SGNI - Swiss Sustainable Building Council

What SGNI - Swiss Sustainable Building Council does

SGNI – Schweizer Gesellschaft für Nachhaltige Immobilienwirtschaft (Swiss Sustainable Building Council) is a non-profit association (Verein) founded in 2010 and headquartered in Zurich. The organization serves as the Swiss representative and adaptation partner of the German DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) certification system, adapting European sustainability criteria to Swiss instruments and standards. SGNI operates a multi-product certification portfolio covering new buildings (DGNB Gebäude), buildings in operation (Gebäude im Betrieb / GiB), interiors (DGNB Innenräume), and districts/quarters (DGNB Areal), alongside special designations such as Klimapositiv and DGNB Diamant, and the NIMMO Portfolio assessment system developed jointly with Immobilien Stadt Zürich and ZHAW.

SGNI's revenue is generated through three primary streams: certification fees for buildings, interiors, quarters, and portfolios; training and education programs that credential DGNB Consultants, Auditors, and ESG Managers; and recurring organizational and individual membership fees. Since 2010, approximately 100 expert volunteers have collaborated on criteria adaptation, and more than 250 Swiss projects have been certified, with 2.5 million square meters of operational building space newly certified in the past two years. The international DGNB system has cumulatively certified over 10,000 projects across more than 20 countries.

The organization serves Swiss real estate owners and investors, planners, engineers, architects, facility managers, and public authorities (cities, cantons, municipalities), and operates a distribution network of 40+ certified DGNB Consultants and Auditors across Switzerland. SGNI maintains strategic partnerships with DGNB Germany, the World Green Building Council (as an Emerging GBC member), Climate Positive Europe Alliance, C33 – Circular Construction Catalyst, Netzwerk Nachhaltiges Bauen Schweiz, eco-bau, Materius (EBP Schweiz), Stratus (Basler & Hofmann), MeteoViva Climate, and a network of implementation consulting partners including Lemon Consult, Intep, icccon, Drees & Sommer Schweiz, and Ritter Schumacher.

Name

SGNI - Swiss Sustainable Building Council

Legal name

SGNI – Schweizer Gesellschaft für Nachhaltige Immobilienwirtschaft

Website

https://sgni.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SGNI is a Swiss non-profit association that certifies buildings, interiors, and portfolios under a Swiss-adapted DGNB sustainability system, trains and credentials consultants and auditors, and serves real estate owners, investors, planners, and public authorities seeking standardized ESG compliance.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Green Building Certification and Sustainability Assessment

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Architectural Services (54131)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

ESG, Sustainability Reporting & Compliance (BPAEAPAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

ESG Reporting, Disclosure & Regulatory Compliance (SFDR, EU Taxonomy, TCFD/ISSB) (FSAAALAK)

Keywords

• Sustainable building certification
• Green building standards
• Real estate sustainability
• EU taxonomy verification
• Portfolio sustainability assessment

Headquarters

HQ city

Zurich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification Fees: Revenue from certifying buildings, interiors, and quarters according to the DGNB System Switzerland. Includes certification for new buildings, buildings in operation, portfolios, and specific awards like Klimapositiv and DGNB Diamant.
2. Training and Education Programs: Revenue from educational programs that train and certify Consultants and Auditors in the Swiss DGNB certification system. Annual training sessions offered in the mentioned instruments.
3. Membership Fees: Revenue from organizational and individual memberships, providing access to network, resources, and the SGNI community of sustainability professionals.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SGNI operates the Swiss adaptation of the DGNB certification system, providing sustainability assessment and certification services for new buildings, buildings in operation, interiors, neighborhoods, and real estate portfolios. It also trains and certifies DGNB Consultants and Auditors, and supports compliance with the EU Taxonomy through ESG verification services.

