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

Further development of the DGNB System Buildings In Use (German and international version)

The further development of our Certification System for Buildings In Use should focus on synergies with the current requirements of the real estate sector in terms of reporting, regulatory frameworks and ensuring a sustainable property. In addition, we want to further develop the assessment and improvement of environmental, economic and social aspects of property management, contributing to the achievement of European and global sustainability goals and making a real, measurable impact.

Regular international dialogue is currently taking place with other Sustainable or Green Building Councils through the ‘Buildings in Use 2025’ project in order to define the priorities for further development.

There are currently no opportunities to participate. If you would like to contribute your expertise to our work or receive more information about the development, please contact us by e-mail at gib@dgnb.de.

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.

We are currently working to develop the criteria. The results of the working group sessions and extensive research, as well as feedback from coordination with our European partners, are being incorporated. These criteria will then be tested for practicality in workshops with test projects.

Digital info events on the pilot phase

For people with (potential) pilot projects, we offer digital info events with information on registration, the process and other conditions for the pilot phase. Both existing districts and new developments of districts can take part in the pilot phase.

Upcoming info events:

  • Friday, 14 February 2025 from 2:00 pm

If you are interested in attending the info event, please send us a short informal email to quartiere@dgnb.de with the date you would like to attend. We will then send you an invitation with a link for Microsoft teams to attend.


Pilot phase (existing districts and new construction)

Several online workshops will be taking place for people with projects participating in the pilot phase. These will be used to discuss the applicability of each of the criteria.

Are you already working with 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.

Workshop dates as part of the pilot phase:

  • Workshop 1: Friday, 7 March 2025 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Workshop 2: Thursday, 27 March 2025 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Workshop 3: Wednesday, 16 April 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
  • (optional Workshop 4: Friday, 16 May 2025 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am)


Annotation phase

The opportunity to participate in the annotation phase is for people who want to provide feedback on specific issues. Information will be published here on this page when the annotation phase begins.

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.

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.



Your contact

Dr. Kathrin Quante

Dr. Kathrin Quante

Manager System Development