Applications can be submitted to tanusitvany@magyarkertorokseg.hu
8 April 2026
Last updated: 17.02.2025
| # | Topic | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Typical cases, ordering a certificate | What if a design area consists of several plots? | In this case, green space certification must be requested for each plot. |
| 2 | Typical cases, ordering a certificate | What if, for example, one of several halls on an industrial plot is renovated, which on its own does not reach 5000 m² of useful floor area, but the halls together do? Is the plot subject to the green space certification obligation? | It is not subject to green space certification, because only new structures subject to a permit that on their own exceed 5000 m² of useful floor area are required to have a Green Space Certificate. |
| 3 | Typical cases, ordering a certificate | A smaller-budget project, e.g. under the Hungarian Village Programme, renews part of a plot where the plot is larger than 5000 m². Does this also qualify as a landscape architecture work subject to the green space certification obligation? | Sent to the Ministry for an official opinion. Once the opinion has been received, this cell will be updated! |
| 5 | Typical cases, ordering a certificate | The example of the Fiumei Road Cemetery: the entire huge area (more than 5000 m²) is registered under a single lot number. Within it, smaller areas are often renewed one at a time. Is green space certification required? | Yes, if the size of the individual smaller area (the intervention) reaches 5000 m² on its own. |
| 6 | Typical cases, ordering a certificate | If, in an industrial area, an extension smaller than 5000 m² is built on the plot of an existing building larger than 5000 m², is certification still required? | It is not required, but voluntary certification can be requested at any time. |
| 50 | Typical cases, ordering a certificate | Do the parts of the area affected by a solar power plant investment count as built-up? | If there is a biologically active surface with natural soil contact and vegetation under the solar panels, the surface counts as biologically active, and the solar panel can be considered a shading surface. Open soil surface or mulching without vegetation does not qualify. |
| 60 | Typical cases, ordering a certificate | In the case of an investment implemented in several phases on the entire plot area, is it possible to prepare the certification only for the part of the plot affected by the current phase? | If the legislation is amended, an area large enough to meet the mandatory green space requirements must be landscaped for the given phase. |
| 8 | Scoring | There are contradictions between Annex 4 of the government decree and what was said at the course (e.g. regarding the minimum of 3 items each for habitat creation). | The methodology presented at the course is the methodology approved by the Ministry of Construction and Transport (ÉKM). The methodology is more detailed than the government decree, and there is no contradiction between them – a minimum of 3 items of each type is required. |
| 9 | Scoring | The base score is not included in the government decree. According to the decree, even with all bonus points the total is only 275 points. How does this become 400? | The methodology presented at the course is the methodology approved by the Ministry of Construction and Transport (ÉKM). The base score derived from the green volume must be calculated as presented at the course: total green volume / plot m² / minimum mandatory green space ratio (in decimal format). |
| 10 | Scoring | For the stormwater management index, are the 25 points awarded per type, or only once even if there are several elements? | Yes, even if several elements are present, the 25 points are awarded only once. |
| 11 | Scoring | Where is / will the rule on paving exceeding 250 m² without canopy cover be officially set out? | The minimum surface size of 250 m² is included in the methodology and exam preparation material approved by the ÉKM, and it must be applied accordingly. |
| 12 | Scoring | As designers, we need to calculate in advance whether the plan meets category C. For this we need the exact formulas – there cannot be a discrepancy between the government decree and the software. | The exam preparation material contains all the necessary formulas and calculations, so the score can be calculated in advance on that basis. The material will also be made available to designers. |
| 13 | Scoring | There is always a temporary topsoil stockpile during the multi-phase development of an industrial site. How should it be counted? | Open soil surface. |
| 14 | Scoring | Heat-island effect: which types of paving count? Why 250 m²? Why a tree with a 5 m diameter? | The shape of the 250 m² surface does not matter. Paving that can be considered as having a heat-island effect – regardless of colour: concrete paving stones, cast concrete, asphalt, WPC, artificial turf, plastic; if dark in colour: brick, natural stone, loose-fill paving, synthetic resin and rubber. We are initiating a correction of the exam preparation material. |
| 15 | Scoring | In the case of public accessibility, which community functions can be counted? | Under the current decree, community-use areas that are green spaces can be counted here. |
| 16 | Scoring | Does standing water not count in the cases next to watercourses? | According to the decree, only watercourses count. |
| 17 | Scoring | For stormwater management, the chapter and the answer to the exam question contain different scores. Which one is correct? | We are initiating a correction of the exam preparation material. Please prepare for the exam based on the exam preparation material available on the Chamber's website. |
