1. QNG – Basic questions
1.1. What is the QNG Sustainable Building Certification?
The QNG Sustainable Building Certification (QNG for short) is a German State certification scheme for buildings. It is issued by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen (BMWSB)) and awarded by accredited certification bodies. The details of the QNG Certification and its requirements are set out in the publicly accessible Certification Mark Rules and associated Certification Specifications. All of the information pertaining to the “QNG Sustainable Building Certification” are available at www.qng.info.
QNG Certification is awarded only to buildings that make a special contribution to sustainable development. It is divided into two requirement levels, which are PLUS and PREMIUM. These requirement levels are instant indicators of whether a building fulfils above-average (QNG-PLUS) or significantly above-average (QNG-PREMIUM) requirements concerning features and properties relevant to sustainability.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
1.2 What are the requirements for the award of the QNG Sustainable Building Certification?
The requirements for the award of the QNG Sustainable Building Certification are set out in the Manual for the QNG Sustainable Building Certification (QNG Manual). They include the provision of evidence verifying that a building fulfils general and special environmental, sociocultural and economic quality requirements, and of the quality of the planning and building processes.
QNG Certification is a progression of a number of existing certification systems for sustainable building. In order to fulfil the general requirements for the contribution to sustainable development, the building and processes involved in its planning, construction and handover/commissioning must be certified through an assessment system registered with the QNG certification issued by a certification body.
In addition to the above, the building and processes involved in its planning, construction and handover/commissioning must fulfil the special requirements in the public interest defined in Annex 3 to the Manual for the QNG Sustainable Building Certification.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
1.3 What are the actual steps involved in order to build a building that fulfils the requirements of the QNG Certification?
The first step is to find a certification body that works with an assessment system approved for the type of certification you wish to obtain. Please visit this info portal for a list of registered assessment systems for residential buildings.
The certification bodies generally have a list of the sustainability consultants available for supporting applicants with the planning and implementation of their building projects. Applicants are advised to enlist the support of a consultant right from the start so that they can help with the building’s planning process and ensure that the QNG certification requirements are met. Next, the sustainability consultant or developer are then required to register their building project for certification with the relevant certification body.
On completion of the project, the sustainability consultant then needs to compile and submit the verification documents to the certification body. The certification body then assesses whether the assessment system and QNG Certification requirements have been met through a conformity check. On successful completion of the assessment, the certification bodies then award the QNG Certification.
Residential buildings (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23)
1.4 How are the different requirement levels of PLUS and PREMIUM made explicit in terms of their external representation??
In order to differentiate between the two different requirement levels, buildings are either awarded QNG Sustainable Building Certification PLUS or QNG Sustainable Building Certification PREMIUM. Both of these certifications come with their own logos, which are based on the collective of “QNG Sustainable Building Certifications”.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
1.5 Is it possible to use the QNG Certification to certify products?
QNG Certification is only awarded to buildings and cannot be used to certify products.
1.6 Does QNG Certification cover listed buildings/structures?
There are not currently any QNG regulations covering non-residential listed buildings or structures. Further, it is likely that the level of intervention required in order to modernise a listed building or structure would only conflict with monument protection requirements in exceptional cases.
Non-residential buildings (NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-NW23)
1.7 What is the difference between a complete refurbishment and a new build?
With a complete refurbishment, an existing building’s structure will largely be preserved and continue to be used as it is. When an existing building is replaced with a new building, this will be considered a new building.
NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23,
2. FAQ – QNG Certification requirements
2.1 What are the QNG Sustainable Building Certification requirements for building products?
Sustainable building certification systems are designed to evaluate and assess buildings and structural works. The QNG Certification sets out specific requirements for buildings that can give rise to specific requirements regarding product characteristics and product information. All of the QNG Certification requirements for buildings and the requirements for the quality of the planning and construction processes are documented and available at www.qng.info.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
2.2 Is it possible for private individuals and/or small residential buildings to meet the complex requirements of the QNG Certification?
The QNG assessment systems registered for residential buildings make it possible for both small and large building projects to achieve QNG Certification with a reasonable amount of effort. The certification bodies of the registered assessment systems also accept applications from private individuals. They offer initial information on their sustainability assessment systems and can help developers to find suitable sustainability consultants, who will then support them on their path to QNG Certification.
QNG-KN21, QNG-WG23
2.3 Does Requirement 4 “Accessibility” of Annex 3 to the QNG Manual also apply to small residential and/or single-occupancy houses?
