
The aim of the initiative is to transform current planning culture and Baukultur to make sustainable building the new normal. Instead of signing another climate manifesto, architects and planners commit themselves to promoting the most important sustainability issues of the Declaration of Sustainability in their discussions with clients.
News
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10 September 2020
Phase Sustainability in Hesse
On 9 September the roadshow took place in Wiesbaden to introduce the idea of the initiative to the architects in Hesse. Among the participants were BAK President Barbara Ettinger-Brinckmann, Holger Zimmer Chamber of Architects and Urban Planners of Hesse, Christine Lemaitre DGNB, Stefan Rappold Behnisch Architekten and Thomas Busse KSP Jürgen Engel Architekten.
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4 August 2020
First annual event summary
More self-criticism than self-praise, unembellished honesty instead of glossy renderings and a little more questions than answers - that's how one could sum up the first network meeting. The focus was on the exchange of experience among planners. In addition to valuable insights, everyone agreed that the initiative was entering its second round.
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9 July 2020
First annual event on 28 July 2020
The first annual event of all participants of the initiative will take place on 28 July 2020 with live broadcast. In addition to keynote speeches and first experiences with the Declaration of Sustainability, there will be a discussion in which participants can participate via chat. Sign up for the initiative now and be part of the event on 28 July 2020!
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28 May 2020
Roadshow Digital: The event in retrospect (German)
Since the initiative was founded, information events have been held to inform architects and planners about the initiative. Are you curious and do not want to wait for the next event? Here you will find the recording of the Roadshow Stuttgart in May 2020 (in German). -
20 May 2020
100 architecture and planning offices support the Phase Sustainability
In the meantime, 100 architecture and planning offices are already committed to more sustainability in planning and construction practice. A real milestone. -
23 January 2020
Start of the roadshow in Karlsruhe
The first roadshow event of the initiative took place on 17 January 2020. At the fully booked event, the initiators presented the Phase Sustainability and answered questions from the guests. -
13 October 2019
Launch of the Phase Sustainability initiative at Expo Real 2019
Expo Real 2019 marked the official launch of the Phase Sustainability initiative launched by the DGNB and BAK. The first participants signed up for more sustainability in planning practice.
We need a paradigm shift now: no more statements but real action!
Every building can and should actively contribute to the positive design and sustainable construction of the environment we build around ourselves. A crucial part of this is holistic planning, allowing relevant objectives to be discussed and determined early in the process. This shared understanding is a fundamental prerequisite for implementing sustainable projects.
By becoming involved in this initiative, architects and planners have a new way to demonstrate solidarity. Not only can this promote a greater understanding of how to bring about change and contribute to environmental protection by working together, it also underscores how we must and want to actively achieve this in every project we implement. Any questions? To read our FAQs, click here. Or get in touch with us via email.

The initiative focuses on six thematic areas. Each theme has different objectives, which are evaluated according to their relevance to the project.
- Sufficiency
- Climate action
- Circular Economy
- Environment
- Positve spaces
- Baukultur

As an architecture and planning office, your signature will set an example for more sustainability in construction.
As part of the 'Phase Sustainability' initiative, architects' offices undertake to use the Declaration of Sustainability for their projects together with the client for the common project-specific objectives.

As a signatory, you and your office will receive exclusive further information such as access to relevant DGNB content or templates for covering letters to clients.
DGNB members also receive further information. You are not yet a member? Then you can fill in the application form here and benefit from the advantages.
Participants in the initiative
More than 150 participants are part of the initiative. Click here to see all participants.