Assembly buildings

Certify sustainable assembly buildings with the DGNB

Whether congress halls, trade fair or city halls, museums, theatres and variety theatres, libraries or terminal buildings, the special features of these uses must be taken into account as part of a holistic sustainable approach when planning future-proof assembly buildings. In addition to ecological aspects, it is particularly important to realise a high level of user comfort in terms of acoustics, thermal and visual aspects. But also the demands for optimal convertibility of the building, accessibility as well as an optimal mobility infrastructure must be taken into account during the planning. The scheme for assembly buildings can provide support here as a planning and quality assurance tool.

The current DGNB System "Buildings In Use, Version 2020" applies to assembly buildings. The current DGNB Systems "New Construction of Buildings, Version 2020 International" and "Renovation of Buildings, Version 2022 International" apply to international projects. Exceptions are projects that have already been pre-certified with a previous market version. These projects may also be registered for the certificate in the same version.

  • Contribution to climate action through reduced emissions of greenhouse gases over the entire life cycle
  • High user comfort
  • Increased well-being
  • Increased attractiveness for employees
  • Increased productivity and performance of employees
  • Low vacancy risk
  • High building flexibility due to e.g. easier adaptations in case of changes (operating processes; personnel)
  • Lower costs for conversions
  • Lower operating and maintenance costs
  • Advantages when selling real estate

The DGNB Certificate is aimed at anyone who wants to plan and build a place of assembly. This can be project development offices, municipalities, companies as owner-occupiers or real estate funds. Anyone who wants to purchase such a property or rent it for use can use the DGNB Certificate as independently verified proof of the holistic quality of the building.

  • Holistic consideration of all relevant sustainability requirements
  • Transparent and independent quality award and assurance during planning, construction and operation
  • Transparency with regard to ressource efficency and emissions
  • Communication of the project to the public and increase of acceptance
  • International applicability and comparability
  • Reduced effort for DGNB Certification of Buildings due to the creditability of documentation from district certification
  • Basis for sale in sustainable real estate funds
  • Certification as an option for sustainable investments
  • Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • High degree of future security through reduction of cost-intensive risks

In addition to ecological aspects such as resource savings, the scheme places particular emphasis on user comfort – for example, in acoustic, thermal and visual terms. In addition, the quality of stay is highly relevant. When assessing the flexibility and convertibility of the building, the possibility of multiple use of space is also evaluated. Also of high importance is the way in which accessibility is implemented, as well as accessibility and a good mobility infrastructure. Synergy effects of assembly buildings that belong to a coherent complex of buildings are evaluated positively.

The scheme is specifically designed for places of assembly. This includes all buildings that are intended for the simultaneous presence of many people at events, such as congress buildings, trade fair and city halls, theatres and concert halls, museums, cultural and community centres or libraries. It is also possible to certify other places of assembly not mentioned here with the scheme if they can be assigned to a building type. However, schools and laboratories are not mapped. Here, certification according to the schemes of educational buildings and laboratories is recommended.

Selected DGNB certified projects

Neubau Experimenta Heilbronn
Neubau Experimenta Heilbronn, Heilbronn
Buildings New Construction
Assembly Buildings
Neubau Halle 3C
Neubau Halle 3C, Nürnberg
Buildings New Construction
Assembly Buildings

Available criteria sets in English

Document|pdf|English|9 MB

DGNB Criteria Set New Construction Buildings, Version 2023

Document|pdf|English|14 MB

DGNB Criteria Set New Construction Buildings, Version 2018

Document|pdf|English|4 MB

DGNB Criteria Set Buildings In Use, Version 2020

Document|pdf|English|15 MB

DGNB Criteria Set New Construction Buildings, Version 2020 International

Document|pdf|English|12 MB

DGNB Criteria Set Renovation of Buildings, Version 2022 International

Overview of all
criteria and schemes

In order to address the individual characteristics of your building project, the DGNB System takes into account a variety of criteria and schemes.
You can find an overview here.

Overview of all criteria and schemes

Project registration

To register a project, clients must first hire a DGNB Auditor. This auditor can then register the project. Auditors also accompany the entire process and take over the verification and submission to the DGNB. They are active worldwide and specialise in certain schemes.

Projects can be registered in the current market versions "New Construction of Buildings, Version 2018" as well as "New Construction of Buildings, Version 2023" and "Buildings In Use, Version 2020". For international projects "New Construction of Buildings, Version 2020 International" and "Renovation of Buildings, Version 2022 International" are applied.

Find a DGNB Auditor

scale of fees

Project registration


Your contact

Karen Sternsdorff

Senior Consultant Certification Buildings