Requirement 4 on the accessibility of residential buildings (ANF4-WG1) only applies to new buildings (new builds) with more than 5 residential units.
QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23
2.4 Does the requirement of accessible thresholds apply to underground car parks?
Underground car parks are not listed as subject to the accessibility requirements of QNG and hence these requirements do not apply.
QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23
2.5 Does the requirement of accessible thresholds apply to balconies?
No, because they are not currently subject to the requirements of QNG.
QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23
2.6 Is it necessary to submit evidence of compliance with the 10 % workplace accessibility requirement per use or per building?
The ten percent workplace accessibility requirement applies to the respective commercial or workplace use of a building (e.g. requirements for catering, offices, fitness within a building). This means that the percentage share for a building can increase to over 10 %.
QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23
2.7 How does the accessibility requirement apply to a residential building that also contains commercial areas?
In this case, the commercial area will be exempt from any ready-requirements, provided the building as a whole is classed as a residential building.
QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23
2.8 Educational buildings: How does the requirement of 10 % of accessible workplaces need to be applied to those buildings? Do the ten percent refer to the classrooms or staff rooms?
Educational buildings always need to be considered as a single unit. This means that, under QNG, 10 % of the spaces inside the building have to meet the requirements of accessibility. Further, the general regulations for accessibility and for accessibility in educational buildings also have to be observed in addition to the requirements of QNG.
QNG-UN22, QNG-NW23
2.9 According to Annex 3.1.3 (Avoidance of harmful substances in building materials), refrigerants have to be classified as ‘future-proof until 2030’ in accordance with AMEV 2017. Regarding refrigerant R454B/R32, reference is made to its ‘potential’ future safety. What does this mean in concrete terms?
When using artificial refrigerants (e.g. in heat pumps), the associated greenhouse gas emissions have to be taken into account in the planned or completed building's LCA. When doing so, the special LCA accounting F-gas calculation rule of QNG in Appendix 3.3 to Annex 3 of the QNG Manual has to be observed (Annex_3.3_Sonderberechnungsvorschrift_F-Gase_zu_LCA_Bilanzierungsegeln_QNG.pdf ).
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
2.10 Do the percentages set out under Requirement 6 ‘Green roof’ of Annex 3 to the QNG Manual refer to the total roof area according to the gross roof area measured from the outside edge of the façade, or from the inside edge of the parapet? Is it possible to deduct technical superstructures/PV systems from the area?
The green roof areas required under Requirement 6 ‘Green roof’ (ANF6-1) need to be measured from the outer edge of the parapet. Technical superstructures are not deducted, but are included in the green roof area potential. Due to the existing technical solutions, PV and green roofs are not in competition with one another, which is why PV systems must not be deducted from roof areas.
Non-residential buildings (NWG-BN22, NWG-UN22, QNG-NW23)
2.11 Does Requirement 13.1 on refrigerants of Annex 3.1.3 (Avoidance of harmful substances in building materials) only apply to ventilation technology or heat pumps that are only used for heating?
The requirements of Annex 3.1.3 on the avoidance of harmful substances in building materials apply to all new materials and products installed in a building, including heat pumps. With regard to the requirements for refrigerants, Annex 3.3 ‘Special F-gas calculation rule for LCA accounting rules of QNG’ also have to be observed (Annex_3.3_Sonderberechnungsvorschrift_F-Gase_zu_LCA_Bilanzierungsregeln_QNG.pdf ).
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
2.12 In Annex 3, under 2.2 Sustainable material production for non-residential buildings, at least 30 % or 50 % of the mass of the concrete, earthwork materials and plant substrates used in building construction and civil engineering (total mass) must have a significant recycled content. Does the total mass under consideration refer to the total sum of the three fractions or does the total mass of the individual fractions of concrete, earthwork materials and plant substrates each have to reach the significant recycled content?
This requirement refers to the respective total masses of the two fractions earthwork materials/plant substrates and concrete. If one of these fractions is used in a building, the required recycled content of the total mass of this fraction has to be verified. If both fractions are used, applicants will have to provide separate evidence for each of the two fractions. It is not permitted to offset recycled content between fractions, e.g. concrete and earthworks materials. If none of these fractions are being used, the rule does not apply.
