The German Sustainability Award Architecture reflects the ongoing transformation in the construction sector. For the 14th time, it recognizes buildings that seamlessly blend innovation, transformative impact, and outstanding design quality, in collaboration with leading figures from the architectural world.
To the application form for the German Sustainability Award Architecture until the 5th of June.
Together with the DGNB, the German Sustainability Award introduced a special price for pioneering construction in 2012, highlighting the significance of the real estate sector in addressing key future challenges. The DNP Architecture Award recognizes outstanding and exemplary achievements in the construction sector that contribute to the transformation toward sustainable living and economic practices.
In addition, the award honors projects that demonstrate great innovative strength and exceptional design quality. The prize is presented in collaboration with the DGNB and with the support of BAK and Bundesstiftung Baukultur.
Building owners, architects, and users can submit projects in Germany that are already in use. Eligible buildings must serve a personal-use function, whether through daily public access, permanent workplaces, or residential spaces. The evaluation considers both the building and its directly associated outdoor areas. Submissions may include new constructions, existing buildings, or extensive renovations, provided they were completed within the past five years.
A sustainability certification is not required. Projects can be submitted through an online system, presented with a designed poster and relevant background information in the online questionnaire. The jury will review the submissions and select the best entries, including the winning project.
Most frequently asked questions about the competition.
By acquiring the German Sustainability Award seal, successful participants can showcase their leadership in sustainable construction—enhancing their reputation among customers, competitors, and the media. As a prestigious mark of external recognition, the seal highlights pioneers in the field and secures a competitive edge in the market. It also serves as a trusted guide for clients seeking sustainable alternatives.
The renovated and expanded multi-purpose hall in Ingerkingen won the German Sustainability Award for Architecture in 2025. The jury recognized the project, designed by Atelier Kaiser Shen, as an outstanding example of redevelopment that is both ecologically and architecturally compelling, fully aligned with the common good.
This year marked the 13th time the Architecture Award for forward-looking building culture was presented by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB e.V.) together with the German Sustainability Award Foundation. The award ceremony took place as part of the DGNB’s new event format, the Forum for Sustainable Architecture, in Bonn.
Architekt BDA, Gründer ensømble Studio Architektur Berlin
Architektin BDA, Partnerin LXSY Architektur
Inhaber, haas.cook.zemmrich – STUDIO2050
Partner/Director, sauerbruch hutton
Professur für Tragwerkslehre, Baustoffkunde und konstruktives Entwerfen Fachbereich Architektur, Hochschule Darmstadt geschäftsführender Gesellschafter, knippershelbig
Professur für Entwurf und Konstruktion im Holzbau, Technische Hochschule Rosenheim; Geschäftsführerin, sustainable architecture GmbH
Hauptgeschäftsführer, Architektenkammer Nordrhein-Westfalen
Vorsitzender des Vorstands, Bundesstiftung Baukultur
Geschäftsbereichsleitung Landesbau, Gebäudemanagement Schleswig-Holstein AöR
Geschäftsführende Gesellschafterin weberbrunner architekten, Berlin
Professor für Gebäudetechnologie und klimagerechtes Entwerfen in der Fachgruppe Architektur, Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart
The Danish architect and designer Bjarke Ingels received an honorary award in 2019. With his approach to sustainable building, Ingels has become one of the most successful architects globally in recent years. He demonstrates that social responsibility can go hand in hand with architectural extravagance—what he calls “hedonistic sustainability.”
In 2012, the British star architect Lord Norman Foster was a guest in Düsseldorf as an honorary award recipient. He spoke with DGNB Vice President Martin Haas about green building.
The winners impressed with projects that stood out for their participatory planning processes, use of ecological building materials, good urban integration, and solutions to the need for affordable housing. With renovations and new buildings, from residential and commercial buildings to cultural and educational facilities, they reflect the spectrum of sustainable architecture for the entire real estate sector.