Construction site certification in practice
Project: Rehearsal and workshop center (PWZ) in Munich
"Sustainability certifications are contractually required for more and more projects. Their requirements for project execution and construction site management are similar, but certifications were previously processed independently by the units. Under the leadership of the 'Project Excellence & Services' (PES) competence center, we have now been able to create common standards for processing certifications.
The PWZ pilot project offered the opportunity to develop an optimal solution independently and without client specifications. We were able to draw on existing standards from our process management. This means that certifications can be implemented with significantly less effort in future.
Sustainability is already practiced intensively at Implenia, but we have not always presented this proactively at project level. The tools developed as part of the DGNB 'Sustainable Construction Site' certification relieve the burden on project teams and reduce any reservations about the effort involved. In our branch, we have also taken the initiative as an opportunity to expand the exchange between individual projects on sustainability certification and the transfer of knowledge on sustainability.
With DGNB construction site certification, we can show potential customers and employees that we also implement the topic of sustainability in our projects independently of customer requirements and that we can offer cost-effective certification solutions as a competent partner.
We would like to have more construction sites DGNB-certified. I hope we can start the next project this year."
"As the construction industry is responsible for a significant proportion of globalCO2 emissions and waste, I see a need for action here. The DGNB's construction site certification is a step in the right direction and we should seize this opportunity.
The collaboration with the sustainability team was a positive experience right from the start. The colleagues from Raunheim provided us with very helpful tools, which quickly made it clear that we already meet most of the requirements through Implenia's regular processes. If there were any uncertainties regarding the individual certificates, the team took over communication with the DGNB and was able to give us an answer within a few days. This gave us clear information on what we needed to do and we were able to work through the points quickly.
I am pleased that we can be pioneers here with the PWZ construction site and that we can encourage our colleagues to implement the certification as well. What I have learned is this: The earlier you start, the better! That way, you can gather the necessary evidence right from the start and save yourself a long search afterwards."
Project: Doormannsweg residential building in Hamburg
"Within Hochbau Deutschland, we decided to have construction sites throughout Germany certified as part of a pilot project. The aim was to gain experience with the certification process and to be able to assess the (additional) effort involved.
My choice fell on the Doormannsweg construction project: we implemented an energy-efficient refurbishment there and created additional living space by adding a wooden storey without sealing any additional areas. The project is therefore already considered to be particularly sustainable.
However, we also wanted to use the certification above all to critically examine our internal processes and determine whether we are actually acting sustainably on the construction site and living up to the defined standards and guidelines.
In doing so, we were not only able to review existing processes, but also establish new procedures. For example, intensive dialog with local residents and tenants has proven to be a key factor in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Sustainability is a central component of Implenia's business activities. We consistently pursue our sustainability goals in the various areas and also want to be a role model for our employees. The certification was also well received by our customer, even though he was not actively involved. The most important thing, however, is the visibility of our active sustainability policy to the outside world - a strong signal in the market.
If certification can be integrated into the construction process, my wish would be to have all our construction sites certified in future."
Project: Technology Park in Essen (TÜV Nord)
"Our customers appreciate the fact that we not only actively do something for sustainability on the building itself, but also directly on the construction site. The award also confirms our established Implenia processes. We already meet many of the requirements anyway, so the additional effort is minimal. I think the external impact is particularly important: with a banner and QR code, we can make our commitment visible and perhaps motivate other companies to follow suit.
Personally, the topic is very close to my heart. With the DGNB 'Sustainable Construction Site' certification, we have the opportunity to take responsibility for sustainable development where we have the greatest influence - on our construction sites. Thanks to our existing processes, the support of the sustainability department and the fact that the building on our project was also DGNB-certified, we had already implemented a great deal. The effort required for construction site certification was therefore manageable: it was essentially a matter of collecting documents and making minor adjustments. I am convinced that every construction site can successfully implement this certification if the Implenia processes are followed.
It is crucial to define clear responsibilities. Someone on the construction site has to actively take on the issue and drive it forward. I was able to benefit from my experience from previous certifications. We also had great support from my colleague Cornelia Benning. As part of her bachelor's thesis, she developed a certification guide for site managers that provides valuable orientation and highlights potential. Understanding sustainability on the construction site is just as important - for site managers and foremen alike. More educational work is certainly needed here."
