DGNB Blog English

World’s leading building and climate organisations launch coalition to green AI data centres

Felix Jansen — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:45:37 +0000

The DGNB is part of the newly formed ‘Greening AI Data Centres Coalition’ (GADCC). This initiative brings together nine global bodies to set credible sustainability benchmarks for one of the world’s fastest-growing building types: AI data centres.

Nine of the world’s leading built environment and sustainable finance organisations launched the Greening AI Data Centres Coalition — a new global initiative to set clear, credible standards for sustainable data centre development as AI-driven demand for computing power accelerates worldwide.

The GADCC will develop transparent benchmarks that define what ‘green’ genuinely means for data centres, helping investors, operators, communities and policymakers cut through greenwashing and direct capital toward facilities that reduce emissions while protecting water resources, energy systems and local communities.

Founding members are:

They combine expertise in building certification, performance benchmarking, green finance and sustainability standards.

The need for sustainable data centres

Cities around the globe are increasingly challenged by the rapid growth of data centres powering artificial intelligence applications due to concerns about their heavy electricity and water use, their effects on local utility costs, noise pollution, and the relatively small number of long-term jobs they create.

¹Data centres currently consume roughly 1.5 – 2% of global electricity, and the International Energy Agency projects demand will more than double by 2030^2,3. Their water footprint is growing just as fast, so much so that it intensifies the pressure on local water supplies with facilities in some regions consuming as much water as a small city. Unchecked expansion risks straining local grids, driving up consumer energy costs and crowding out renewable-energy access for other users.

The rapid growth of AI data centres has made the challenge of greening digital infrastructure increasingly urgent. If new data centres are powered by fossil fuels or draw heavily on scarce water resources, they could slow global decarbonisation efforts and undermine the long‑term viability of AI itself. With investor interest in green data centres rising, there is a growing need for clear, consistent definitions of what “green” AI infrastructure truly means — backed by transparent data and credible benchmarks that protect communities, energy security and the environment.

What the GADCC will deliver

The coalition’s initial programme of work will focus on two priorities:

Common sustainability criteria: Developing an internationally aligned framework of environmental and social performance standards for data centres, covering energy, carbon, water, waste, biodiversity and community impact.

Market enablement: Supporting the development of credible green finance instruments — including green bonds and sustainability-linked loans — for data centre investment that meets the coalition’s standards.

Statements by participating organisations

Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO, DGNB:

“Data centers are becoming an increasingly significant subject in Europe too, requiring comprehensive and sustainable planning and implementation in order to minimise any negative implications for climate protection. In this context, the link to the municipal context plays a particularly important role. Developing common standards in a timely manner that work on a global scale is a key task, making our coalition particularly significant.”

James Fisher, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Building Research Establishment (BRE):

“BRE is pleased to be part of the Greening AI Data Centres Coalition, bringing together organisations with shared expertise across the built environment. As AI infrastructure continues to expand, collaborative approaches grounded in recognised standards such as BREEAM will be essential to support more sustainable outcomes for buildings, infrastructure and the communities they serve.”

Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative:

“Trillions are going into building AI data centres, but without clear standards, it risks becoming a climate disaster. The solutions are simple: use clean energy, recycle water and re-use heat. This coalition is about setting the rules to get that right.”

Dr. Chris Pyke, Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB):

“Data centers are the fastest-growing, most impactful category of real asset. GRESB shares the Greening AI Data Centers Coalition goal of providing investors with the information they need to constructively engage with developers and operators to protect financial value and improve social and environmental outcomes. Investors – equipped with timely and relevant information – can play a key role in making essential data center development safe and sustainable.”

Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA):

“Artificial intelligence is driving rapid growth in data centres around the world, including here in Australia. As this infrastructure expands, we need clear expectations for sustainability that protect energy systems, water resources, and communities. This coalition will bring global expertise together while recognising that local conditions, from climate to grid dynamics, must shape how sustainable data centres are delivered.”

Mr K S Venkatagiri, Executive Director, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII):

“Greening AI data centres is no longer a choice; it is an imperative for a sustainable digital future. For over two decades, IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) has championed green data centres, proving that energy efficiency, resilience, and scale can go hand in hand. India has total 1.4 GW of total Designed IT Load out of which more than 850 MW of IT load is Green Certified. As AI accelerates demand, sustainability must accelerate innovation. The future of AI must be powerful, responsible, and truly green.”

