DGNB at Expo Real – Sustainable construction as a strategy for the future

At EXPO REAL, the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) will demonstrate that responsible construction is not just a passing trend, but the basis for sustainable real estate development. At a time when fast and cheap construction is being discussed in many places, the DGNB is sending a clear message: sustainability is a decisive factor for quality, value retention, and climate protection.

Focus on ecology and digitalization

The DGNB is using the trade fair to underscore the relevance of the topic against any “ESG fatigue.” The focus is on translating goals into verifiable criteria across all project phases. The approach combines planning, material selection, operation, and renovation – with the aim of increasing value stability, quality of stay, and resilience in equal measure. In the future, digital tools will not only make it possible to plan buildings more efficiently, but also to check their ecological and economic quality in real time. The DGNB sees this as an opportunity to bring sustainability out of its niche and integrate it into the standard process of every project development.

DGNB certification system – measurable optimization potential for all construction projects

The certification system translates sustainability into verifiable evidence. It identifies optimization potential, enables comparison, and documents results – from efficiency and resources to health in buildings. The projects create a pool of knowledge that flows back into the industry in the form of training courses and guidelines. Over the years, this has resulted in a learning system that identifies trends early on and specifies quality standards.

Version 2023.2: More practical, broader, easier to understand

With the revised 2023.2 version for new buildings, the DGNB presents an ambitious yet streamlined set of rules. The criteria remain demanding, but the documentation is more targeted. At the same time, a system for existing neighborhoods is being launched: Neighborhoods that have undergone renovations in accordance with the DGNB standard will be awarded certification. In addition, the organization addresses healthy and allergy-friendly construction as well as infrastructure issues—in other words, those areas where the impact extends beyond individual buildings.

Financing secured through certification

As a participatory organization, the DGNB brings together expertise from planning, construction, industry, local authorities, and the financial world. This knowledge flows directly into the further development of the criteria. This is also becoming increasingly relevant from a financial perspective: EU taxonomy and reporting requirements are making sustainability a question of risk minimization. Certifications create reliability for banks and investors and provide a set of tools for systematically addressing climate risks, adaptation strategies, and value preservation.

Sustainable construction with a future – DGNB strengthens the resilience of the industry

With its initiatives and close cooperation with the industry, the DGNB makes it clear that sustainable construction is more than just an ecological obligation. It is an economic and social imperative. The combination of certification, knowledge transfer, and practical relevance creates trust and shows how the construction industry can be made resilient and climate-proof. In the future, the DGNB intends to increase its international activities, expand partnerships, and actively help shape European standards – so that sustainable construction becomes a global benchmark for quality.