Until now, construction sites in Austria could only be certified on an individual and project-specific basis by applying predefined criteria. With the introduction of the ÖGNI Base Certificate, a company-wide standard has been established for the first time, allowing for fundamental certification. PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss: “PORR is the first construction company in Austria to receive this Base Certificate – something we’re extremely proud of. It confirms the high level of sustainability standards that PORR already applies as a matter of course”. 

Managing Director of ÖGNI, Peter Engert: “Sustainable construction sites are a valuable first step towards the renovation or construction of sustainable buildings. Our member PORR has been actively involved in the ÖGNI working group and is now demonstrating ‘best practice’. The first Base Certificate for Sustainable Construction Sites proves that PORR systematically incorporates social, economic, and environmental sustainability in its operations”.

Sustainability standards upheld across all construction sites

The Base Certificate confirms that PORR already meets the material sustainability standards across all of its construction sites. These include comprehensive site organisation, environmental risk analysis and developing concepts to control noise and dust. Resource protection also plays a major role, with energy and water consumption monitored and recorded on every site. For future projects, PORR will only need to submit and verify the aspects that cannot be generally standardised - such as the specific machinery used or project-specific site management measures, including communication processes. This will significantly reduce the administrative burden and makes the certification process more efficient, transparent, and predictable. 

Comprehensive set of criteria

The sustainability certification for construction sites was originally developed by the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) and is awarded in Austria by ÖGNI. The system assesses construction sites according to a comprehensive set of criteria that consider environmental, economic, and social factors. Certification is carried out in two stages: A preliminary certificate is issued during the construction phase, followed by final certification once the project is complete.

To obtain the ÖGNI Base Certificate, PORR went through a multi-stage process in which it fully analysed, documented, and optimised all requirements using selected pilot construction sites. This hands-on approach enabled the systematic evaluation of all criteria – from logistics and resource conservation to occupational safety and on-site communication.

Strauss: “The ÖGNI Base Certificate is not only proof of our lived commitment to sustainability, but also a strategic advantage in the project business – for our clients, for our partners, and for a future with a responsible construction industry”.