Further development of the DGNB System for Buildings in Use
Together with its European partners, the DGNB has revised its certification system for Buildings in Use. The updated criteria are now available for public comment in both German and English until 13 June 2025. Feedback is invited on the methodological feasibility of the individual indicators and the extent to which the specified requirements can be met. General comments on the thematic priorities are also welcome.
Based on the feedback received, the final version of the criteria set will be published in autumn 2025. An overview of the main changes is provided below.
Key facts about the commentary version at a glance
The new system version is an update and further development of the existing DGNB System for Buildings in Use, version 2020. The aim of the revision is to incorporate current reporting requirements in the real estate sector and the evolving regulatory framework into the new system version – ensuring that properties are fit for the future.
DGNB System, Buildings In Use, Version 2025 (draft version for comments)
New assessment focus
Alongside numerous tightened requirements, the points distribution within individual criteria has also been revised. As a result, greater emphasis is now placed on evaluating actual building performance. Energy efficiency has been given increased weight, complementing the existing focus on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the characteristics and quality of the existing building stock are now more strongly integrated into the assessment.
A completely new focus has been placed on indicators related to biodiversity. While the previous 2020 version of the DGNB System for Buildings in Use included this topic under the 'Procurement and Operations' criterion, the revised version introduces a dedicated criterion titled 'Biodiversity and Rainwatermanagement' within the Environmental Quality section. This aims to support biodiversity and strengthen the natural water cycle on site. However, the DGNB reserves the right to integrate this topic into existing criteria in the final market version, provided it maintains the same level of importance.
Connectivity and international applicability
Further development has also focused on compatibility with other rating systems. For example, harmonisation with the requirements of the EU taxonomy has been achieved. The DGNB's ESG assessment can continue to be carried out both alongside and independently of the Buildings in Operation certification. In addition, other standards from reporting and assessment initiatives have been used as a guide in developing the requirements. These include the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) and the management systems in accordance with ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 50001 (energy management). Information on this can be found in the method description of the criteria.
The new version of the system can be used throughout Europe thanks to the application of international standards. Country-specific particularities are the exception with regard to methods or verifications.
Note: In the commentary version of the criteria set, some sections are highlighted in yellow. These aspects are still being worked on at the start of the commentary process and are not part of the commentary process. In the course of the market version, the DGNB will also define minimum requirements for some of the criteria. These are also not yet part of the commentary version.
Changes to individual criteria
Environmental quality
- Alignment of requirements with the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
- Ongoing harmonisation with the updated DGNB Framework for carbon neutral buildings and sites; the revised version will be published alongside the market release of the DGNB System for Buildings in Use, Version 2025
- Stronger focus on energy performance aspects – including energy efficiency, on-site production, storage, and grid compatibility
- Increased emphasis on the use of external benchmarks as compared to self-defined target values
- New criterion introduced to place greater emphasis on biodiversity
- Criterion structured around the principle of continuous improvement following the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle
- Definition of specific targets and parameters for biodiversity and site water balance
- Evaluation of existing biodiversity as well as the management of rainwater and the overall water balance
Economic quality
- Increased focus on the financing of sustainability measures and sustainability in buildings
- More precise formulation of the methodological description
- Inclusion of operating costs in Level 1; standardised operating cost data is no longer required
- Former bonus for ‘Raising awareness of CO₂ and energy prices’ now integrated as a regular indicator
- Comprehensive revision of the criterion
- Removal of personnel responsibilities, now relocated to ECO3-B Procurement and Operations (Indicator 1)
- Expansion of the building condition assessment to include: on-site inspection, evaluation of the existing structure, and inventory documentation (now also possible using the NIMMO tool – a sustainability assessment system for real estate portfolios)
- Replacement of the climate risk and vulnerability analysis as bonus elements and integration as a fixed indicator
- Incorporation of an assessment of existing climate resilience
- Inclusion of a potential analysis for improving climate resilience
- Introduction of two new bonuses:
- “Agenda 2030 Bonus: Social Impact Potential”
- “Agenda 2030 Bonus: Market Potential and Adaptability”
- Addition of taxonomy alignment assessment as a separate indicator
- Introduction of earthquake risk as a new indicator
- Further development of the existing action plan into a comprehensive transition plan for the property, assessing the extent of the identified measures to be implemented; the financial plan is aligned with the transition plan
- Introduction of a new indicator: Governance in building operations
- Consolidation of several indicators into a single indicator with overarching requirements for governance guidelines
- New bonus introduced: Incentive Systems in Corporate Governance
- Alternative approach for the implementation of governance guidelines now available
Sociocultural and functional quality
- Additions to the method description, along with minor adjustments and corrections
- Consolidation of the ‘User Services’ and ‘Health and Well-being’ indicators into a single indicator
- Inclusion of two new bonuses:
- Agenda 2030 Bonus: Social Initiatives
- Agenda 2030 Bonus: Alliance for Allergy-Friendly Building (AFBA)
Digital info event
On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, we will present the draft of the new Buildings In Use, Version 2025 criteria set in both German- and English-language information sessions. The events will include a brief introduction to the updated version and an overview of the changes compared to the previous edition. We also welcome feedback and comments via this channel.
- Wednesday, 21 May 2025, 11 am - 12 pm (in German) >> Register now
- Wednesday, 21 May 2025, 14 pm - 15 pm (in English) >> Register now
Your contact
If you have any questions about the commentary, please contact us at any time by email at gib@dgnb.de. We will also be happy to help you in person if required.
Alice Gerstner
Consultant Certification Buildings In Use
- Phone: +49-711-722322-80
- Email: a.gerstner@dgnb.de