Non-residential buildings (NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-NW23)
3. FAQ – Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
3.1 Is there a tool or software solutions for performing life cycle assessments/LCAs for non-residential and residential buildings??
Yes, there are many tools and software solutions on the market for calculating primary energy demand, non-renewable and greenhouse gas emissions over a building's life cycle.
For QNG Certification, LCA documentation can be produced with LCA tools that take into account the QNG accounting rules, enable the creation of transparent and verifiable calculations and that are approved by the respective commissioned QNG certification body (see also the ‘Calculation tools’ section of the QNG accounting rules for residential and non-residential buildings).).
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
3.2 Who can I approach with questions about life cycle assessments/LCA?
Questions about life cycle assessments/LCAs can be directed to the KfW: infocenter(at)kfw.de.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
3.3 How is the requirement value for mixed-use buildings determined based on the applicable LCA classes?
The requirement value for mixed-use buildings is derived from the characteristic values of the applicable LCA classes using a building-specific area-weighted average value.
Example for determining the requirements for the building-related part, without systems for generating renewable energies:
- LCA Class 1 = 35.6 [kWhPEne/m²NRA (R) *a]
- LCA Class 4 = 26.5 [kWhPEne/m²NRA (R) *a]
Weighting:
- LCA Class 1 (40%) = 35.6*0.4 = 14.24 [kWhPEne/m²NRA (R) *a]
- LCA Class 2 (60%) = 26.5*0.6 = 15.9 [kWhPEne/m²NRA (R) *a]
Hence, in this example, the newly calculated requirement value for level 1:
14.24+15.9 = 30.14 [kWhPEne/m²NRA (R) *a]
4. FAQ – Certification process
4.1 At what stage is it possible to start the certification process?
Generally, the earliest possible date for certifying a building in accordance with QNG-PLUS and QNG-PREMIUM is the date on which it is possible to verify the fulfilment of the Certification requirements based on documents verifying the qualities that have actually been realised on completion of a fully usable building. Certification can only be obtained at an earlier stage based on a temporary QNG planning certificate.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
4.2 How long is QNG-PLUS and QNG-PREMIUM Certification valid for?
The Certification's validity commences on the date of the certification decision. The Certification ends if significant structural changes are made to the building that have a significant negative effect on the qualities assessed for the certification.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
4.3 What is a QNG planning certificate?
QNG-PLUS or QNG-PREMIUM planning certificates allow applicants to provide proof of planned qualities before a building's completion. The earliest possible date on which QNG-PLUS or QNG-PREMIUM planning certificates can be issued is the date on which planning permission is granted or, in the case of building measures that do not require planning permission, the date on which the execution plan is completed. A QNG-PLUS or QNG-PREMIUM planning certificate is only valid for a limited period. The certificate expires
- In the event of deviations from the design plan that have a significant negative effect on the qualities assessed for the certification, or
- On the expiry of the planning permit
- And, at the latest, 5 years after the date of the certification decision.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
4.4 What are the additional costs involved in QNG Certification?
The additional costs depend on a number of factors. In order to achieve QNG Certification, applications will be required to regularly use a range of additional services. These can be divided into (1) additional planning and consultancy services, (2) documentation and verification services, (3) certification services and (4) construction services. The additional planning and consultancy services are aimed at optimising the project’s plans to ensure that the QNG-PLUS or QNG-PREMIUM requirement levels are being met. The documentation and verification services refer to the preparation of the inspection documents for the certification body, e.g. by sustainability consultants. The certification bodies provide the conformity assessment services and award the certification.
More often than not, these services will impact on the construction costs, ancillary construction costs and occupancy costs. The cost effects should only be assessed by means of life cycle costing and taking into account the added value of the QNG Certification. Above all, the costs involved in achieving higher build qualities create added value, e.g. by avoiding pollutants in building materials, which results in high indoor air quality.
As a rule, most of the effort and costs involved in sustainability certifications are incurred by the additional planning and consultancy services required to create higher-quality buildings.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
4.5 To what extent can developers use the QNG Certification during the construction phase? Is it possible to use it as soon as the planning phase has been completed?
