, for example, the office caf? open to the public)? How accessible is it to the disabled? Does it have parking spaces and changing rooms for cyclists? Does the architecture include works of art? Are there signed names of artists and works? Did the architects consult with art critics? Does the architecture promote young artists? And will there be exhibitions for the general public? Details of the DGNB certificate can be found at: http://www.dgnb.de/fileadmin/downloads/DGNB-System_en_44S_20090302a.pdf