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 finalists and the winners of the special prizes for the DGNB Sustainability Challenge 2025 have been announced.

Find out more

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: The right category for companies with a product or service innovation that stands out from existing solutions on the market and makes a significant contribution to sustainability.
Start-up: We are looking for young companies (up to 5 years after company foundation) that are breaking new ground with their innovative business model and are promoting sustainability in the construction and property industry.
Research: Researchers and students with ongoing or completed projects that promote the transformation of the construction and property industry are eligible to apply.

Social Impact Special Award
With the Social Impact Special Award, the DGNB is looking for cross-category role models that emphasise the social component of sustainability. The award recognises projects and solutions that contribute to making the transformation of the building sector as socially responsible and effective as possible. To apply for the special award, entrants must answer the additional questions on the subject in the application form. Once the fields have been completed, the application will automatically be considered for the Special Award.

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.

People's Choice Award
The People's Choice 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.

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 organisations and projects nominated by the jury are given the opportunity to present their solution at the public pitch event as part of the DGNB Idea Lab. At the DGNB Sustainability Day, the nominees present themselves again on the main stage of the event. They will also have their own stand where they can network with attendees and find potential partners and clients. The winners of the three categories and the special awards will also be announced at this event. The winner of the People's Choice Award will be determined by an online vote and an on-site vote at the DGNB Sustainability Day.

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.