Peter Templeton, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC):

“We are proud to be a founding member of this coalition to accelerate sustainable design and operations in data centers worldwide. As a strategic asset class, data centers are central to technological innovation and economic growth. Through this coalition, we are committing our collective expertise to balancing this growth with responsible development that protects energy affordability, local resources, and quality of life.”

Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council (WorldGBC):

“Data centres are rapidly becoming part of the physical fabric of our built environments, with significant impacts on energy systems, water resources and local communities. As a founding member of the Greening AI Data Centres Coalition, the World Green Building Council is proud to help bring together global expertise from across the building and construction sector to define what truly sustainable data centres look like. By setting clear, credible standards, this Coalition will help ensure the growth of AI infrastructure supports climate goals, community resilience and long‑term sustainability.”

Georgina Smit, CEO Designate, Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA):

“GBCSA is proud to join this collective effort to develop an internationally aligned framework for greening data centres. As Africa’s primary digital infrastructure hub, South Africa hosts over half of the African continent’s installed capacity. A standardised definition for “green data centre” is essential to ensure that expansion aligns with national climate commitments, infrastructure capacity, and long-term economic resilience. This is necessary for the market to adopt a ‘build-right’ rather than a ‘build-fast’ approach, resulting in a more resilient, investable, and future-fit digital infrastructure ecosystem.”

The GADCC is open to additional partners, including investors, data centre owners and operators, and climate and water advocacy organisations, to help scale credible action across the global data centre market. These organizations are very welcome to apply to join.

Further information on the topic

The scale of the challenge

The rise of generative AI is straining global energy and water systems:

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects global data centre electricity demand will more than double by 2030, reaching ~945 TWh/year.
Goldman Sachs predicts ~60% of new data-centre demand could rely on fossil fuels, adding ~220 million tonnes of CO₂ globally.
In the United States, data centres consumed ~4.4% of national electricity in 2023; that share could triple by 2028 under AI growth trajectories.
Data centre load growth has been identified as the primary driver of rising electricity costs in America’s largest power market (PJM Interconnection).
Large generative AI models may use up to 4,600× more energy than older, less complex models under certain workloads.
The IEA estimates 20% of planned data centre projects are at risk of delays due to grid constraints.

Water is equally at risk:

In Texas, data centres are projected to use 49 billion gallons of water in 2025, with forecasts rising to 399 billion gallons/year by 2030, threatening regional supply in drought-prone zones.
U.S. data-centre direct water usage in 2023 was ~17.5 billion gallons; projections suggest this may double or quadruple by 2028.
Some large data centres consume up to 5 million gallons per day, equivalent to the water needs of a small town.
In England, regulators warn that future water projections are unreliable because data centres do not have mandatory water-use reporting.

The investment case

Green bonds have already been successfully issued for data centres by companies such as Switch and Vantage Data Centres. As investment accelerates and pressures on grids and water systems intensify, investors, communities and policymakers need consistent definitions of what “green” AI infrastructure actually means, backed by transparent data and benchmarks.

Header image: Image by tstokes via Pixabay, edited by DGNB

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New study: How future-proof is DGNB compared to other certification systems?

Jana Burczyk — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:12:40 +0000

Building owners seeking certification are increasingly focused on creating sustainable buildings that safeguard investment value, address climate change, and adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks. Buro Happold has produced a comparative report on Europe’s three most relevant certification systems – DGNB, BREEAM and LEED – examining how the current versions of each system address the EU’s key objectives and requirements. The analysis demonstrates that the DGNB System is most closely aligned with Europe’s political, social, and construction challenges. Following its publication, we spoke with Thomas Kraubitz, one of the report’s lead authors, about its background and findings.

Jana Burczyk (JB): Mr Kraubitz, what was the key factor in deciding to carry out this comparison?

Thomas Kraubitz (TK): The trigger was the need for such a comparative document on common systems in Europe – something repeatedly requested by banks, investors and sustainability consultants. This is because comparative studies have generally only compared structures and content, usually yielding few reliable results. Over the past 20 years, I have seen many studies comparing different certification systems. Most of these were written by students with no practical experience of any of the certification systems being compared. Our analysis differs in this respect, as we have supported numerous projects involving DGNB, BREEAM and LEED certification.

JB: The systems differ significantly in their approach and focus. Was this taken into account in the analysis?

