System Development at DGNB

Current developments of the DGNB System and your opportunities to participate

In close cooperation with our network, which represents the entire value chain of the building and real estate industry, we work continuously to integrate new developments into the DGNB System as early as possible and to drive innovation.

The DGNB welcomes feedback and participation in its new and further developments. Opportunities for participation can be open formats where anyone can participate, programmes for technical experts, or defined committee and expert groups. Here you will find an overview of the current system developments and your opportunities to participate and contribute. For more information on the content, the specific target group and contact persons, please click on the respective topic.

Please note that all DGNB Systems listed here are currently under development. It is not possible to provide a preliminary criteria set. Exceptions to this are DGNB Systems for which the annotation phase has already begun.

Ongoing System Developments

New development of a Certification System for small residential buildings

A new version of the DGNB System for small residential buildings will incorporate the content of the DGNB System for New Buildings, Version 2023, and fundamentally revise and develop the previous DGNB System for small residential buildings, Version 2013. The aim is to optimise and improve the application, particularly with regard to the German federal funding for efficient buildings (Bundesförderung für effiziente Gebäude (BEG)). The system will be applicable for both renovation projects and new construction of buildings.

Learn more (IN GERMAN)

This system was in the annotation phase until 7 January 2024. The DGNB is now reviewing and evaluating all comments received and expects to publish the resulting market version in spring 2024. More information is available here (in German).

There are currently no opportunities to contribute. We would like to thank all those who have contributed their expertise in workshops, committee meetings and during the comment period, and who have supported us in the development process.

Ralf Pimiskern, Director DGNB Certification

Further development of the DGNB System for Districts

The sustainable transformation of existing buildings is a key task in achieving sustainability and climate protection goals. The DGNB intends to further develop its Certification System for districts. The first step will focus on existing districts and sites.

A development plan for the Certification System is currently being drawn up, focussing on both content and process-related issues. The workshop results, together with the findings of extensive research and feedback from coordination with our European partners, are being incorporated.

Following opportunities for participation are planned (German language skills are required):

Development of a future vision for sustainable neighbourhoods by adapting the objectives from the DGNB System Future Project, Version 2030 to the urban context:
Monday, 29 April 2024 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm (expert workshop)
Urban development processes: Identification of connecting factors and synergies with existing processes as part of the transformation of existing urban neighbourhoods (including redevelopment areas), commercial areas and industrial sites:
Thursday, 2 May 2024 at 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm (expert workshop for redevelopment agencies)
Monday, 3 June 2024 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm (expert workshop for business developers and municipal representatives with a focus on commercial areas)

We would like to form a working group to support us in the further development and to be available as a discussion partner. The prerequisites for this are:

Willingness to participate in several workshops
Knowledge of the DGNB System
Collaboration on specific issues
Contribution of practical experience
Ideally membership of the DGNB

Note: Recognition of DGNB further education points is possible in the case of participation or collaboration in the context of System Development (participation in at least 3 workshops in the context of System Development).

Please contact Dr Kathrin Quante (k.quante@dgnb.de or +49 711-722322-87) if you would like to join the working group. You are also welcome to indicate your area of specialisation and your area of expertise.

The first session will take place on Thursday, 20 June 2024 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. The following dates are planned:

Session 2: Thursday, 4 July 2024 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Session 3: Tuesday, 23 July 2024 at 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Session 4: Tuesday 3 September 2024 at 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Session 5: Thursday, 26 September 2024 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Session 6: Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Session 7: Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Session 8: Thursday, 14 November 2024 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Session 9: Thursday, 28 November 2024 at 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Session 10: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 at 1:30 am - 4:00 am

Please note: The topics of the individual sessions will only be determined and announced during the process.

Public digital info events and an annotation phase are planned for people who would like to find out more about the development at longer intervals or provide specific feedback. Information on the annotation phase will be published here on this page. Dates for digital info events (in German) can be found in the DGNB events calendar.

Are you already working with existing districts and can you imagine testing new criteria and indicators in workshops? Then please contact Dr Stephan Anders (s.anders@dgnb.de or +49 711-722322-45) to get involved.

Dr Kathrin Quante, Manager System Development

Dr Stephan Anders, Director Network and Consulting

Sustainable exhibitions

In order to strengthen the aspects of sustainability in the planning and implementation of exhibitions, we are currently developing a criteria set for museums that can be applied variably. The criteria set covers topics such as energy supply, circular resource planning and life cycle costs. Requirements relating to climate adaptation and biodiversity are also taken into account.

The criteria have been developed in collaboration with museums of different focus and orientation. The set of criteria is currently in development.

There are currently no opportunities to get involved. If you would like to contribute your expertise to our work or would like to get more information, please contact us.

Miriam Laudien, Research Projects

Sustainable construction of infrastructure

The aim of this project is to develop a system for the transport infrastructure "Roads and Road Construction". Based on a first draft from the pilot phase completed in 2023, the existing criteria and associated methods will be further developed and the planning phase will be more closely integrated. Various schemes such as footpaths and cycle paths as well as urban and rural roads are planned.

The results of the pilot phase are currently being analysed and further processing is being planned.

There are currently no opportunities to get involved.

Theda Witte, Certification Infrastructure and construction areas