DGNB green building certification
What is DGNB?
DGNB stands for "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen" in German, which translates to "German Sustainable Building Council" in English. It is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2007 in Germany. The certification system has been widely adopted in Germany and other countries as a means of promoting sustainable building practices and encouraging the development of green buildings.
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German-based certification
While the DGNB certification system was initially developed in Germany, it has gained international recognition and is now used in several countries around the world.
Number of certifications
The DGNB has certified over 8.500 buildings in more than 35 countries worldwide, including Germany. The number of DGNB certified buildings is growing every year.
Country-specific versions
The DGNB has developed country-specific versions like DGNB Österreich for Austria or DGNB Schweiz for Switzerland. It has also signed agreements in Brazil and India.
Evaluation criteria
The DGNB scheme assesses a building's sustainability performance based on a comprehensive set of criteria that are organized into six main categories:
- Environmental quality – the building’s impact on the environment, energy and water consumption, emissions.
- Economic quality – the building’s cost-effectiveness, from construction through operation to future adaptation.
- Sociocultural and functional quality – the building’s indoor environment including lighting, acoustics and thermal comfort.
- Technical quality – the building enclosure and fire safety.
- Process quality – how the construction project is managed.
- Site quality – the building’s site and surroundings.
Points-based certification varies from Bronze to Platinum.
How to achieve DGNB
Achieving DGNB certification involves a comprehensive and rigorous process which typically involves the following steps:
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Register the building to have access to the DGNB certification system and begin the assessment process.
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Conduct a preliminary assessment which will help you identify areas where improvements can be made and develop a sustainability strategy for the building.
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Develop a sustainability strategy that addresses the six main categories of the DGNB certification system.
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Implement the sustainability strategy. This may involve design changes, selection of sustainable materials and technologies, and changes to construction practices and operations.
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Submit documentation and evidence once the building is complete to demonstrate that the sustainability goals have been achieved.
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Schedule an on-site audit with DGNB. During the audit, a qualified auditor will visit the building to review the documentation, conduct measurements, and verify compliance with the DGNB's sustainability criteria.
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Receive certification for one of the four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
DGNB certified projects
- Client name > Vector Informatik GmbH
- Location > Stuttgart, Germany
- Tarkett product > DESSO Fields EcoBase
- Surface area > 14.000 m2
- Certification achieved > DGNB Platinum & Diamond
- Building type > Offices & administration
- Project team > Schmelze+Partner mbB Architects BDA, Hallwangen, Michael Frey (Architect)
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