The QNG-PLUS and QNG-PREMIUM certification marks may only be used once an applicant has entered into a licence agreement with a certification body. The licence agreement can relate either to certified buildings or certified building design plans.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
5. FAQ – Building/Certification types
5.1 What are certification types?
QNG Certification types cover various use and building measure-specific requirements. The specific QNG Certification types are awarded depending on the specific use case based on the type of building and building use as well as the type of building measure (e.g. new construction). The Certification types will be successively developed and published.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
5.2 For what types of buildings is QNG Certification currently available?
The different types of QNG Certification are awarded depending on the specific use case based on the type of building and building use as well as the type of building measure (e.g. new construction). The following Certification types are available to date, and others will be added over time:
As of 01.01.2023:
- Residential buildings (QNG-WG23), replaces KN21 and WN21
- Non-residential buildings (QNG-NWG23), replaces BN22, BK22, UN22 and UK22
QNG Certification for non-residential buildings may only be applied to buildings that can be assigned to an LCA class in accordance with Annex 1 of the QNG Manual. LCA class’ define specific requirement values for the respective greenhouse gas emissions over a building’s life cycle.
As part of an update to the QNG Certification on 1 January 2023, the previous certification types were replaced with a type for new build and completely refurbished residential buildings (WG23) and a type for new build and completely refurbished non-residential buildings (NW23).
The following certification types were available up until 31.12.2022:
- New build residential buildings with up to 5 residential units (QNG-KN21)
- New build residential buildings of any size (QNG-WN21)
- New build office and administration buildings (NWG-BN22)
- Fully refurbished office and administration buildings (NWG-BK22)
- New build education buildings (NWG-UN22)
- Fully refurbished education buildings (NWG-UK22)
In exceptional cases, Certification types KN21, WN21, BN22, BK22, UN22 and UK22 can be continued to be used if certain requirements are met. Further details can be found in the transitional regulations.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
5.3 Are the Certification types for residential buildings applicable to buildings that are only for residential use?
The Certification types for residential buildings are applicable to all residential buildings. Residential buildings are buildings in accordance with Section 3(1)(33) of the German Buildings Energy Act (GEG) that are primarily designed for residential use. This includes residential, retirement and nursing homes and similar facilities. Holiday homes and flats, as well as weekend homes, are only residential buildings within the meaning of this Annex if they fall within the scope of the GEG.
As of 01.01.23: If a residential building contains rooms that are not designed for residential purposes, it can also be treated as a non-residential building within the scope of the QNG Certification system.
Residential buildings (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23)
5.4 What types of buildings and building measures can be awarded QNG Certification?
QNG Certification can only be awarded for the use cases covered by the various QNG Certification types. The available QNG Certification types are listed in Annex 1 to the Manual for the QNG Sustainable Building Certification. Each of the QNG Certification types may only be applied to buildings that correspond to the type's use case in terms of the type of building, type of building use and type of building measure.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
5.5 Is it possible to obtain QNG Certification for an extension to a residential building??
A QNG certification is awarded for buildings and not for parts of buildings. I.e. the certification refers to the entirety of a building. The respective certifiability of the (entire) building has to be agreed with the certification bodies for the various QNG Certification types.
Residential buildings (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, QNG-WG23)
5.6 When does a building fall within the scope of the QNG?
In principle, a building falls within the scope of a QNG Certification type if it meets the requirements of any of the use cases in Annex 1 to the QNG Manual and fulfils the requirements for certification through an assessment system registered for QNG. The respective certification bodies can provide information on the requirements of the registered assessment systems.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
5.7 Do bathrooms form part of the movement spaces within a home in accordance with QNG requirement 1.4 on accessibility?
Bathrooms form part of the movement spaces within a residential unit. Details can be found in the BBSR publication “Ready compact”.
QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23 (over 5 residential units), QNG-NW23
5.8 Annex 3.1.1 and 3.2.1.1 (QNG accounting rules for residential or non-residential buildings) states that outdoor building components have to be taken into account in accordance with KG 500 when they are “necessary for operation”. What does “necessary for operation’ mean?”?
This requirement applies to all structural/technical components located on the building or the property that are required for the building’s energy-related operations. This requirement is necessary because these components are not always covered by KG 300 or 400.
Example: Depending on the performance specifications, a PV system on the roof or a heat exchanger inside the floor or in a wastewater pipe can be assigned to KG 500. If the energy generated by this system is taken into account in the energy demand calculation, the associated components also have to be included in the LCA. Information on system limits and details can be obtained from the relevant certification body.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
5.9 Do the QNG regulations cover mixed-use buildings?
Yes, as of 01.01.2023, mixed-use buildings are covered by regulation 7.1.3 and 7.1.4 of the QNG Manual as well as 2.1.6 and 3.1.2 of Annex 1 to the QNG Manual. These regulations make it possible to apply the QNG Certification requirements to mixed-use buildings. This does not apply to mixed-use buildings,
- where individual building uses cannot be assigned to an LCA class in accordance with Annex 1 of the QNG Manual, or
- that cannot be subject to sustainability certification according to the system rules of the registered assessment systems.
