The certification is aimed at all stakeholders involved in buildings in use – at owners and operators as well as building users. The new certification system is not just suitable for flagship projects. It can be used effectively for managing large portfolios, for example in the housing industry or in municipalities.

This scheme specifically addresses: building owners, real-estate managers/portfolio managers, asset managers, property managers as well as operators and facility managers.

Advantages for your property:

• Carbon neutrality of your properties
• Independently tested and guaranteed quality
• Protection against loss of value and minimised risks
• Optimised material flows, waste avoidance and resource conservation
• Economically optimised processes
• Satisfied building users
• Development of a long-term real estate and portfolio strategy

Advantages of the system:

• Transformation and management tool
• Lean system
• Systematic procedure according to the "Plan-Do-Check-Act"
• Transparency regarding building performance and business processes
• Process supported by a DGNB auditor
• Application in the context of CSR reporting
• Use in the context of communicative measures
• Improved market opportunities

The system focuses on all relevant topics for sustainable building operation and long-term value retention in just nine criteria. The basic structure of the DGNB System for Buildings In Use is based on the well-known three-pillar model of sustainability and divides the essential aspects of sustainable building operations into the topics of ecological quality, economic quality as well as socio-cultural and functional quality.

The criteria in the DGNB System for Buildings In Use are mainly based on a continual improvement process:

1. Plan: Define specific targets for the respective parameters
2. Do: Record consumption data
3. Check: Analyse data and evaluate target achievement
4. Act: Define measures to optimise operation

This procedure ensures continuous improvement. On the basis of this criteria structure, the DGNB not only evaluates implemented measures and degree of target achievement, but is also able to reward buildings achieving their targets.

You can find a detailed overview of all criteria with the associated requirements here.

The certification system can be applied internationally, regardless of use, for all building types. Prior certification as a new building is not required. The only requirement is that the building has been in use for at least one year.

The certification is valid for three years. Recertification is possible annually by submitting the consumption data. Every three years, all criteria must be checked again and the necessary evidence submitted.

The goal of portfolio certification is a simplified, faster and therefore more cost-effective certification. The process is carried out in two steps:

In the first step, a basic certificate is created, in which aspects appliable fot the entire portfolio are evaluated and documented. The submitted documents arechecked for conformity. A specification is then drawn up, which defines what project-specific evidence must be submitted for a project-specific certificate.

In the second step, a project-specific DGNB certificate is created for each building that is operated on the basis of the portfolio with basic certification. For this purpose, all other aspects that have not yet been addressed in the basic certificate are assessed in accordance with the criteria. The submitted documents are then subjected to a full conformity check, whereby the aspects from the basic certificate do not have to be verified or checked again.

The certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be recertified via the annual submission of the consumption data. In addition, all relevant criteria are submitted every three years.

A renewal of the basic certificate is necessary in two cases: in the event of a change in the requirements specification, as well as in the event of a change in the content of the DGNB System for Buildings In Use. The fees for the renewal of the basic certificate must be coordinated with the DGNB depending on the scope of the changes.

To register a project, the client must first engage a DGNB auditor. The auditor can register the project. The auditor supports the entire certification process providing detailed documentation and submitting these to the DGNB.

Projects can be registered in the current market version "Buildings In Use", Version 2020".