Accreditation ­as an official certification ­body

Accreditation as an official organisation of conformity assessment provides objective evidence that a certification body conducts its activities according to international standards. Not only does this engender trust in the assessment services of that accredited body, but it also serves to enhance the credibility and significance attached to certification. This is perceived both by parties seeking certification and by building stakeholders requiring certificates as a source of information or official evidence.

As such, the accreditation gained by the certification body of the DGNB benefits a wide range of stakeholders; the more trust invested in the DGNB certification process by members of the general public, the higher the value ­– both perceived and tangible – of DGNB Certificates.

Accreditation also confirms that the DGNB fulfils key requirements laid down for providers of certification services. This is a prerequisite for parties undergoing certification in order to obtain the QNG quality seal (the Federal quality label for sustainable buildings). Gaining such confirmation of the sustainability of a building opens an important door to receiving efficient building subsidies through the German BEG programme.

The DGNB is authorised to carry out certifications in accordance with the above-mentioned versions of the DGNB System in conjunction with assessments according to the special requirements laid down for the German QNG programme. This applies to both new buildings (“New Construction” under DGNB Certification) and comprehensive refurbishments of residential and non-residential buildings (“Renovation” under DGNB Certification).