Building For The Future

The Importance of Sustainable Certification Standards

As the architectural world leans increasingly toward sustainable design, building certification systems like DGNB, BREEAM, and LEED have become more than badges of honour - they're essential benchmarks in modern construction. Whether driven by legal requirements, client demands, or access to green financing, more and more buildings across Europe are seeking certification. At Hørning, we take pride in offering high-quality wooden flooring that doesn't just meet these standards but actively contributes to achieving them.

Certification is Becoming the New Norm

In countries like Germany and Denmark, the DGNB system (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) is gaining ground, not just as a voluntary label, but increasingly as a necessity. With political pressure, climate goals, and the growing influence of sustainable finance instruments, certifications are becoming central to how buildings are planned, funded, and evaluated. For example, certain green loans and investment opportunities now require buildings to meet a specific level of certification to qualify.

How Documentation Makes the Difference

For architects working within these frameworks, material documentation is key. Hørning supports this with:

• EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) for most of our wooden floors, offering third-party verified data on environmental performance across the product's life cycle.
• FSC^® and PEFC certifications, ensuring that our wood is responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests and other controlled sources.
• Traceability and full transparency throughout the supply chain.

This documentation fits directly into the evaluation criteria of DGNB, BREEAM and LEED and helps architects and developers easily integrate our products into certified buildings.

Designing with Longevity in Mind

One of the core principles of green building standards is durability. Materials that last reduce the need for replacement, lower environmental impact, and contribute positively to the building's overall life cycle assessment (LCA).

Hørning’s wooden floors are crafted to withstand generations of use. They are made to be repaired, maintained, and in some cases, reused - an ideal fit for projects with a strong focus on material circularity and low life-cycle costs.

Meeting the Expectations of Today’s Architects

Modern architecture demands more than aesthetics. Architects are looking for:

• Verified environmental data to satisfy certification requirements
• Material performance in terms of longevity, indoor climate, and resilience
• Design flexibility across tones, formats, and installation techniques
• Partners who understand sustainability documentation and can provide tailored support

At Hørning, we collaborate closely with architects to ensure that our products not only look beautiful but also serve a long-term function in sustainable design.

Future-Proof Design Starts Now

As more buildings strive for certification, the importance of choosing documented, high-quality materials grows. Hørning is committed to being a part of that journey - not only by providing floors that hold up over time but by making sure the data and certifications are in place to support the architect’s vision.

Whether your project is aiming for DGNB, BREEAM, LEED, or simply aligned with best practices in sustainable building, Hørning stands ready to support with natural materials that build both beauty and credibility.