With the 2023 version of the "System for the construction of new buildings", the DGNB puts the life cycle consideration in the foreground. Topics that address the reduction of CO2 emissions in construction and subsequent operation will be strengthened. Among other things, the adjusted criteria will further strengthen the role of buildings as active elements of the energy transition.

The focus is therefore on the holistic view of all life cycle phases from the extraction of raw materials to dismantling, landfilling or recycling. Life-cycle planning not only affects the performance of the architects, but also the costs, the use, the impact on the environment, etc.

A DGNB certification evaluates:

• Life Cycle Assessment and CO2 Footprint
  • The environmental impact of all materials in the building and from the operation of the building (energy and water consumption)
• Life Cycle Costs
  • Production costs and operating costs (energy, water, cleaning)
• Deconstructibility
  • A concept for deconstructibility and recycling-friendliness is drawn up.
  • o Avoidance of glued solutions, separability of materials, use of reusable materials, etc.
• Circular building
  • Retention of the building fabric
  • A closed life cycle is required. Conservation of resources and use of recycled materials, reusable materials, avoidance of waste, recycling of construction waste, favoring environmentally friendly and durable materials.
• “Building Resource Passport”
  • As a documentation format, the “building resource passport” creates in practice an information basis for all phases in the life cycle of a building and thus makes an important contribution to transparency about the materials used, the greenhouse gas emissions of buildings and their recyclability.