The climate crisis, the global energy crisis, biodiversity loss – the entire building and property industry seems be struggling with how best to deal with existing buildings (also referred to as the building stock). With the exception of listed buildings, until now only those with drive and determination have perceived the preservation of any kind of building as an option brimming in opportunity. But if there’s one thing we can be sure about now, to hit climate targets, we need to find ways to deal with all of the 20 million or so buildings out there right now in Germany. How exactly this migh ..read more

Green, greener, greenest. Some companies and service providers go to extraordinary lengths to portray themselves or their services as sustainable or climate-friendly – regardless of whether those claims are a 100% reflection of reality. Some of the endorsements and certificates they display are even made up and have not been verified through independent testing. To put a stop to false claims in the future and stem the tide of so-called greenwashing, the EU is currently working on a ‘green claims’ directive, the aim of which is to provide specific guidance on claims of an environmental nature ..read more

We build buildings for people. That’s patently obvious, but unfortunately, too often it’s still considered of secondary importance in practice. Buildings can play an important role in keeping us healthy and productive. So what should we bear in mind when we plan and implement building projects? For example: how do you ensure allergy sufferers also feel comfortable in rooms? BLOG SERIES ON THE DGNB ANNUAL CONGRESS 2024 (PART 3) The third digital annual congress of the DGNB took place on 27 and 28 February. The event featured a variety of open discussions, providing plenty of ideas and inspirat ..read more

The loss of biodiversity is one of the most important challenges of our time. Therefore it’s no wonder that protection of biodiversity beside climate action is becoming increasingly important in all areas of modern society – including or especially in the construction and property industry. Why that’s right and something welcome, what exactly this sector of industry can do to protect biodiversity, and what the DGNB is now doing about this crucial issue was discussed at the DGNB Annual Congress in a dedicated themed room under the header ‘Biodiversity in Practice: How to Create Exterior Spaces ..read more

How are we doing when it comes to sustainable building? Is the process of transformation slowing down in the wake of one crisis after another? Or is the opposite the case? Is sustainability – and all the issues associated with it – acting like a beacon, providing direction in these times of uncertainty? The DGNB Annual Congress 2024 was a golden opportunity to delve deeper into these issues and come up with some answers. Organised as a two-day digital event, the conference took place for the third time at the end of February. As in previous years, the almost 2,000 participants were treated to ..read more

The DGNB has launched a global petition under the title #TimeToWorry on the occasion of the UN climate conference COP28 in Dubai. The petition demands sustainable laws and regulations for the construction industry, towards a climate- and culturally-sensible built environment. The aim of the campaign is to reach a broad section of society. All who care about this issue are called upon to sign the petition. Today we try to cure bad architecture with a surplus of technology, or we are constrained by regulations not suitable to a world of climate change. This is a dead end! If we want to shape cl ..read more

I’m getting tired of hearing it. Anyone who, like me, is strongly committed to more sustainability on the one hand and moderates discussion groups quite frequently on the other, encounters it again and again: this annoying “we have to”. My theory: It’s of no use to anyone. Except perhaps those who say it. But let’s take it one step at a time. Last week, I had the privilege of moderating two rounds at the Expo Real real estate and investor fair. In principle, they went well and were entertaining – at least that was the feedback I received afterwards. And to a large extent I would agree with tha ..read more

At this year’s BAU China, the DGNB returned to the stage of the China Architectural Design Exhibition (CADE) EXPO 2023 in Shanghai. At the DGNB China Community Meeting on 4 August, the network met again for the first time since the start of the pandemic. In addition to many news about the development of the DGNB in Germany, there was a panel discussion on the added value of certified buildings and districts, best practices from China and an outlook on wishes and plans for the German-Chinese collaboration. Johannes Kreißig, Chief Executive Officer of the DGNB, on stage at CADE EXPO 2023 in Sha ..read more

One of the most used buzzwords in sustainable construction and real estate these days seems to be the acronym ESG. ESG covers three areas of sustainability: environmental, social and governance. However, a new report from the Climate Positive Europe Alliance (CPEA), of which the German Building Council (DGNB) is part of, shows that most of the industry’s commitment to ESG is focused on the E in ESG, with the S and G getting short shrift. The Market Insights Report “ESG adoption and implementation in EU construction and real estate” by the Climate Positive Europe Alliance (CPEA) provides insigh ..read more

The DGNB is keen to actively contribute to transformation in the building and property sector. This role we identify with also entails involvement in a whole host of research projects, public campaigns and initiatives, all aimed at finding groundbreaking and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by our industry. We would like to present some of the projects in more detail here. In order to actively contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable building and property sector, the DGNB has not only developed its own certification system for interiors, buildings overall and distri ..read more