| 18 | Scoring | Can the stormwater scores be added together, or can the points be awarded only once? | They cannot be added together; they can be awarded only once. We are initiating an amendment to the exam preparation material. |
| 21 | Scoring | What counts as a continuous paved surface? The car park continues, and the roads within the plot also form continuous paving. | Paving is continuous even if it is long and narrow – its shape does not matter. |
| 57 | Scoring | On a plot where planting is restricted over a large area (e.g. within the protection zone of power lines), is there any possibility of a reduction in the required green volume? | The legislation currently does not provide for reductions. However, the medium (C) rating can be achieved, for example, by creating a green façade/green wall, a community planting, public accessibility, or by using larger plants. |
| 58 | Scoring | What if tree nurseries cannot supply enough large trees? With the plant sizes used so far, not even a tenth of the required points can be achieved. | Meeting the certification requirements does not require the use of unrealistically large specimens. The green volume can be increased significantly by enhancing the shrub layer and carefully choosing the size of the shrubs. |
| 59 | Scoring | What is the point of distinguishing between categories D and E? Neither of them is compliant. | The “to be improved” classification makes it clear to the investor that level C can be achieved with relatively minor design changes. There is no possibility of modifying the categories or lowering the required level. |
| 61 | Scoring | Planting is severely restricted within the protection zone of power lines. Can a reduction be granted so that category C can be achieved? | Trees cannot be planted within the protection distance, but shrubs, perennial areas and biodiverse flowering meadows can – so green volume can be provided. |
| 23 | Certification process, preliminary data collection | What is a European Diploma area and where can I find out more? | Protected natural areas placed under the patronage of the Council of Europe, renewed every five years. There are 3 such areas in Hungary. Source: termeszetvedelem.hu/europa-diplomas-teruletek-2/ – Map: web.okir.hu/map/?config=TIR&lang=hu |
| 24 | Certification process, preliminary data collection | Where can I check whether an area is under local protection? | We recommend: termeszetvedelem.hu/kereso/vedett-termeszeti-teruletek/ – protection status also appears on the title deed. Map: web.okir.hu/map/?config=TIR&lang=hu |
| 51 | Certification process, preliminary data collection | Does the Green Space Certificate have to be prepared separately for each lot number (hrsz.), or can several lot numbers be combined? | Certification can be requested for several lot numbers at once. Currently it can only be requested for the entire plot area. MKA is initiating the option of ordering by phase, but this requires an amendment to the legislation. |
| 54 | Certification process, preliminary data collection | With many trees, the on-site inspection can take several days – the survey capped at 2 days will not be enough. How do you suggest solving this? | It is advisable to include in the contract that the certifier requests a survey of the tree stock as preliminary data provision: Latin name of the tree species, protection status, crown condition, health condition, age or trunk diameter of the tree, habitat quality (according to the criteria at faapolok.hu/faertekszamitas/). |
| 25 | Certification process, on-site survey | Where is the extended list of the invasive species presented available? | It will be sent out. |
| 26 | Certification process, on-site survey | Where can a soil compaction meter be obtained? | We recommend the Stelzner 5030. |
| 43 | Certification process, on-site survey | Can the geospatial survey also be carried out by the certifier? | No. The geospatial survey and processing may only be carried out by partners contracted by MKA through public procurement. |
| 44 | Certification process, on-site survey | As a landscape architect, can I also certify my own designs? | Yes, provided that the landscape architect holds a certifier licence and is listed in the chamber register. |
| 45 | Certification process, on-site survey | If the certifier is employed by a construction company, can they certify the company's projects? | Yes, provided that the employee holds a certifier licence and is listed in the chamber register. |
| 48 | Certification process, geospatial survey | Is it possible for another company to carry out the geospatial survey (point-cloud capture)? | No. The geospatial survey and processing may only be carried out by partners contracted by MKA through public procurement. |
| 52 | Certification process, geospatial survey | Can the geospatial/drone survey be carried out in-house? Drone footage of the factory site is taken regularly. | No. The geospatial survey and processing may only be carried out by partners contracted by MKA through public procurement. |
| 56 | Certification process, geospatial survey | What should be done if the area is near an airport and drone surveys are prohibited? | A drone survey is possible in this case as well – the surveying company takes care of the take-off permit. A terrestrial lidar survey can also be a solution. In mandatory certification, the green volume cannot be calculated on the basis of plans. |
