ETH Zurich’s BSS Building Awarded DGNB Gold Certification: A New Benchmark in Sustainable Construction

ETH Zurich has set a new standard in sustainable construction with its BSS laboratory building in Basel — the first laboratory in Switzerland to earn the prestigious  DGNB Gold certification. This milestone reflects a growing global focus on green building standards that prioritize energy efficiency, resource conservation, occupant health, and long-term value.

Developed by the German Sustainable Council (DGNB), this internationally recognised certification evaluates buildings across six comprehensive areas: environmental quality, economic performance, sociocultural and functional quality, technical excellence, process quality, and site integration. ETH Zurich worked closely with the Swiss Society for Sustainable Real Estate (SGNI) to adapt DGNB’s framework to Swiss conditions, ensuring the BSS building met stringent sustainability benchmarks.

Designed by Nickl & Partner Architekten, the BSS building not only exemplifies climate-conscious architecture, but also earned the Iconic Award 2023 for design excellence. Its features include high thermal insulation, CO₂-free energy systems, recyclable materials, and flexible spaces designed for future adaptability — all key criteria for DGNB Gold.

ETH Zurich’s approach integrates leading green building standards like Minergie and Minergie-Eco, reflecting a shift toward life cycle thinking in construction. These systems assess everything from energy use and emissions to indoor air quality, accessibility, and long-term operating costs.

This award highlights ETH’s commitment to embedding sustainability in architecture and infrastructure from the design phase onward — a best practice model for institutions, developers, and governments worldwide.