DGNB Sustainability Challenge

We are looking for real innovations that question the existing, initiate something new and bring about change

Whether they are researchers, ambitious founders or established businesses: The transformation of the construction and real estate industry towards greater sustainability needs bright minds. Courageous pioneers who question the status quo, initiate new ideas and turn sceptics into enthusiastic supporters. Since 2016, the DGNB has been looking for such pioneers with the Sustainability Challenge, offering them and their innovations a stage.

The competition enters the next round!

Until 1 March 2024, you can submit your forward-looking ideas for greater sustainability digitally. Participation is free.

Note: The application is already available in German. The forms will soon be available in English, too.

It's worth taking part!
In addition to access to the DGNB's international network of experts, finalists will benefit from:

Extensive media coverage
Opportunity to present at the digital pitch event and the DGNB Sustainability Day
Video interviews on the DGNB YouTube channel

Recording of the presentations
Poster exhibition of the projects in the Living Showroom for Sustainable Building at the DGNB office

All information on the competition

Applications for the DGNB Sustainability Challenge are submitted digitally. In your application, you must highlight the positive contribution your project, business model or product innovation makes to the transformation towards greater sustainability and climate protection in the construction and real estate sector.

Three categories

Applications for the DGNB Sustainability Challenge can be submitted in three categories:

Innovation: Companies with a product or service innovation that stands out from existing solutions on the market and makes an important contribution to climate protection or the circular economy.
Start-up: Start-up companies (up to 5 years after the company was founded) that break new ground with their innovative business model and promote the idea of sustainability in the construction and real estate industry.
Research: Academics with ongoing or completed research projects that make an important contribution to the transformation of the construction and property industry towards greater sustainability.

NEW: Special award for biodiversity
For the first time, DGNB 2024 will award a special prize to recognise the importance of promoting biodiversity. The prize will be awarded across all categories. To apply for the special award, participants must answer the additional question on the topic in the application form. Once the field has been completed, the application will automatically be considered for the special prize.

Special prize for students
Students can apply in the Research category. It is important that the entry form states that it is a student project.

Audience Award
The Audience Award is open to all categories. The winner will be determined by an online vote and an on-site vote at the DGNB Sustainability Day on 18 June 2024.

Process and selection

An expert jury will select the top three from all entries, as well as the winner of each category and the winners of the special prizes.

All nominated companies and projects will give a short presentation to the public at a digital pitch event on 14 May 2024. This event will be followed by an online vote for the audience award. At the DGNB Sustainability Day, all finalists will have another opportunity to present themselves before the winners are announced at the same event.

The majority of the DGNB Innovation Advisory Board is involved in the DGNB Sustainability Challenge jury. In addition, other recognised experts from the DGNB network have been added to this panel.