Product overview

SGNI operates as a non-profit organization that certifies buildings according to the Swiss DGNB system, which is an adaptation of the German DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) certification system. The core offering consists of multiple certification products including DGNB Gebäude (Neubau) for new buildings, Gebäude im Betrieb (GiB) for buildings in operation, DGNB Innenräume for interiors, and DGNB Areal/Zertifizierung for neighborhoods. SGNI also offers NIMMO® Portfolio as a sustainability assessment tool for larger real estate portfolios, developed in collaboration with Immobilien Stadt Zürich and ZHAW. Special designations include Klimapositiv Auszeichnung and DGNB Diamant awards. Additional services include DGNB anerkannte Dienstleistungen (recognized third-party services integrated with certification), ESG Verifikation zur EU-Taxonomie for regulatory compliance, and comprehensive training/education programs that certify Consultants and Auditors. The international DGNB standard is applied in over 20 countries with more than 10,000 major building projects certified.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NIMMO: Portfolio assessment system for evaluating sustainability performance of real estate portfolios, particularly for cities and municipalities.
• NIMMO Portfolio

Products and services

• DGNB Gebäude (Neubau) Certification Certification for new buildings based on the Swiss DGNB system, evaluating comprehensive quality requirements including energy efficiency, CO2 emissions, lifecycle assessment, grey energy, usage flexibility, and recyclability of materials.
• Gebäude im Betrieb (GiB) Certification Certification system for buildings in operation, evaluating the sustainability performance of existing buildings during operational use.
• DGNB Innenräume Certification Certification for interior spaces, evaluating sustainability criteria specific to indoor environments.
• NIMMO® Portfolio Certification System Portfolio assessment system developed with Immobilien Stadt Zürich and ZHAW for measuring sustainability of larger real estate portfolios. Assesses three sustainability dimensions (economy, society, environment) based on 23 sustainability criteria.
• DGNB Areal / Quartier Certification Certification for sustainable neighborhoods and areas, evaluating comprehensive sustainability criteria at the district/quarter level.
• ESG Verifikation zur EU-Taxonomie ESG verification services for EU Taxonomy compliance, enabling Swiss building owners to align projects with national and EU requirements.
• SGNI Ausbildung (Consultant and Auditor Training Programs) Training and education programs that certify SGNI/DGNB Consultants and Auditors in the Swiss DGNB certification system.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10,000 projects certified globally since 2009
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Immobilien Stadt Zürich (IMMO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 January 2025Jointly developed NIMMO® Portfolio assessment system with ZHAW. Successfully used by the City of Zurich. Partnership enables Stratus integration for portfolio sustainability assessment.
• MeteoViva ClimatecoreTechnology or Integration · 5 October 2023First DGNB recognized service in Switzerland accredited by SGNI for the Buildings in Operation certification system. Uses advanced digital technologies for optimizing building efficiency and sustainability in operation. Implemented in Switzerland through Sinovis AG.
• DGNB - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges BauencoreTechnology or IntegrationSGNI operates as the Swiss representative and partner organization for the DGNB certification system. The international DGNB standard is used in over 20 countries with over 10,000 certified projects. SGNI adapts the DGNB criteria to Swiss instruments and standards.
• World Green Building Council (WorldGBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGNI is an Emerging GBC member of the worldwide network of Green Building Councils. The WorldGBC network represents Green Building Councils from all continents united in promoting sustainability in building, use, and operation of real estate.
• Climate Positive Europe Alliance (CPEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGNI is an official member of CPEA and supports the alliance in accelerating market transformation toward a sustainable, carbon-free built environment in line with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. SGNI conducts ESG verifications for EU Taxonomy in Switzerland.
• Netzwerk Nachhaltiges Bauen Schweiz (NNBS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCross-cutting network promoting and coordinating sustainable building in Switzerland. NNBS strengthens cooperation between business, public sector, education, politics, and science.
• Bauen Digital SchweizcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterest group uniting existing institutions, associations and enterprises around building digitally. The only platform in Switzerland addressing the topic across the entire lifecycle of building and operation.
• eco-baucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation with over 50 building authorities from federal, cantonal, and city governments, plus KBOB and CRB. Develops and disseminates planning tools for sustainable, ecological, and healthy construction.
• MadastercoreTechnology or IntegrationRegistry for materials and products in buildings. Registration of all materials and products provides information on separability, bound CO2, and toxicity of materials and products.
• Materius (EBP Schweiz)coreTechnology or IntegrationSGNI supports the development of Materius, a product database for the Swiss construction industry with over 30,000 building products. Provides comprehensive product information and material test evidence for compliance with sustainability standards.
• Stratus (Basler & Hofmann)coreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic real estate portfolio management solution. Partnership with NIMMO® enables sustainability assessment of real estate portfolios according to SGNI standard, particularly for cities and municipalities.
• ZHAW (Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in the development of NIMMO® Portfolio assessment system for evaluating sustainability performance of real estate portfolios.
• Sinovis AGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSwiss implementation partner for MeteoViva Climate. Advises investors and property owners on creating climate protection roadmaps and implementing management processes for properties and portfolios toward Net Zero.
• Circular HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnowledge and network platform for circular construction in Switzerland.
• öbuminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation promoting sustainable business practices among member companies. Global Network Partner of WBCSD and member of UN Global Compact, oriented toward the 17 SDGs of Agenda 2030.
• Verein Gebäudesimulation SchweizminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterdisciplinary network for building simulation professionals, promoting physical simulations as a standard planning tool in the construction industry.
• Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie SchweizminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation promoting sustainable economics based on human dignity, ecological responsibility, solidarity, social justice, democratic co-determination, and transparency.
• Schweizer Dachverband für PartizipationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational umbrella organization promoting and developing a culture and ethics of participation in Switzerland.
• C33 - Circular Construction CatalystcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSGNI is a new member of C33, which aims to establish circular construction and management in Swiss building sector as the 'new normal' by 2033.
• Intep - Integrale Planung GmbHcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMember since 2011. Interdisciplinary consulting and research company for environment, business and society. Provides sustainability consulting including DGNB certification support.
• Lemon Consult AGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMember since 2010. Specialized engineering and consulting firm for energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable energies in buildings and technical systems. Offers DGNB audit services.
• icccon AGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMember since 2023. Real estate consulting company combining real estate consulting with technology and sustainability in construction. Offers DGNB auditing services.
• Drees & Sommer Schweiz AGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides holistic solutions for Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Industry. Offers DGNB consulting and audit services.
• Ritter Schumacher AGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMember since 2024. Architecture firm focused on sustainable future. Provides sustainability and valuation services including DGNB certification support.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• BREEAM (BRE Group): UK-originated green building standard operated by BRE Group. Major alternative to DGNB for international real estate investors with UK or European footprint; frequently listed alongside DGNB as a comparable certification option for portfolio benchmarking.
• US Green Building Council (LEED): Operator of LEED, the world's most widely adopted green building rating system. Competes with DGNB for global prestige and large international projects, including in Switzerland where LEED-certified multinational tenants and investors drive demand.

