Revisions and updates to 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 practical feasibility of the methods underlying individual indicators and the extent to which specified requirements can be met. General comments on the priorities set for each topic are also welcome.

Based on the feedback received, the final version of the criteria set will be published in late 2025. An overview of the main changes is provided below.

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Key facts on the draft version at a glance

The new version of the system is a revision and update of the existing DGNB System for Buildings In Use, Version 2020. The aim of this revision is to ensure both current reporting requirements in the property sector and evolving regulatory factors are incorporated into the new version and thus make properties fit for the future.

Document|pdf|English|4 MB

DGNB System, Buildings In Use, Version 2025 (draft version for comments)

DGNB System, Buildings In Use, Version 2025 (draft version for comments)

The new focus of assessments

In addition to tightening a number of requirements, adjustments have been made to how points are distributed within the individual criteria. As a result, greater emphasis is now placed on evaluating actual building performance. Also, more emphasis is now placed on energy efficiency, complementing the existing focus on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the characteristics and qualities of existing buildings are now more strongly integrated into assessments.

A completely new focus has been placed on indicators relating to biodiversity. Whereas 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 called 'Biodiversity and Rainwater Management' within the Environmental Quality section. This aims to promote biodiversity and strengthen on-site natural water cycles. However, the DGNB reserves the right to integrate this topic into existing criteria in the final published version, provided it maintains the same level of importance.

Compatibility and international relevance

The review process has also focused on compatibility with other rating systems. For example, the update aligns with the requirements of the EU taxonomy. ESG assessments offered by the DGNB can continue to be carried out both alongside and independently of Buildings In Use certification. In addition, standards underlying other reporting and assessment initiatives have been used for guidance purposes in developing 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 management systems in accordance with ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 50001 (energy management). Information on this can be found in the description of the methods used for the criteria.

By aligning with international standards, the new version of the system can be used throughout Europe. Deviations in methods or validation were made only in exceptional cases to accommodate the requirements of specific countries.

Note: Some sections in the draft version of the criteria set are highlighted in yellow. These were still being worked on when feedback started and are not part of the commentary process. Before publishing the final revision, the DGNB will also define minimum requirements for some criteria. These are also not yet part of the draft 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 targets

  • Integration of external benchmarks into targets and performance evaluation
  • Inclusion of the water stress indicator in targets
  • More detail on the analysis of measurements
  • Revised requirements for achieving the Circular Economy Bonus

  • Renaming of the criterion
  • Specific description of methods applied
  • Additional evaluation of waste collection systems in the surrounding area (applies only to buildings integrated into local waste management)
  • Revised requirements for achieving the Circular Economy Bonus

  • New criterion introduced to place greater emphasis on biodiversity
  • Criterion based on the principles of continuous improvement in keeping with the Plan-Do-Check-Act model
  • Definition of specific targets and parameters for biodiversity and on-site water management
  • Evaluation of existing biodiversity as well as approaches to rainwater and water management

Economic quality

  • Increased focus on financing sustainability measures and sustainability in buildings
  • Specific description of methods applied
  • Inclusion of operating costs in Level 1; no more requirement for standardised operating costs
  • Former bonus for raising awareness of CO₂ and energy prices now applied as a standard indicator

  • Criterion comprehensively revised
  • Deletion of personnel responsibilities which moves to ECO3-B Procurement and Operations (Indicator 1)
  • More detailed assessment of building condition to include on-site inspections, evaluation of the existing building and documentation of the existing property (new: also possible with the NIMMO tool, a sustainability assessment system for property portfolios)
  • Deletion of the climate risk and vulnerability analysis as bonuses; now introduced as a fixed indicator
  • Introduction of an assessment of current climate resilience
  • Introduction of an assessment of potential to improve climate resilience
  • Introduction of two new bonuses:
    • Agenda 2030 Bonus: Social Impact Potential
    • Agenda 2030 Bonus: Market Potential and Adaptability
  • Addition of an assessment of taxonomy alignment as a separate indicator
  • Introduction of earthquake risk as a new indicator
  • More detailed definition of the existing action plan to act as a comprehensive transition plan for the property and assess the extent of identified measures to be implemented; the financial plan aligns with the transition plan

  • Introduction of a new indicator: Governance in building operations
  • Merging of several indicators into a single indicator with overarching requirements affecting guidelines
  • New bonus: Incentive Systems in Corporate Governance
  • Introduction of an alternative approach to implementing guidelines

Sociocultural and functional quality

  • Specific description of methods applied
  • Higher score for setting targets for user surveys/complaint management (upgraded for buildings without technical facilities)

  • Additions to the description of methods applied, along with minor adjustments and corrections
  • Merging of the user facilities and health and well-being indicators into a single indicator
  • Introduction of two new bonuses:
    • Agenda 2030 Bonus: Social Initiatives
    • Agenda 2030 Bonus: Allergy-Friendly Building Alliance (AFBA)

  • Alignment with the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) regarding mobility and transport
  • More detailed mobility concept
  • Minor adjustments and corrections


Online info event

On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, we will present our revision of the new Buildings In Use, Version 2025 criteria set as part of online events in both German and English. Both will include a brief introduction to the updated version and an overview of changes compared to the previous publication. We also welcome feedback and comments during the event.

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Give us your feedback today!

DGNB Criteria Set for Buildings In Use, Version 2025

This area of the website provides information in English. To submit comments in German, please change the language of the website.


 

Your contact

If you have any questions regarding feedback, please contact us at any time by writing to gib@dgnb.de. If you prefer, we would also be happy to speak to you in person.

Dr. Anna Braune

Dr. Anna Braune

Director Research and Development

Alice Gerstner

Alice Gerstner

Consultant Certification Buildings In Use