DGNB consulting – experience and strategy for successful certification

Are you looking for a DGNB auditor? Our certification experts will support you with all questions relating to DGNB certification.

DGNB certification – The “Global Benchmark for Sustainability”

DGNB certification is regarded as a pioneering standard for sustainable building in Germany. It combines ecological, economic and socio-cultural aspects into a holistic assessment approach and makes the quality of new buildings transparent and comparable. With a market share of over 80% in new construction and over 60% in the overall commercial real estate market, the DGNB is the clear leader in Germany compared to other certification systems.

HOINKA as your contact for DGNB certification – our services for you:

We support you with our expertise from the planning phase through certification to adjustments during active building operation. Our experienced DGNB certification experts coordinate the project participants, ensure compliance with the DGNB criteria and are the central point of contact for all questions relating to DGNB certification.

Advice and strategy development for selecting the appropriate certification system and level,
DGNB Pre-Assessment as a basis for decision-making in early planning phases,
Support throughout the entire certification process, including verification and communication with the DGNB,
Specialist support for individual criteria such as biodiversity, life cycle analysis, interior quality or material evaluation,
Sustainability concepts for the integration of DGNB requirements in tendering and operation.

DGNB certification stands for quality, sustainability and credibility. It shows that a building is not only energy-efficient, but also sustainably planned, constructed and operated in all dimensions – ecologically, economically and socio-culturally. It thus creates transparency, promotes measurable sustainability and strengthens the long-term value of your property.

How does DGNB certification work?

Before the actual certification process begins, the following points must be worked through:

Assignment of a DGNB certification expert: A DGNB auditor or DGNB-ESG manager is assigned to accompany the certification process.
Target definition: Which certificate or certification level should be achieved?
Pre-check by the DGNB certification expert: Is the project certifiable and what result is realistic?
Project registration: Registration of the project for certification via the DGNB System Software.
Conclusion of contract: The client concludes a contract with both the DGNB and the DGNB Auditor or DGNB ESG Manager.

After registration, the project starts – depending on the objective – with pre-certification or directly with the certification process. The DGNB certification expert accompanies the entire process, coordinates the parties involved and is the central point of contact for all certification matters.

DGNB pre-certificate: The project data and corresponding evidence are checked for plausibility by the DGNB certification body and the DGNB pre-certificate is issued. The pre-certificate is not mandatory.

DGNB certificate: After completion and commissioning, the project data and certificates are checked for conformity and the corresponding DGNB certificate is then awarded (DGNB Platinum, DGNB Gold, DGNB Silver, DGNB Bronze).

Further details on DGNB building certification can be found here: