Definition
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen, a German organization that promotes sustainable building practices.
DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) is a leading German organization dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices through a comprehensive certification system. It is recognized as the “gold standard” for sustainability in real estate, particularly prominent in Germany with a market share exceeding 80% in new constructions and over 60% in the commercial real estate sector. The DGNB system is unique in its holistic approach, evaluating environmental, economic, sociocultural, technical, and process quality aspects across the entire lifecycle of a building or district. Unlike other certification schemes, DGNB assesses not only new buildings but also existing structures and entire urban districts, fostering integrated sustainability solutions. Its multi-criteria approach ensures that certified projects achieve balanced performance in energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor environmental quality, and long-term economic viability. This makes DGNB particularly relevant for industrial real estate, where sustainability impacts operational costs, regulatory compliance, and tenant appeal. The system’s modular certification variants cover a broad range of property types, including industrial sites—areas designated for industrial activity managed by natural or legal persons—further advancing sustainability in industrial and logistics real estate sectors. As DGNB expands outside Europe, it stands as a benchmark for developers and investors striving for leadership in sustainable built environments.
Practical Example: IPEC Group
At IPEC Group, DGNB certification is integrated into our development process for industrial parks across Slovakia and the CEE region. For example, in one of our flagship logistics projects, we utilized DGNB standards to optimize energy consumption and material selection, ensuring reduced carbon footprint and enhanced operational efficiency. This approach not only meets stringent sustainability criteria but also improves long-term asset value and tenant satisfaction. By aligning with DGNB, IPEC Group provides future-proof industrial facilities that support clients’ ESG goals and position the developments competitively in the growing sustainable real estate market.