The Pathway to Certification
Registration
To start the certification process for the planned building, the auditor registers the object at the DGNB website - www.dgnb.de.
Issuance of the Pre-Certification
After registration at the website, the auditor submits the object specific specification sheet to the DGNB. It contains the data regarding all criteria of the German Sustainable Building Certification and is a binding declaration of intent by the owner to realize the planned performance goals. The DGNB checks the documents submitted by the auditor. If they comply with the requirements of the certification, the owner receives a pre-certification for his building. He therewith assumes responsibility for the implementation of the submitted specification sheet. At the same time he is entitled to use this pre-certification – in gold, silver, or bronze – for the promotion of his property.
Documentation
On this basis, the building design and construction can be started. The consulting auditor is to establish an accompanying planning and construction documentation in accordance with the specifications of the DGNB documentation guidelines.
Inspection of Conformity
After completion of the building, the DGNB checks if the specifications of the pre-certification have been realized. An assessor performs a conformity inspection based on the DGNB documentation guidelines, makes plausibility checks, and takes control-samples.
Award of the Certification
Finally, the DGNB reviews if the entire certification process was executed properly. If all requirements are fulfilled, the owner receives, depending on the degree of compliance, the gold, silver, or bronze certificate from the DGNB and BMVBS, consists of a certificate and a plaque for his building. He may use these in his marketing activities.
Auditors
Auditors accompany the owners during the certification process. To be officially recognized as DGNB auditors, they have to participate in a multi-week training by the DGNB or by educational institutions that have been accredited by the DGNB, such as Universities or Chambers. The modularly structured curriculum consists of an introduction to sustainable construction; it also conveys the relevant contents for the implementation of the certification system.