Further, in accordance with 2.1.6 of Annex 1 to the QNG Manual, residential buildings can also be treated as non-residential buildings within the scope of the QNG Certification if they also contain rooms that are not used for residential purposes.
The QNG Creditation's applicability to mixed-use buildings thus largely depends on the system rules of the registered assessment systems. The certification bodies will be able provide answers to questions regarding mixed use.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
6. FAQ – Assessment systems
6.1 Which sustainability assessment systems qualify for the QNG Sustainable Building Certification?
Sustainability assessment systems must fulfil the requirements for the registration of assessment systems as the basis for providing evidence for the award of the QNG Sustainable Building Certification. Providers of sustainability assessment systems can submit an application to the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) for registering assessment systems developed for specific QNG Certification types. An assessment system can only be registered for certain use cases (QNG Certification types) if it fulfils all the requirements and prerequisites of QNG Sustainable Building Certification.
All of the information on the requirements for QNG assessment systems can be found on www.qng.info.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
6.2 Is it possible to register sustainability assessment systems for the award of the QNG Sustainable Building Certification that were eligible for funding under Programme 431 “Energy-efficient Construction and Refurbishment - Construction Support Grant”?
During the introductory phase of the QNG Certification scheme, the scheme is using a number of transitional regulations that ensure that assessment systems and certification bodies’ compliance with the requirements for using the QNG Sustainable Building Certification mark are appropriately reviewed before they are officially registered or accredited. This introductory phase ends on 31.05.2024. The transitional regulations for recognised inspection bodies for assessment systems for sustainable building and for recognised assessment systems for residential and non-residential buildings can be found in the Manual for the QNG Sustainable Building Certification. A publicly accessible list of the sustainability assessment systems that are suitable and registered for awarding QNG Certification is available from the BBSR Office for Sustainable Building on the BBSR website at www.qng.info .
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
6.3 Does the Assessment System for Sustainable Building (BNB) form the basis of the QNG Sustainable Building Certification and, if so, is it a prerequisite for funding, or is it possible to use other sustainability assessment systems as well?
In principle, every sustainability assessment system that fulfils the requirements for QNG Sustainable Building Certification assessment systems and for which the system provider, following submission of an application, has received notification confirming the system’s registration from the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) can form the basis for the award of the QNG Sustainable Building Certification. All of the information on the requirements for QNG assessment systems can be found on www.qng.info .
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
7. FAQ – Funding
7.1 QNG Certification is only awarded on completion of a building project. What are the ways available to developers for navigating the risk of failing to achieve certification and hence not being eligible for any funding in the end?
Applicants are advised to consult a sustainability consultant for their project at the very earliest opportunity. The consultant should subsequently confirm that it should be possible to achieve QNG Certification at the application stage with the help of a ‘pre-check’. This pre-check should comprise an interim assessment of the planning status and the project’s objectives in accordance with the requirements of the QNG Certification. If individual criteria or requirements cannot yet be assessed due to insufficient planning depth, the sustainability consultant should draw up estimates and assumptions in consultation with the technical stakeholders and the applicant and demonstrate their plausibility. It can then be safely assumed that a project will fulfil the requirements for QNG Certification on its completion if the pre-check confirms the anticipated fulfilment of the relevant requirements and if everyone involved in the planning and construction of the building subsequently works towards achieving the individual targets formulated therein.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
8. Certification bodies
8.1. Who awards the QNG Sustainable Building Certification?
QNG Sustainable Building Certification is awarded by certification bodies. These bodies also act as the certification inspection / assessment bodies and are responsible for the technical and operational aspects of the assessments used to verify compliance with the QNG Certification requirements and its award. They are commissioned by the developers. All of the certification bodies involved in the award of the QNG Certification have to demonstrate and maintain accreditation within the meaning of Regulation (EC) 765/2008 in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065. Certification bodies can submit an application for accreditation to the DAkkS. The Department for QNG, which is temporarily being managed by the Office for Sustainable Building at the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), maintains a publicly accessible list of all accredited certification bodies at www.qng.info.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
9. Sustainability consultants/experts
9.1 Are there any requirements concerning sustainability consultants’ qualifications similar to those of energy efficiency experts??
