Soil, risks & QHSE management

Certifications (BREEAM, DGNB, HQE)

Getting your building's performance certified helps increase its market value.
Modern glass building bathed in sunlight, illustration for Labelling (BREEAM, DGNB, HQE)

The environmental performance of buildings has become an increasingly important factor for tenants and prospective buyers. Obtaining certification for these performance levels enhances the value of your assets.

To meet market expectations, it is increasingly common to have the environmental performance of buildings certified via recognized standards. The choice of the most suitable certification depends on the project's objectives, its location, and the market context.

The certification process is ideally considered from the design phases, to allow for all options to be explored and the targeted performance level to be achieved.

European market standards

BREEAM, DGNB, and HQE: The Three Major Environmental Certifications

Residential tower with balconies covered by vertical gardens, illustration for Labelling (BREEAM, DGNB, HQE)
01

BREEAM

A pioneer since 1990, BREEAM certification is now recognized in over 85 countries. It evaluates buildings across 10 categories (including energy, health, materials, water, and biodiversity) based on several standards (such as New Construction, In-Use, and Refurbishment and Fit Out), and assigns a rating ranging from "Pass" to "Outstanding."

Concrete construction seen from above, surrounded by a preserved forest, illustration for Labelling (BREEAM, DGNB, HQE)
02

DGNB

Originating in Germany, the DGNB certification covers the entire building life cycle through four frameworks (new construction, renovation, operation, and deconstruction). It evaluates six categories and awards a rating ranging from "bronze" to "platinum."

Green wall covering the curved facade of a modern building, illustration for Labelling (BREEAM, DGNB, HQE)
03

HQE (High Environmental Quality)

Launched by CERTIVEA, the HQE Building certification is available in 3 versions (Construction, Renovation, Operation) and evaluates 14 targets organized around 4 commitments (eco-construction, eco-management, comfort, health). There are 4 levels of performance, ranging from "performant" to "exceptional".

Engineer and worker visiting a construction site in progress, illustration for Labelling (BREEAM, DGNB, HQE)

A partner to support your certification process

ABV Environment brings together the expertise needed to support you in your certification process by assisting with the preparation of your application files.

Our approach is based on the standards relevant to the targeted certification and the specific type of project being developed. For BREEAM certification, we focus on areas where our consulting and expertise firm has developed recognized expertise : biodiversity conservation, water management, mobility, and climate change.

Beyond certification, ABV Environment’s expertise helpsguide your projects, informing your decision-making to ensure their success.
Modern glass building bathed in sunlight, illustration for Labelling (BREEAM, DGNB, HQE)

Looking to certify your building's environmental performance?

ABV Environment supports you through the process of obtaining BREEAM, DGNB, or HQE certification by providing recognized expertise in biodiversity, water, mobility, and climate change.