German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)
The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) is a non-profit organization based in Germany. It was founded in 2007 with the aim of promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices in the country. The DGNB provides a certification system for evaluating the sustainability performance of buildings and urban districts.
The DGNB certification system covers various aspects of sustainability, including ecological, economic, sociocultural, technical, and process-related criteria. Buildings and projects are assessed based on factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, use of environmentally friendly materials, indoor air quality, waste management, and integration into the surrounding environment.
The DGNB offers certification for both new constructions and existing buildings, as well as urban districts and neighborhoods. The certification process involves an evaluation by independent auditors who assess the project's compliance with the DGNB's sustainability criteria. Projects that meet the required standards receive a DGNB certificate, which serves as recognition of their sustainable performance.
In addition to certification, the DGNB provides training, education, and consulting services to professionals in the building industry. It aims to raise awareness about sustainable building practices, promote knowledge sharing, and drive innovation in the sector.
The DGNB also actively engages in research and development activities to advance sustainable building practices. It collaborates with universities, research institutes, and industry partners to develop guidelines, standards, and best practices for sustainable construction.
Furthermore, the DGNB works to influence public policy and promote sustainable building practices at the national and international levels. It engages with policymakers, industry associations, and other stakeholders to advocate for sustainable building regulations, standards, and incentives.
As a non-profit organization, the DGNB operates based on the principles of transparency, independence, and integrity. Its main focus is to advance sustainability in the built environment and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction industry in Germany and beyond.