Living in a healthy environment is one of the most important basic human needs. Due to their sheer number, residential buildings play a prominent role in the built environment worldwide. And tenants in particular are increasingly attaching great importance to climate-conscious action and construction. In the case of residential ensembles, the focus is clearly on aspects such as the comfort and well-being of the occupants. But the quality of integral planning and construction are also relevant, since truly sustainable buildings are not only characterised by ecological quality. In particular, the economic quality and corresponding economic profitability is central for investors. This is where the DGNB scheme comes in and supports the sustainable design of residential buildings as a planning and optimisation tool.
Application to boarding schools, dormitories and care facilities is possible after consultation with the DGNB Office.
For residential buildings, the current DGNB Systems for "New Construction of Buildings, Version 2018", "New Construction of Buildings, Version 2023", "Buildings In Use, Version 2020" and "Renovation of Buildings, Version 2021" apply. 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 of the pre-certificate.
Healthy living environment
High living comfort
Increased well-being
Low CO2 footprint or carbon neutrality
High building flexibility due to e.g. easier adaptations in case of changes
Lower costs for conversions
Low ancillary costs
Advantages when selling real estate
High sense of security for residents
High recyclability of the building
Energy efficient building technology
The certificate is primarily aimed at anyone who wants to plan and construct residential buildings, including in particular public, municipal or church housing cooperatives and housing associations. 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.
- Possible financial support from KfW
- Differentiation from competitors
- Certainty with regard to the attainability of the performance targets as early as the planning stage
- Holistic consideration of all relevant sustainability requirements
- Transparent and independent quality award and assurance during planning, construction and operation
- Communication of the project to the public and increase of acceptance
- High value stability
- Improved market opportunities
- Advantages when selling real estate
- Long-term Asset Value
- Flexibility and convertibility
Residential buildings are all buildings that are predominantly used for residential purposes. This type of use applies to multi-family homes with more than six residential units. For buildings with six or fewer residential units, the scheme "New Construction of Buildings, Small Residential Buildings" is applied.
Selected DGNB certified projects
Residential Buildings
Residential Buildings
Available criteria sets in English
DGNB Criteria Set New Construction Buildings, Version 2023
DGNB Criteria Set New Construction Buildings, Version 2018
DGNB Criteria Set New Construction Buildings, Version 2020 International
DGNB Criteria Set Buildings In Use, Version 2020
DGNB Criteria Set Renovation of Buildings, Version 2022 International
Project registration
To register a project, clients must first hire a DGNB Auditor or DGNB ESG-Manager in case of the evaluation of buildings in use. They 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 version "Buildings, New Construction, Version 2018" as well as "Buildings, New Construction, Version 2023", "Buildings In Use, Version 2020" and "Renovation of Buildings, Version 2022". For international projects "New Construction of Buildings, Version 2020 International" is applied.
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