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
Development of a market version of the DGNB System for Sustainable Construction Sites
In cooperation with the Austrian Sustainable Building Council (ÖGNI), the DGNB is further developing its certification system for sustainable construction sites. The system has been in its initial application phase since 2021 and is now to be transferred to a market version.
As a planning and management tool for both building construction and civil engineering projects, the certification system helps building owners, construction companies and local authorities with quality assurance and risk minimisation, and sets comprehensive sustainability standards for the construction site process. It is designed to be cross-functional and cross-system, and can therefore be applied to all types of construction site projects. The certification process covers everything from the planning of the construction site to its completion.
Feedback from initial users was collected through a survey, and existing certification projects were evaluated as part of the preparatory phase.
The revised version is currently open for public comment. Based on the comments received, the market version is expected to be finalised in spring 2026.
You have until 31 October 2025 to provide us with your feedback on the draft version. We welcome comments on the applicability and practicality of the requirements and methods outlined.
All information and the feedback form can be found here:
LEARN MORE AND GIVE US FEEDBACK
If you have any questions, please contact the system development team (sustainable construction site) by email at baustelle@dgnb.de.
Revision of the DGNB System for New Construction, Version 2023 (Version 2023.2)
The DGNB System for New Construction is a tried-and-tested planning and optimisation tool for implementing holistic sustainability requirements. However, these high standards have recently been accompanied by a large scope. The system is therefore currently being revised to make it more practical and less complex to use – without lowering the level of ambition. To this end, the criteria and indicators as well as the required verification procedures are being evaluated.
A roadmap for revision was drawn up based on feedback from audited projects in Version 2023, market input, and comments and suggestions from committees and experts. The upcoming content revision will be followed by a test phase, with the new version expected to be released in the second quarter of 2026.
At the beginning of 2026, there will be further opportunities to provide us with feedback on the applicability and practicality of the revised criteria, to contribute ideas and to test the new criteria using real projects.
Do you have any questions about the test phase, or are you already working with the system and interested in testing new criteria and indicators? Then please get in touch with us.
Further development of the DGNB System for Buildings In Use (German and international version)
The further development of the certification system for buildings in use creates synergies with the current requirements of the real estate sector in terms of reporting, regulatory framework conditions and ensuring future-proof properties. Based on practical experience, we are further developing the assessment and improvement of environmental, economic and social aspects in real estate management.
The system is designed to help achieve European and global sustainability goals and have a real, measurable impact. Developed together with our partners, we provide a uniform, internationally applicable criteria set. The revised version of the DGNB Framework for Carbon Neutral Buildings and Sitesas well as the EPBD are also integrated into the criteria. Overall, the revision offers an even easier entry point while rewarding very good sustainability performance. The quality of the building's substance is now even more strongly incorporated into the assessment.
The certification is aimed at all stakeholders – owners and operators as well as users of the building. The certification system is not only suitable for flagship projects. It can also be used effectively for the portfolio management of large property owners, such as those in the housing industry, or local authorities.
Currently there are no opportunities to participate.
The updated criteria were available for public comment in both German and English until 13 June 2025. Feedback was requested 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 were also welcome.
Further development of the DGNB System for Districts: certification system for existing districts
The sustainable transformation of existing buildings is a key task in achieving sustainability and climate action goals. The DGNB is therefore further developing its certification system for districts. The focus here is on existing districts and locations.
The new certification system is designed to help property owners, companies, local authorities, redevelopment agencies and economic development agencies assess the condition of their existing districts and locations and transform them.
Individuals who would like to provide specific feedback on the proposed criteria can comment on the draft version. More information will be available here shortly.
Anyone who would like to have the condition of their district assessed can still participate in the pilot phase with a suitable project: For the pilot phase, we are still looking for test or pilot projects in which the practical applicability of the developed criteria can be reviewed and discussed in workshops. Do you have questions about the pilot phase or are you already working with districts and can imagine testing new criteria and indicators in workshops? Then get in touch with us.
Sustainable transport infrastructure
When discussing ways to reduce CO2 emissions in the construction sector, one major lever is often overlooked: infrastructure projects. For this reason, the DGNB is currently developing a certification system for transport infrastructure. It covers sections of road and rail infrastructure projects with associated engineering structures.
The new certification system will enable public clients, construction companies and planners to evaluate and manage transport infrastructure projects in terms of their sustainability across all life cycle phases for the first time.
The initial criteria were tested in a pilot project. These are now being applied to further projects in the second pilot phase and are being refined.
The focus is on evaluating projects, taking into account the certification schemes and various planning phases. In addition to considering entire route sections, the DGNB has set up a working group of external experts to deal explicitly with the sustainability assessment of bridge structures.
Participation in system development is expressly encouraged. If you would like to follow the latest developments in this area and get actively involved, you can join the public group ‘Nachhaltige Verkehrsinfrastruktur’ (German) on our network platform myDGNB.
In addition, regular info events will be offered to present the system development, opportunities to paticipate and the pilot phase. Please contact us.
Sustainable exhibitions
Exhibitions in museums and at trade fairs have a high social value. They impart knowledge, stimulate discussion and create space for encounters. At the same time, they often involve high resource consumption – especially in the case of temporary formats with complex logistics and a short lifespan.
In order to strengthen the sustainability aspects of exhibitions, we are currently developing a variable criteria set for museums, designers and curators. We are developing a system that integrates sustainability into exhibitions from conception to dismantling – whether for individual trade fair stands or museum exhibitions with short- and long-term durations. The content covers topics such as energy supply, circular resource planning and life cycle costs. It promotes resource-saving and circular practices as well as the use of fair materials. Requirements relating to climate adaptation, biodiversity and social aspects are also taken into account.
Further development of the DGNB System for New Construction, Version 2020 International
We are currently working on further developing the existing DGNB System for New Construction, Version 2020 International. The aim of revising the system, which was designed for international use, is to adapt it to the requirements of the DGNB System for New Construction, Version 2023.
System Developments recently completed
- DGNB System New Construction Buildings, Version 2023
- DGNB System Biodiversity-Promoting Exterior Spaces, Version 2023 (pilot phase)
- DGNB System Small Residential Buildings Renovation / New Construction, Version 2024 (in German, landingpage soon to be available in English)