February 24, 2026 The German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) has published a revised version of its certification for buildings in operation.
With the update of the criteria catalog, the DGNB has harmonized the criteria with the requirements of the EU taxonomy, for example, the topic of biodiversity has been included as a separate criterion and focus of certification. In addition, the revised documentation provides relevant key figures for building assessment and ESG reporting.
The certification system systematically maps the sustainability requirements for a future-proof building stock. It supports building owners, portfolio holders and operators in strategically planning and implementing the transformation of their properties and making well-founded and forward-looking investment decisions. Building-specific transition plans help to further develop existing properties in a targeted manner, make them future-proof and counter risks such as vacancy or creeping loss of value at an early stage.
The redesign is aimed at asset managers, property managers and portfolio managers as well as investors – including banks, insurance companies and pension funds -, corporate real estate managers, cities and municipalities with their own real estate portfolios, facility managers and tenants.
It is also possible to obtain ESG verification for the EU taxonomy in addition to DGNB certification.
Criteria structure of the system: DGNB certification for buildings in operation
The system for buildings in operation evaluates all building-related sustainability aspects that are relevant to operations, can be influenced and optimized. A total of ten criteria are considered in three subject areas:
Ecological quality
- Climate protection and energy
- Wasser
- Resource management
- Biodiversity management at the site
Economic quality
- Operating costs
- Risk management and value retention
- Procurement and management
Sociocultural and functional quality
- Interior comfort
- User satisfaction
- Mobilität
The redesign is aimed at asset managers, property managers and portfolio managers as well as investors – including banks, insurance companies and pension funds -, corporate real estate managers, cities and municipalities with their own real estate portfolios, facility managers and tenants.
It is also possible to obtain ESG verification for the EU taxonomy in addition to DGNB certification.
New DGNB system – new qualification for auditors
With the renewal of the system, the qualification for auditing is also changing. Previously, the DGNB ESG Manager qualification was required to accompany the certification of buildings in operation, which also accompanied the ESG verification for the EU taxonomy. The DGNB Auditor qualification for buildings in operation is now being introduced, specializing in the application of the certification system and the implementation of auditing. The DGNB also offers further training to become a DGNB-approved expert on the EU taxonomy, which focuses on regulatory aspects and the auditing and reporting process for taxonomy projects.
You can find more information on the redesign of the system directly from the DGNB.
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