Neither the QNG Sustainable Building Certification nor the BEG's funding guidelines set out any specific requirements concerning the qualifications of sustainability consultants. Hence, these requirements can be defined by the system providers.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
9.2 Does the federal government provide a list of sustainability consultants that can provide developers with QNG Certification-related advice?
No. This is because the federal government does not have any specific requirements for sustainability consultants. However, the registered assessment system providers can be approached for information on suitable sustainability consultants.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
9.3 Where can I find a sustainability consultant?
QNG sustainability consultants usually specialise in one of the QNG assessment systems for the different QNG Certification types (e.g. BNB, BNK, DGNB, NaWoh). In some cases, the certification bodies may provide a list of such consultants on their websites.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
9.4 Where can I train as a sustainability consultant?
Neither the QNG Sustainable Building Certification nor the KFN (Fund for Climate Friendly New Construction) and BEG's funding guidelines set out any specific requirements concerning the qualifications of sustainability consultants. Hence, these requirements can be set by the system providers and, in most cases, training will be specific to a particular assessment system.
At present (as of February 2023), the STI, various architectural associations and the Association for Federal Administration Employees offer training programmes for BNB coordinators and BNB experts. DGNB auditors are trained by the DGNB and BNK auditors by the BiRN.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
9.5 Will it be difficult for developers to find sufficiently qualified QNG sustainability consultants across the whole of Germany in view of the anticipated demand?
A lot of energy and sustainability experts are currently undergoing further training on the registered assessment systems and QNG Certification. Hence, the numbers of sustainability consultants are currently increasing rapidly. In the event of regional bottlenecks, we would recommend implementing projects with sustainability consultants from other regions, and to get them to work on the QNG Certification in collaboration with an energy consultant from the project’s region.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
10. FAQ – Certification notifications
10.1 What is a Certification notification?
A Certification notification is a notification sent to the Department of QNG, which is temporarily being managed by the Office for Sustainable Building at the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), by a certification body to notify it of the award of a QNG Certification. The purpose of this notification is to monitor the proper use of the QNG Certification and to enable the Certification issuer to evaluate and further develop the Certification programme. The certification body will subsequently receive a registration confirmation with a registration number from the Office for Sustainable Building after submitting the certification notification. Thereafter, the certification body and applicant will always be required to provide the registration number whenever using the QNG Certification in relation to the certified building.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
10.2 What information does the certification notification contain?
Certification bodies have to provide every QNG Certification they award with a unique identification number (certification ID) that may only be issued once. The certification bodies then use the certification notification to transmit this certification ID together with basic data on the certification and the certified building to the Office of Sustainable Building at the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR). The data transmitted in the notification is listed in Annex 4 ‘Certification notification’ of the Manual for the QNG Sustainable Building Certification. The certification bodies are provided with an electronic form for submitting the certification notification.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
11. FAQ – Further development of the QNG Certification
11.1 What types of QNG Sustainable Building Certification will be available when?
At the QNG Certification’s launch in July 2021, QNG Certification was only available for the construction of new residential buildings. Since then, Certifications for the construction of new office, administrative and educational buildings as well as for their complete refurbishment have been added. Since 1 January 2023, the previous Certification types have been replaced with one overarching certification type for residential buildings and one for non-residential buildings.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
11.2 How is the QNG Certification being further developed?
The QNG Certification scheme will be further developed on the basis of the research conducted by the "Zukunft Bau" innovation programme. In future, representatives from industry, associations, administration, politics and science will furthermore be involved in progressing the certification scheme through the Federal Ministry of Building's Round Table on Sustainable Building.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
11.3 Will any new versions or additions/updates to the QNG Certification scheme be publicly announced?
Any new versions and additions/updates to the QNG Certification scheme will be published on www.qng.info.
All certification types (QNG-KN21, QNG-WN21, NWG-BN22, NWG-BK22, NWG-UN22, NWG-UK22, QNG-WG23, QNG-NW23)
12. FAQ – Miscellaneous
12.1 Are there any prefabricated house manufacturers that offer QNG-certified new-builds?
Yes. There have been some prefabricated house manufacturers who QNG-certified some of their houses.
QNG-KN21, QNG-WG23
