How to achieve DGNB sustainability certification

Tector (ex Woodsense) has received a comprehensive documentation report from Rambøll, detailing how the Tector moisture meter can support building projects in attaining DGNB sustainability certification. Based on the UN’s definition of sustainability, DGNB accreditation ensures future-proof buildings and serves as a mark of excellence in sustainable construction.

Sensor solution contributes to sustainable certification

The Tector sensor solution specialises in continuous moisture monitoring and quality assurance throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project. From factory storage to onsite installation and critical risk areas, our sensors detect even the smallest moisture deviations, preventing unnecessary resource waste.

• Real-time alerts: Automated moisture alerts enable rapid intervention, ensuring effective moisture management at every stage.
• Robust documentation: Detailed logging of moisture data provides clear evidence for DGNB criteria in environmental, technical and process quality.
• Lifecycle support: Beyond construction, Tector sensors help during building operation, contributing to operating-cost criteria, risk management and long-term asset value.

“By integrating Tector’s moisture meters, project teams can transparently document moisture control and demonstrate compliance with DGNB’s rigorous criteria,” explains Kirsten Lynge, Sustainability Engineer at Rambøll.

Supporting DGNB bonus schemes

Tector’s solution also drives bonus points under the latest DGNB manual:

• DGNB Heart: Preventing mould supports indoor-environment health, securing up to 75% of points in the user well-being category.
• Innovation Bonus: Our AI-powered alerts and cloud-based analytics qualify as innovative technologies, unlocking additional sustainability points.

Contact us to receive the official Rambøll documentation package and learn how Tector can streamline your DGNB certification process.

What is DGNB?

DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) certification is a globally recognised standard that evaluates buildings across six core areas:

1. Environmental quality
2. Economic quality
3. Social quality
4. Technical quality
5. Process quality
6. Site quality

Extra achievements include:

• DGNB Heart: Awarded when ≥ 75% of points in the well-being category are met.
• DGNB Diamond: Recognises exceptional architectural design.

As an independent third-party standard, DGNB certification acts as a trusted quality seal for sustainability.

What’s new in DGNB certification in 2025?

DGNB continues to evolve as a future-focused sustainability framework. The 2025 updates place greater emphasis on real-world performance, environmental protection, and biodiversity:

• Stronger focus on operational impact
  DGNB now rewards ongoing building performance more than theoretical planning — making real-time tools like Tector’s sensors more valuable in monitoring energy, emissions and material condition across a building’s use phase.
  
  
• New criterion: Biodiversity and rainwater management
  A dedicated criterion has been added under Environmental Quality. Tector helps protect building elements that support biodiversity and natural water cycles — like green roofs, timber facades and rain-permeable surfaces — by detecting moisture issues early, before they lead to damage, over-engineering or invasive drainage interventions.
  
  
• Aligned with European regulations
  The updated system integrates with the EU Taxonomy, CSRD, and SFDR frameworks, helping sustainability officers meet both certification and reporting demands. Tector’s logging capabilities can feed directly into these reporting structures.
  
  
• Updated weighting and scoring
  Criteria related to indoor environmental quality, emissions, and water impact have been given greater importance, areas where early detection and moisture prevention are critical.
  
  

DGNB ESG Manager requirement from 2026 Projects applying under the Buildings in Use scheme will require a certified DGNB ESG Manager. Tector’s post-construction monitoring strengthens ongoing ESG compliance, providing long-term data for managing risks and performance.

Why DGNB matters

The construction industry contributes roughly 30% of Denmark’s CO₂ emissions, and globally buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon emissions. With national targets to reduce total emissions by 70% by 2030 and the global community striving for net-zero by mid-century under the Paris Agreement, sustainable building certifications like DGNB are crucial. They foster transparency, drive innovation and accelerate the shift towards low-carbon construction practices worldwide.