Direct peers

• DGNB - Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen: DGNB is the German parent system and direct counterpart to SGNI. SGNI explicitly operates as the Swiss DGNB partner, adapting DGNB criteria to Swiss instruments - they share the same underlying certification methodology and IP lineage, making them the closest possible peer.
• Minergie: Switzerland's other dominant building sustainability certification (Minergie-P, Minergie-A, Minergie-Eco). Competes for the same Swiss project certification budget from the same building owners and architects, often as an alternative rather than complement to DGNB.
• SNBS - Standard Nachhaltiges Bauen Schweiz: Swiss-specific sustainable building standard with its own certification scheme for new construction and operation. Direct domestic alternative serving the same Swiss developer/investor base under similar regulatory framing.
• ÖGNI - Österreichische Gesellschaft für Nachhaltige Immobilienwirtschaft: Austrian sibling organization established in 2009 that performs the same DGNB-adaptation role for Austria that SGNI performs for Switzerland. Operates an identical business model: certification, training, and portfolio assessment under the DGNB umbrella.

Emerging players

• WELL Building Standard (IWBI): Health-and-wellness-focused building certification increasingly adopted by premium office and healthcare clients. Often pursued alongside DGNB rather than as substitute, but competes for sustainability/ESG budget allocation on large Swiss projects.

Others

• World Green Building Council: Global umbrella body that SGNI is an Emerging GBC member of. Aggregates national green building councils, advances policy advocacy (including EU Taxonomy alignment), and provides international legitimacy and knowledge-sharing platforms relevant to SGNI's mission.
• Drees & Sommer: Real estate and infrastructure consultancy with a Swiss operation (Drees & Sommer Schweiz AG) that delivers DGNB consulting and audit services on behalf of SGNI-certified building owners. Functions as a downstream implementation partner rather than direct competitor.

Regional players

• eco-bau: Swiss association of >50 building authorities (federal, cantonal, municipal) developing planning tools for sustainable construction. Coordinates with SGNI but also publishes its own evaluation criteria, creating partial overlap in standards-setting for public-sector projects in Switzerland.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sgni-swiss-sustainable-building-council

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about SGNI - Swiss Sustainable Building Council