The system at a glance

Embossing

Silver · Gold · Platinum

Usage profiles

Office, education, residential, hotel, retail, shopping center, commercial building, logistics, production, administrative facilities, healthcare buildings

System provider and testing body

System provider: German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)

Testing body: DGNB conformity assessment

Validity

unlimited

Supported by ibak: More than 100 procedures

Classification

DGNB New Construction

An assessment system that considers planning and operation over the entire life cycle to derive the value of a property. Because the methodology is transparent and comparable, the certificate is highly regarded in the market—by investors, users, owners, and financiers alike.

DGNB Renovation

Once the system is updated, it will be largely comparable to the new construction system, with lower hurdles for facade quality and a dedicated methodology for accounting for reused components in life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC).

The certificate rarely commands a price premium. It provides access.

Giving a figure like "x euros more per square meter of GFA" would be unprofessional. Based on more than 100 DGNB certification processes, we can be more specific.

Land acquisition

Municipalities sometimes require certification as a condition for land allocation. It doesn't offer a higher return, but it is a prerequisite for the deal to go through.

Funding

One of four accredited certification bodies for the QNG seal. For residential buildings, the eligible loan volume is in the five- to six-figure range. The subsidy is provided via a low-interest loan, so it is only worthwhile if you are taking out a loan and the KfW terms are better than those offered by your local bank.

Leasing

It can increase the rent, depending on the location and the market. More often, it ensures that your property is even considered by prospective tenants.

Financing

Can lead to low-interest loans, usually in combination with other measures. It is more likely that this is a prerequisite for obtaining financing.

Exit

An asset doesn't sell better just because it has a certificate. But Article 8 or 9 funds won't even consider it otherwise.

When DGNB is the right fit

This is the right choice if you intend to occupy the property yourself, if interior quality is your priority, if you are targeting tenants looking for a higher standard of finish, if you wish to apply for QNG certification, or if your investors and buyers are based in the German market. It is also the right path if you want to champion resource conservation before it becomes a standard market practice.

When a different system is a better fit

When you need maximum flexibility for leasing and usage and want to keep your lease agreements free of specific requirements. When you use energy supply contracting models. When you are targeting international tenants with global standards or require English-language documentation. And when you work with the GRESB rating as a portfolio or fund manager.

In these cases, we will discuss LEED, BREEAM, or WELL with you.

The path to certification

Project Check

Is DGNB the right fit, and what level of certification is realistic?

Strategy

Analysis, goals, priorities, roadmap

Measures

Specifications, planning and construction supervision

Certificate

Documentation through to conformity assessment

Duration

Preliminary design to completion

of which approximately 3 years are for planning and procurement, and 3 years for construction

at least 3 years, usually 6-7

Completion to certification

4-6 months

What we handle

Auditing throughout the entire process

Am Seestern 1, Düsseldorf

View reference

approx. 69,800

QM GFA

BREEAM In-Use

System

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the certificate valid?

Indefinite. However, it becomes less meaningful over the years as legislation overtakes the standards that were in place at the time of certification.

Which certification would you recommend – Silver, Gold, or Platinum?

In more than 100 projects, Gold has almost always been the right choice for both new builds and renovations. Platinum is worth the investment for flagship projects and properties occupied by the companies themselves.

What additional planning fees and construction costs will the DGNB certification incur for us?

This can only be answered after the analysis. Before that, it is impossible to know what quality your property would achieve without the sustainability standards.

When should we involve you?

Best in phase 2, before the designers sign their contracts. We then write the DGNB requirements into the contracts as a client brief.