| 27 | Certifier fees, payment of the certifier | If there are several hundred trees on the plot, how can the certifier check them within the 16-hour limit? | It is advisable to include in the contract that the certifier requests a survey of the tree stock as preliminary data provision: Latin name of the tree species, protection status, crown and health condition, age or trunk diameter, habitat quality. |
| 28 | Certifier fees, payment of the certifier | Can the 16 hours only be charged for the online upload? | No, the 16 hours can be charged for the entire certification. |
| 29 | Certifier fees, payment of the certifier | What happens if the result of the certification does not reach the required level? How can it be ensured that the certifier gets paid? | This must be addressed in the contract between the certifier and the client. |
| 30 | Certifier fees, payment of the certifier | Has an agreement been reached on capping the certification fee? 16 hours may be far too little together with a detailed tree survey. | The legislation must be followed. It is advisable to request the tree survey from the client as preliminary data provision. |
| 31 | Certifier fees, payment of the certifier | Does the certifier also have to pay a system usage fee? | The certifier does not have to pay for using the system. |
| 32 | Checking the certificate | Does the landscape architect site supervisor have any tasks related to green space certification? | Yes, the landscape architect site supervisor checks the existence of the Green Space Certificate during the technical handover of landscape architecture works exceeding 5000 m². |
| 46 | Course, exam | Is the course you organise a prerequisite for the green space (ZF) qualification exam? | Attending the course is not a prerequisite for admission to the exam, nor does it entitle participants to take the chamber exam. It earns chamber credit points. |
| 47 | Course, exam | When are you planning the next course? | The start of the next course depends on the number of applications. |
| 49 | System usage fee | Is the system usage fee expected to be the same amount in 12–24 months? | The system usage fee is expected to be updated every 12 months (presumably in line with inflation). The order and the payment of the fee must be initiated at least 120 days before the certification. |
| 53 | System usage fee | How is the fee calculated? Based on the plot or the built-up area? Is there an upper limit? | With tiered pricing, based on the plot area. Preliminary fee calculation: zoldfeluletitanusitvany.hu/methodology.html |
| 55 | System usage fee | Is the aerial survey included in the system usage fee, or is it a separate item? | The system usage fee also includes the fee for the geospatial survey and data processing. It is paid by the client to the Hungarian Garden Heritage Foundation when ordering the certificate. |
| 33 | Chamber membership, professional practice | Is it enough to pay the chamber membership fee once if someone is already a member with another licence? | To our knowledge, yes, but we recommend asking the regional chamber. |
| 34 | Chamber membership, professional practice | Does someone who has already passed the chamber exam on legal content have to take the exam again? | It depends on when it was taken – an exam older than 5 years must be repeated. Please contact the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers (MÉK) with this question. |
| 35 | Chamber membership, professional practice | Can someone with a forestry technician qualification become a green space certifier? | Not according to the decree on professional practice. |
| 36 | Chamber membership, professional practice | When will the next chamber exam be held? | According to the Chamber, exams are announced monthly. |
| 37 | Chamber membership, professional practice | Where in Decree 282/2024 does it state that the certification must be prepared by a licensed person? | Government Decree 266/2013, Chapter VII, Section 22/A: “The preparation of the energy performance certificate and the Green Space Certificate is subject to a licence.” |
| 38 | Chamber membership, professional practice | Can the equivalence calculation only be performed with a certifier licence? | According to the decree on professional practice, Section 22/A: “The preparation of the energy performance certificate and the Green Space Certificate is subject to a licence.” |
| 39 | Green volume calculation | Exactly what formula does the software use to calculate foliage volume in preliminary certification? How are the partial results of the certification documented? | It is set out in the chapter on the methodology of preliminary certification in the exam preparation material. The certificate contains the partial results – the first pages show the summary, and the following pages show the partial results. |
| 40 | Green volume calculation | When and where will the green foliage volumes presented be available in a unified form? | The green volume must be calculated according to the detailed calculation in the exam preparation material. |
| 41 | Green volume calculation | How should the green volume be calculated for trees larger than 10–12 cm trunk circumference? | The exam preparation material contains the green volume equivalents assigned to nursery sizes. |
| 62 | Green volume calculation | In an area without existing tree stock, it is very hard to scrape together points with the quantitative indices. With realistic sizes, it should be possible to reach half of the minimum level. | It is not the intention that half of the score required for the medium level can be provided by green volume alone in a newly planted area. The desired level can be achieved by making full use of the qualitative indices. |