TK: Yes, absolutely. One challenge when comparing certification systems is that each awarded project is specific to its location and type. The results of one project cannot usually be applied to others. Therefore, in the current comparative study, we do not work on the basis of individual example projects. Instead, we evaluate the certification systems included at a higher level to determine how they address the EU’s objectives and requirements, and how they promote innovation and are ‘future-proof’. To this end, we have considered the currently valid market versions and their relevant amendments. In order to carry out a fair comparison, we have identified the areas of transformation that we consider to be the most important and are assessing all certification systems against them. These areas were derived from our experience gained through Buro Happold’s numerous projects across Europe, as well as from assessments by various organisations, including the Climate Positive Europe Alliance, the United Nations and the World Health Organization. In terms of alignment with EU standards and guidelines, we have also included governance and transparency.

The analysis compared the certification systems across seven areas of transformation:

• Resilience:Focus on adaptation to climate change and associated risks (heatwaves, floods, extreme weather events)
• Circularity:Focus on reusability and recycling potential
• Sufficiency:Focus on resource-efficient design
• Nature positive design: Focus on how biodiversity promotion and ecosystem restoration are integrated into urban and architectural planningn
• Decarbonisation: Focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire building lifecycle
• Quality of life: Focus on how buildings support the health, comfort, equality and inclusion of their users
• Governance and transparency: Focus on the EU Taxonomy, the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Level(s) reporting framework

JB: Within the areas of transformation, the various systems were compared using consistent indicators. What criteria does the evaluation follow?

TK: We assessed the level of ambition of each system and awarded zero, one or two points per indicator depending on this. For classification purposes, we generally drew on EU guidelines, taking into account regulatory and practical construction aspects. However, recent studies also played a major role. To ensure transparency, there is a brief summary of the results for each area of transformation in separate sub-chapters. Anyone interested in the details can find them in the analysis appendix. Our evaluation is therefore transparent and reliable.

This chart shows how the systems under comparison are rated in the respective topics of the analysis. A system is considered future-proof if it achieves a score of more than 6 points in the analysis. According to this definition, both of the DGNB Systems under consideration are future-proof in all areas of transformation. ©Buro Happold

JB: The evaluation shows that both of the DGNB Systems under consideration can be classified as future-proof in all areas of transformation. You mentioned the term briefly earlier. What does ‘future-proof’ mean in this context?

TK: At Buro Happold, we devoted considerable attention to the topic of ‘future-proofing’ in 2025. We consider compliance with more than 80 per cent of the requirements to constitute ‘future-proofing’. In the comparative analysis, this translates as achieving at least six points in each area of transformation.

JB: Both the DGNB System for New Construction, Version 2023 and the DGNB System Future Project, Version 2030 achieve this rating across all topics. What are the key differences between the two DGNB Systems and BREEAM and LEED? In other words, what makes the DGNB Systems particularly future-proof?

TK: The DGNB originated in Europe, has evolved within the European context, and makes an exceptionally strong contribution to the pressing issues facing construction in Europe. BREEAM is catching up in terms of content, but unfortunately it is less geared towards Europe’s needs, and Brexit has exacerbated this. There is still some catching up to do, particularly with regard to issues such as eco-sufficiency. LEED, on the other hand, started out with a US-centric but also global focus. Its adoption in Europe has only been partially successful and it is falling behind growth markets in Asia. The DGNB System is increasingly being used as a quality assurance tool, laying the foundations for future-proofing.

JB: What further insights have you gained from the study?

TK: This study was complex, and we were only able to carry it out thanks to our current projects under the DGNB, BREEAM and LEED systems, and our resulting understanding of them. Without solid, hands-on knowledge of all three systems across Europe, such a study would not be feasible. Most comparisons lack precisely this fundamental prerequisite and are therefore merely a comparison of individual criteria from one system with a criterion from a second or third system. This makes it impossible to achieve a reliable result in most cases. The core thesis is a shift away from the subjective choice of a certification system towards an informed comparison in order to select the most appropriate certificate for a project and its location. Every building is different and quality requirements and a focus on resilience, for example, provide arguments in favour of asset certification. This allows us to consider all three relevant systems in Europe.

JB: Thank you for your time.

©Buro Happold

Driving the green transformation in Europe

You can download the document here.

About Thomas Kraubitz:

He is a Partner at Buro Happold and was the project principal for the recently published comparative analysis. As a DGNB Senior Auditor, BREEAM DE auditor and LEED Green Associate, he has practical experience in all three of the systems compared.

