The DGNB has been recognised as an official body of certification by the DAkkS, the national accreditation unit of the Federal Republic of Germany. In simple terms, DAkkS accreditation is awarded following a successful state audit as a certification body. To conduct certifications, the DGNB assesses whether submitted projects conform to the applicable version of the DGNB System, and it was this process of conducting conformity checks that was submitted by the DGNB for assessment – and subsequent approval – by the DAkkS. The assessment carried out by the DAkkS is itself conducted in accordance with international DIN standard EN ISO/IEC 17065.
Gaining accreditation serves as official evidence that the DGNB certification scheme – as well as the required technical competence of our conformity assessment unit, i.e. the DGNB certification body – have been assessed and successfully confirmed as fulfilling auditing requirements. Not only does this underscore the high standards adhered to by the DGNB, but successful accreditation is also testament to the many years of experience and expertise gathered by the DGNB in conducting independent conformity assessments.
To view the certification of accreditation held in the DAkkS database of conformity assessment bodies, click here. Please note: The document is in German only.
The accreditation covers the following variants of DGNB Certification:
- DGNB System New Construction of Buildings, Version 2023 and 2018
- DGNB System Renovation of Buildings, Version 2021 (German only)
- DGNB System New Construction of Small Residential Buildings, Version 2013.2 (published 2015; German only)
- DGNB System for Renovation and New Construction of Small Residential Buildings (up to 12 residential units), Version 2024 (Publication in June 2024; German only)
Credibility and trust
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.
Subsidies and eligibility
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).
The DGNB certification body covers the assessment of QNG requirements for all versions of the quality seal:
| Quality level | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quality seal for sustainable buildings: version of seal | QNG Plus | QNG Premium |
New construction and the complete renovation of non-residential buildings Seal version QNG-NW23 | x | x |
New construction and the complete renovation of residential buildings Seal version QNG-WG23 | x | x |
Documentation: DGNB System
DGNB System certification programme
Guidelines for verifying the requirements of the QNG quality seal for sustainable buildings as part of DGNB certification under version 2018 and 2023
Appended document to QNG guidelines
Appended document for groups of buildings
Presentation of DGNB Multiple Certification
Table showing requirements and the types and methods of assessment according to ISO/IEC 17067
Further information
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