Event Areas

Certify sustainable Event Areas with the DGNB

Event areas make an important contribution to the attractiveness of a city. They are characterised in particular by building complexes that are temporarily visited by many people. These can be sports and leisure facilities, exhibition areas or similar uses. Such areas are part of the city. Their sustainable planning is therefore one of the central tasks of urban planning – but with special requirements: For example, the issue of safety and environmentally compatible handling of visitor traffic is of great importance. The creation of synergies and closed cycles within the area and the neighbouring districts also plays a central role. The DGNB scheme for event areas provides support here as a planning tool.

The current DGNB System for Districts, version 2020, applies to event areas.

  • Area as an inspiration for neighbouring districts
  • Intensive use of the buildings and open spaces outside of event times
  • Use of existing areas and renovation of existing buildings
  • Low impact due to construction and operation (noise)
  • Contribution to climate action through reduced emissions of greenhouse gases over the entire life cycle
  • Adaptation to climate change (use of rainwater; sponge city)
  • Enhancement of biodiversity (e.g. through greening)
  • Establishment of energy cycles and re-use of materials at district level (circular economy)
  • High quality of stay for employees and visitors
  • Sustainable mobility offers
  • Maximum use and generation of renewable energies on site
  • High flexibility of construction sites, buildings and open spaces
  • Digital offers for visitors with the aim of saving time and resources
  • Environmentally friendly packaging

The certificate is aimed at investors, sports clubs or sports associations, trade fairs and municipalities.

  • Holistic consideration of all relevant sustainability requirements
  • Transparent and independent quality assurance
  • Reliable planning and clear definition of objectives from the outset
  • Risk minimisation
  • Image building as an attractive and sustainable site
  • Certification as part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy
  • Communication of the project to the public and increase of acceptance
  • Contribution to the product or corporate strategy
  • Increasing the attractiveness of the location to current and future employees
  • Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The scheme focuses on larger venues or building ensembles with open spaces and corresponding infrastructure.

Briefly explained – the DGNB System for Districts

Get a first insight into the DGNB System for Districts, Version 2020 in this short video: Which criteria are relevant, which types of districts can be DGNB certified?

The criteria sets available

Document|pdf|English|10 MB

DGNB Criteria Set Districts, Version 2020

Overview of all
criteria and schemes

In order to address the individual characteristics of your building project, the DGNB System takes into account a variety of criteria and schemes.
You can find an overview here.

Overview of all criteria and schemes

Project registration

To register a project, clients must first hire a DGNB Auditor. This auditor 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.

The current DGNB System for Districts applies to event areas.

Find a DGNB auditor

Scale of fees

project registration


Your contacts

Ursula Schehrer

Senior Consultant Certification Districts

Dr. Stephan Anders

Director Network and Consulting