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Sustainable construction: How the world is shaping the future

Miryam Bah — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:05:30 +0000

The DGNB Annual Congress 2026 took place for the first time with an additional third day dedicated to international perspectives on sustainability, certification and regulation. The audience figures also demonstrate the level of interest in sustainable construction worldwide: participants from almost 40 countries joined the event.

From 3 to 5 March, the fifth digital DGNB Annual Congress brought together the sustainable construction community for three days of keynote speeches and panel discussions. This blog post looks back at a historic milestone: the very first international day of the DGNB Annual Congress — and the key messages it delivered.

The DGNB is convinced: the construction and property sector must change — not just in Germany, but globally. As Europe’s largest network for sustainable construction, the DGNB has always looked beyond national borders. Because sustainable construction is a team effort. The more we learn from one another, the less daunting our shared challenges become.

That’s why the DGNB collaborates with like-minded organisations, partners, and individuals all over the world — bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences. At the international congress day, these voices took centre stage.

The DGNB System is growing worldwide

Right at the start of the international congress day, the newest DGNB System Partners from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine took the floor. They reported on their experiences regarding organisational development and the roll-out of the certification system. Despite differing conditions as an EU member, an EU accession candidate, and a country in an active war situation respectively, all system partners share the challenge of recruiting members. The key lies in training new experts. For even if companies are not yet ready to invest in certification, young people, according to Sanela Klarić of the Green Building Council Bosnia and Herzegovina, have a desire to gain qualifications in sustainable construction. Maksym Kryvosheiev, CEO of the Ukrainian Green Building Council, gave a compelling account of how people are turning towards a sustainable future even in a war situation.

Established system partners also had their say. Petra Kühnel, Senior Advisor on EU taxonomy at the Austrian Society for Sustainable Real Estate Management (ÖGNI), reported on the broad relevance of ESG verification in relation to the EU taxonomy for the Austrian market. Meanwhile, Rolf Demmler, Managing Director of SoftGrid Shanghai Ltd. and DGNB Ambassador, observed a shift in China, where sustainability is no longer viewed as a marketing issue but as a compliance matter. The DGNB System is seen there as a helpful tool for managing complexity.

DGNB in the European context

Although the DGNB is active worldwide, the European context plays a central role. At the annual congress, participants were able to learn how the World Green Building Council views Europe and what differences exist in international taxonomy frameworks. At the European level, there still appears to be uncertainty among investors regarding the EU taxonomy. However, according to Ursula Hartenberger, Secretary General of the Climate Positive Europe Alliance (CPEA), and Sebastian Krautzer, energy and sustainability specialist at the DGNB and other European Green Building Councils, this uncertainty could be addressed. They would play a special role in translating and harmonising EU frameworks for practical application.

Thomas Kraubitz, Partner at Buro Happold, presented the contribution that various certification systems can make to the sustainable transformation of the built environment from a European perspective. The DGNB is in a very strong position with both its current DGNB System New Construction, Buildings and the DGNB System Future Project, Version 2030.

Knowledge as a force for global transformation

Knowledge transfer is a central task of the DGNB and its partner organisations. For only when people possess the necessary knowledge can sustainable building become the global standard. For Dr Yasmina Sarhan, Assistant Professor at the German University in Cairo, it was therefore important to bring together research and teaching on sustainable building at an early stage, so that students can enter the professional world equipped with the latest insights.

For Stefan Fries, Managing Director of e3 consult s.à.r.l, investing in students is also worthwhile. The University of Luxembourg has shown that even a small cohort can make a noticeable impact in the construction sector. Meanwhile, Rolf Demmler emphasised the importance of lifelong learning. In China, it has become clear how enriching long-term exchange among colleagues on topics of sustainable construction can be, which is why in-house training has come increasingly into focus there.

Pioneering work in sustainability pays off

From knowledge to action: the international day showcased inspiring examples from around the world — proving that sustainable construction is not a vision for the future, but a reality today. ne striking example came from Hilti AG in Vadadora, India, where the Swiss company demonstrated that sustainability and certification don’t have to come at a premium. Quite the opposite: by designing their new production facility with sustainability at its core, Hilti managed to cut 80 per cent of the originally projected energy costs.

Hornbach Baumarkt AG has also achieved success with the help of the DGNB System. According to Steffen Wiegerling, Asset Manager Real Estate, and Lukas Gerstle, Group Market Planner at HORNBACH Baumarkt AG, standardisation and the principle of serial certification have paid off in enabling the rapid and sustainable construction of new DIY stores in various countries.

