In pursuit of climate neutrality, a growing number of cities and communities are implementing wide-ranging sustainability measures. These include urban and district development, as well as the construction and operation of public buildings. The DGNB’s various certification systems serve as planning and optimisation tools. These support local authorities in making their building projects as sustainable as possible within budget constraints. As Europe’s largest network for sustainable building, the DGNB also provides local authorities with a valuable platform for networking and exchanging ideas with experts.
Discover how local authorities can benefit from the DGNB
Special terms and conditions for local authorities:
Employees of local authorities, municipal corporations or public-sector enterprises in Germany are eligible to enjoy the benefits of DGNB Academy training courses and seminars, as well as DGNB Certification, at the same rates as DGNB members.
To benefit from these conditions, please confirm your eligibility when registering for a DGNB User Account. Please make sure you register with a business email address (e.g. abc@employer.de). If you already have a DGNB User Account and intend to use your discount for the first time, please contact mitgliederbetreuung@dgnb.de in advance. During certification, discounts apply if a project client or applicant is a local authority, municipal corporation or public-sector enterprise.
The Climate-Positive Cities and Communities initiative
Established by the DGNB, the Climate-Positive Cities and Communities initiative is dedicated to making sustainability a reality by achieving tangible climate action goals and enhancing the quality of life at a local level. This initiative fosters the pragmatic exchange of knowledge between local authorities, thus enabling them to develop solutions collaboratively and learn from one another. All local authorities in Germany are entitled to make use of services offered through the initiative free of charge and benefit from shared experiences.
Training for local authority employees
Public authorities play a key role in the construction sector, particularly when it comes to climate action, climate adaptation and the responsible use of resources. To meet their responsibilities and ensure the long-term viability of cities and communities, it’s essential that they cultivate an understanding of sustainability, not only at all levels of local administration, but also across relevant sectors of industry.
Employees of local authorities, municipal corporations and public-sector enterprises in Germany can access DGNB Academy education and training programmes at the same reduced rates as DGNB members. In addition, BNB Coordinators are eligible to follow an accelerated pathway to becoming DGNB Consultants or Auditors. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the DGNB Academy at ausbildung@dgnb.de.
All education and training programmes offered by the DGNB Academy
Made-to-measure training sessions: if you’re interested in a customised one-day training course for your local authority, we would be happy to support you. Whether it’s for all of your staff in administration, a specific department or political representatives – we can adapt the course to suit your needs. These sessions focus on raising awareness, promoting a shared understanding of sustainability and climate action, and helping participants identify synergies, overlaps and commonalities between different departments.
Contact: Matthias Schäpers (m.schaepers@dgnb.de)
Certification – from buildings to districts
The DGNB Certification System supports local authorities with the planning and implementation of comprehensive sustainability standards – both in new development projects and in the management of existing buildings. The DGNB provides all relevant criteria sets and practical tools to facilitate this process. Local authorities, municipal corporations and public-sector enterprises in Germany benefit from the same discounted certification rates as DGNB members.
Online information day, including project Q&A
This online event offers an overview of the most relevant DGNB offerings for the public sector. Topics include Climate-Positive Cities and Communities (our free initiative), training and advisory services for local authorities, DGNB Certification and opportunities to exchange ideas with other stakeholders in the DGNB network.
During the event you will also have the opportunity to ask questions. We recommend submitting your questions in advance by writing to kommunen@dgnb.de.
Next date:
17 November 2025, 2 - 3 pm >> Register for free
Providing fresh perspectives for committees and meetings
The DGNB is a central knowledge platform for sustainable building. We’re always happy to share our expertise by participating in keynote sessions at events on sustainable building. We can also contribute to the work of political and professional committees. Our public speaker service offers access to specialist presenters for both in-person and virtual events.
Your contact
Matthias Schäpers
Manager Initiatives and Climate Positive Cities
- Phone: +49-711-722322-95
- Email: M.SCHAEPERS@DGNB.DE