Building sustainably, shaping the future – with DGNB Certification
Sustainability is a fundamental global value for the future and is increasingly becoming the standard in the building and real estate industries. It is about much more than just environmental considerations, but also economic and social aspects. It is about the quality and sustainability of our buildings and districts.
Now is the time to start. As a planning and optimisation tool, the DGNB Certification System supports all those involved in building internationally in implementing quality in a holistic and sustainable way.
DGNB Certification – choosing to make a difference
Quality and future viability – DGNB's ambition
As an independent non-profit organisation, the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) is your ideal partner for more sustainability and climate protection in building.
Certificates such as those issued by the DGNB are increasingly required for property investments. They serve as independent proof to make both the planned and realised sustainability quality of projects transparent. Sustainability certificates contribute to an increase in value and ensure greater investment security.
The DGNB approach to sustainable buildings goes beyond the principle of Life Cycle Assessment and takes a holistic view of all three pillars of sustainability:
- Environmental – in terms of resource and environmentally friendly buildings with a low CO2 footprint
- Social – with a focus on people and creating a livable environment
- Economic – with a view to the entire life cycle of buildings and economically efficient, long-term use.
The certification system can be easily adapted to climatic, structural, legal and cultural differences. This allows the DGNB to certify buildings worldwide.
Building certification with field-proven planning tools
Methods of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) have long been tried and tested at the DGNB. They have always been used as part of the certification process. The methodology used complies with international standards.
In addition, the DGNB System is harmonised with the EU taxonomy in such a way that it is possible to demonstrate compliance for your project at the same time as certification. DGNB offers its own ESG Verification for the real estate sector. Those who use DGNB's ESG Verification not only receive proof of the project's compliance with the EU taxonomy, but also a detailed report of the results and information on where there is a specific need for improvement.
Building sustainably and securing added value with the DGNB Certificate
presented DGNB awards
countries with DGNB-certified projects
million square metres of certified space
DGNB-certified projects
Educational Buildings
Logistics Buildings
Four award levels for greater sustainability
As proof of their tested quality, buildings can achieve the DGNB Certificate in Silver, Gold or the highest level of Platinum. The Bronze Certificate is intended for sustainable building operation or existing buildings.
The Green Building rating is based on criteria that are weighted differently. They vary according to the type of building, the type of use and the life cycle phase of the building. The final score is based on both the overall fulfilment of the requirements as well as the fulfilment of the individual criteria.
How to achieve a DGNB Certificate
Become an international DGNB Certification expert!
As an International DGNB Consultant, you are a trained expert for international DGNB Certification. You audit projects in countries that do not yet have a locally adapted version of the DGNB System. If your first project is successfully certified by the DGNB, you automatically qualify as an International DGNB Auditor.