Sustainability in construction has grown enormously in importance. The principle of sustainable construction encompasses much more than just ecological aspects. In addition to climate and environment, health and well-being of people as building users is focused on as well. Added to this is the economic efficiency over the entire life cycle of a building or district.
As Europe's largest network for sustainable building, the DGNB offers interested parties a wide range of services to familiarise themselves with the subject and build up the relevant knowledge. These include numerous publications, training courses and other events. Anyone can contribute their own expertise to the participatory association and play an active role in shaping change. In addition, sustainability can be implemented in your own construction project through an accompanying DGNB Certification.
Getting started with the DGNB
Become a member and actively participate in the association
There are many ways to get involved with the DGNB, including becoming a member. Find out why it is worthwhile for you and how you can get involved:
Who is eligible for DGNB membership?
The DGNB welcomes anyone who wants to promote sustainability, from private individuals to sustainability managers and building product manufacturers.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Contributing your own expertise
We'd be very pleased if you would be interested in contributing your knowledge to topic-specific workshops on current issues and the further development of the DGNB System.
Please refer to the following link for a full list of upcoming dates:
System development at the dgnb
DGNB members can also contribute their expertise to the DGNB's various committees:
About the DGNB System
Are you looking for DGNB Certification for your building project or information on the federal funding programme "Bundesförderung für effiziente Gebäude" (BEG)? The DGNB offers different versions of its certification system, depending on the type of use and the phase of life a building, district or exterior space is in.
INFORMATION ON THE DGNB SYSTEM
TO THE DIFFERENT DGNB SYSTEM VARIANTS AND USES
ADVANTAGES OF A DGNB CERTIFICATION
DGNB Certification explained step by step
You can also find out more about the different steps involved in becoming DGNB certified.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO CERTIFICATION
Compatibility with national and international assessment systems
By continuously developing our certification systems, we want to ensure that DGNB Certification is compatible with national and international assessment systems so that DGNB certified construction projects are well positioned for the future. For the DGNB System for New Construction of Buildings, Version 2023, we have therefore created various comparisons with other assessment systems in which we show in detail how concrete the reference to the respective system is.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER assessment SYSTEMS
Certification with the DGNB is also a good basis for obtaining subsidies (such as the federal BEG funding) and the Quality Seal for Sustainable Buildings (QNG). With this, you can also apply for certain QNG-linked grants from KfW. You can find out what you need to bear in mind for DGNB Certification with QNG in the "Certification" section under "QNG and BEG funding":
Would you like to learn more about sustainable building? The DGNB offers numerous opportunities for further education and training via the DGNB Academy.
On the one hand, this includes further education for certification:
- Registered Professional
The programme provides an initial introduction to the world of sustainable building. It also lays the foundation for becoming a DGNB Certification Expert. However, it is not a mandatory requirement. Learn more
Tip: Students who are enrolled at a DGNB university partner have the opportunity to learn the basics of sustainable building during their studies at their college or university and complete their DGNB Registered Professional qualification at the same time.
- DGNB Consultant
The DGNB Consultant further education builds on the fundamentals of sustainable building and is aimed at all those involved in the construction process who plan, build and operate sustainable buildings. It teaches what is important in the practical application and optimal implementation of the DGNB requirements in the design, planning and construction process. It is a prerequisite for further training as a DGNB Auditor. DGNB Consultants are competent contact persons for the certification process and support it with their expertise, for example in cooperation with a DGNB Auditor. Learn more
- DGNB International Consultant
Are you active internationally and would like to use your expertise in the DGNB Certification System primarily in markets where DGNB Certification is not yet established? With the International DGNB Consultant further education programme, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the DGNB System International as well as the know-how to integrate local conditions and regulations into the certification process. Learn more
- DGNB Auditor
The DGNB Auditor training is aimed at those in the construction industry who want to closely monitor, document and submit projects for certification from start to finish in terms of DGNB Certification for New Construction, Renovation, Deconstruction and, where applicable, also for Districts. To qualify, DGNB Consultant status and an active licence are required. Learn more
- DGNB Biodiversity Manager
DGNB Biodiversity Manager training provides you with extensive knowledge of the criteria used for the DGNB System for Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces. The course is aimed at those involved in construction with a focus on the planning and maintenance of exterior facilities, including façades and roofs. In addition to showing you how to advise and support property owners with the development, repair, modification and maintenance of exterior facilities and building envelopes – in ways that are close to nature and thus promote biodiversity – you also learn how to submit such projects to the DGNB for certification. Learn more
- DGNB ESG-Manager
The training programme provides comprehensive application and expert knowledge of the DGNB System for Buildings In Use as well as a basic understanding of European and national regulations such as the Green Deal and EU Taxonomy. It is aimed at those players in the real estate industry who want to systematically optimise and safely manage existing buildings in compliance with ESG and also submit them to the DGNB for certification. The qualification also prepares you to carry out the associated ESG Verification for the EU Taxonomy. Learn more
OVERVIEW OF ALL training DATES
In addition, the DGNB Academy offers training on the topics of "Sustainable planning and construction" and "Sustainable, ESG-compatible property management", as well as a wide range of seminars on key sustainable building topics.
TRAINING Courses from THE DGNB ACADEMY
The seminar programme focuses on five topics:
More than green: our understanding of sustainable building
The DGNB has sustainable building in its name. What does this mean in practice? Find out more about our holistic approach to sustainability and why it goes far beyond a purely ecological focus. Discover our own toolboxes on various key topics of sustainable building and receive compact introductory aids.
