DGNB

The DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) is the German Sustainable Building Council, an independent non-profit association founded in 2007. It has grown to become Europe's largest network for sustainable building with more than 2,300 member organizations, making it the second largest such network worldwide. The DGNB is committed to transforming the construction and real estate industry by promoting a holistic approach to sustainability that equally considers ecological, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. Unlike other certification systems that focus primarily on energy efficiency, the DGNB emphasizes overall building performance throughout the entire life cycle. The organization offers several key services including its certification system, which has been used to evaluate more than 10,000 projects across approximately 30 countries. The DGNB Academy provides education and training, having qualified around 10,000 experts in nearly 60 countries as auditors, consultants, registered professionals, and ESG managers. DGNB collaborates with over 100 universities and has developed tools like the DGNB Navigator to support sustainable product selection. Its certification is officially recognized by the German government for obtaining the Quality Seal for Sustainable Buildings and associated federal funding. With a market share of over 80% in new construction and over 60% in the overall commercial real estate market in Germany, plus European leadership in district certification, the DGNB has established itself as a significant force in advancing sustainable building practices.