What are building certification systems?
And which ones are relevant in Germany?
Various certification systems are used as a basis when planning sustainable buildings. These systems assess buildings based on a variety of criteria, from design and construction to usage. The World Green Building Council has established internationally recognised quality standards for building certification systems and ensures they are adhered to.
In addition to the German DGNB certification, there are several other international systems, including the American LEED system and the UK's BREEAM. LEED certification is often favoured by international investors.
The Qualitätssiegel Nachhaltiges Gebäude (QNG) may be of interest to developers seeking federal funding. Eligibility for funding is assessed after project completion by independent bodies, based on finalised planning and construction processes.
The Bewertungssystem Nachhaltiges Bauen (BNB) is used to evaluate public construction projects, complementing the Ergänzung des Leitfadens Nachhaltiges Bauen.
How does building certification work?
As part of the process, investors and developers must decide which sustainability assessment system they will use to verify the sustainability of their building before planning begins. It is also possible to use a combination of different systems.
The appointed planning office typically first conducts a preliminary certification to estimate the effort required to achieve full building certification. During the planning phase, all products and systems are reviewed to ensure they meet the relevant criteria.
