The DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen – German Society for Sustainable Building) certification system evaluates the sustainability of properties based on 40 different criteria in six different categories (ecology, economy, socio-cultural and functional aspects, technology, processes and location). These 40 criteria have defined target values. Up to ten points per criterion are awarded for their achievement. The criteria are weighted differently. This complex evaluation method makes it possible to grade the sustainability of buildings by three levels (platinum, gold or bronze).
The system is used in Germany and is comparable to the Minergie standard in Switzerland.