Global SHIFT – new ways of thinking

The DGNB is a driving force and partner in various initiatives and networks. With the global SHIFT initiative, the DGNB aims, together with the Technical University of Munich, to shape a new vision of sustainable architecture, identify effective framework conditions and promote a culture of mutual learning. This can take place at the project, policy or knowledge level. Jürgen Benson-Strohmayer, architect and founder of TAELON7, presented a project in Ghana. There, a production facility for women was built with respect for architectural traditions and in a climate-adapted manner. Sebastian C. Koth, a post-doc at the Chair of Building Services Engineering and Climate-Responsive Construction at the Technical University of Munich, is driving forward international knowledge transfer within the initiative. Exchange between universities in current and future climate zones is particularly valuable.

Find out more and get involved

A built environment that inspires

The DGNB ‘Social Positive’ award is another international development by the DGNB. The award was created in cooperation with various partners and recognises buildings and neighbourhoods that go beyond their mere function and make a tangible positive contribution to their surroundings and society. Martin Haas, partner at haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050, emphasised how important the perceptions of local people are in this regard. “The best building is one that most people enjoy using for a long time,” explained Martin Haas. Whilst we know how to assess economic and ecological factors, there is still a learning curve when it comes to social factors. He also noticed this during his inspection of the first two pilot projects. The award helps to re-examine architectural quality.

Find out more and submit pilot projects

Sustainable building – now more than ever, and everywhere!

The discussions and ideas sparked by the international day have shown that people all over the world are already making their contribution to a sustainable built environment. Whether through inspiring projects, new ways of thinking or at the policy level: everywhere, there is a shared conviction that sustainable building is the right way forward for our world. The DGNB sees it as its task to convey this message – especially at a time when sustainability is no longer on everyone’s lips.

The full programme to watch

All programme items from the DGNB Annual Congress are available online on the DGNB website as recordings. Click here for the playlist with all the videos.

Header: Kevin Segal via Unsplash, edited by DGNB

Der Beitrag Sustainable construction: How the world is shaping the future erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.

From vacant space to living space: An old office building becomes student accommodation

Miriam Laudien — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:22:10 +0000

Where once files were stored, soon people will call home. In the Nippes district of Cologne, an empty office complex has just been converted into energy-efficient student accommodation. An extra storey was added and the building’s façade serially renovated. The project shows how much potential there is in converting existing buildings.

Blog series on our shared journey to climate-positive buildings
In November 2022, we published the DGNB Guide to Climate-Positive Building Stock, which gives an insight into the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions in the German building sector, as well as key regulatory requirements. It also lists 50 top measures for our joint path to a climate-positive building stock.

In this series of blog posts, we’re showcasing projects, companies and organisations, along with the solutions they found for implementing those measures. Want to join in and share your own experiences? See the application details at the end of this post.

When it comes to the goal of creating living space without building on undeveloped land, the way we approach building stock is an important starting point. Instead of demolishing existing buildings and erecting new ones in their place, they can be redeveloped in a way that conserves resources. The project “THE FLAG Nippes” is an example of this. A 1980s administrative complex has just been transformed into a modern residential building with 137 apartments for students and young professionals. The Brüninghoff Group – which specialises in serial and sustainable construction components and processes – designed, manufactured and fitted the extra storey and new façade.

Leveraging the housing potential of existing buildings is also one of the central measures in the DGNB Guide to Climate Positive Building Stock. It focuses on inner city development, such as through adaptive reuse of buildings, redensification or the addition of extra storeys. This project took precisely this approach, illustrating how unused structures can be turned into desperately needed living space.

When living space becomes a hurdle

Although Cologne has around 80,000 students, only about 4900 places in student accommodation are available, according to the city’s student services organisation. In other words, less than seven percent of students are able to secure student accommodation – far below what is needed. The rest have to turn to the private rental market, where high rents increasingly make their search even more difficult.

A look at the overall market also shows how strained the situation is: Cologne City Council’s 2024 Housing Market Report estimates the vacancy rate on the residential market to be just 0.9 percent – a figure that allows for very little movement and further increases the pressure on affordable living space.

This makes every additional residential development all the more important. Especially those that utilise building stock and sensibly repurpose existing structures, as in the case of “THE FLAG Nippes”.

A space for something new

The building’s conversion required a comprehensive redesign. The former open-plan office floors were divided into several smaller living units, with individual bathrooms, kitchens and modern building services. The extra storey and new floor plans have increased the building’s usable area to around 7100 square metres, from around 5500 square metres before. The result is a new living space with functional floor plans plus communal areas on the top storey. The aim was to adapt the existing building in a way that would strike the right balance between functionality, living comfort and structural considerations.

This required detailed coordination between architecture, structural engineering and building services. The existing structure was analysed to assess the possibilities for additional loads and for creating openings for new cabling. Based on this, a concept was developed to structurally upgrade the existing building, prepare for the addition of an extra storey and enable the integration of modern building services.

This planning approach laid the foundation for the subsequent conversion. The aim was to make best possible use of the existing structure while significantly improving factors like functionality, energy efficiency and comfort, thereby redeveloping the building into a vibrant space that brings people together.

A conversion with substance

The next step was to turn the plans into a reality. The former administrative building, comprising four adjoining blocks of different heights, was stripped right down to its structure. The load-bearing reinforced concrete skeleton was retained and formed the basis for the redevelopment. An extra storey built from timber frame was added to the top of each block, creating desperately needed living space. This was done in a resource-conserving way, with prefabricated elements precisely tailored to the existing structure.

The new façade – made of serially prefabricated timber frame elements with integrated insulation, windows and façade cladding – plays a central role. The elements were prefabricated to a high degree in the Group’s factory and fitted precisely to the existing building. This approach made it possible to improve the building’s energy efficiency, shorten construction time and reduce construction noise in the highly built-up surroundings. The renovated building now has a contemporary, highly functional envelope that boosts energy efficiency and significantly enhances its external appearance.

Prefabrication of the façade elements | Photo: Brüninghoff

Heating and warm water are supplied by an efficient heat pump. This is complemented by a photovoltaic system on the new roof, which will generate electricity for use in the building. The overall result is a future-viable energy supply that largely avoids the use of fossil fuels and ensures permanent low-emission operation.

A project that sends a signal

“THE FLAG Nippes” is a project that shows how much potential lies in transforming existing buildings. Careful planning, serial construction and modern building services were combined to create a residential building that conserves resources and offers new space for communal living. This shows that sustainably converting existing buildings is not only an answer to the shortage of living space, but also an important form of climate-friendly construction.

Fitting the façade elements | Photo: Brüninghoff

About the company

The Brüninghoff Group is a family-run group of construction companies headquartered in Heiden, Germany. Founded in 1974, it currently employs around 700 people in six companies at multiple sites in the country. For the project “THE FLAG Nippes”, the Brüninghoff Group was commissioned by general contractor Florack Bauunternehmung GmbH to plan the building’s support structure and the additional timber frame storey, and to manufacture and install the timber frame constructions and prefabricated façade elements. The client is THE FLAG Köln GmbH.

The Brüninghoff Group offers general contractor services such as integral planning and engineering work and the prefabrication of construction components, whether for newbuilds or for redevelopments of existing buildings. It delivers building projects for the logistical, industrial and residential property sectors, using hybrid construction methods, serial processes and sustainable materials.

Take part now and share your solution(s)!

Are you also a DGNB member who has implemented – or is in the process of implementing – one or more of the 50 top measures for a climate-positive building stock as listed by the DGNB Guide? If you are, we’d be delighted if you’d also like to share your solution(s) and ideas with other stakeholders on the DGNB Blog and tell us about your experiences.

Here’s how to submit your solution and provide an example for our blog
Send an email to klimaschutz@dgnb.de and answer the following questions:

Which of the top 50 measures (featured in the DGNB Guide to Climate-Positive Building Stock) have you implemented? If possible, please only submit ideas for measures that have not yet featured in this blog. See the current overview here.
How did you implement your idea? What approach did you take?
Why do you think your solution sets a good example for others?
Do you have any images showing how your measure was implemented? If you do, please send them to us.

We will go through your ideas and get back to you as soon as possible.

Please note: Only DGNB members may apply. We reserve the right to reject proposals.

Der Beitrag From vacant space to living space: An old office building becomes student accommodation erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.

DGNB Exhibition “What If: A Change of Perspective”

Dr. Christine Lemaitre — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:12:56 +0000

With our exhibition “What If: A Change of Perspective” at Aedes in Berlin, we want to invite you to let go of cherished ways of thinking and journey with us to the core of sustainable architecture. To the question: What’s the right thing to do? Not for your own business model, but in terms of content – uncompromisingly.

For DGNB, this has been its driving force and guiding principle ever since the non-profit association was founded over 18 years ago. And we’d like to take you with us on this journey. Without pointing fingers – rather, as an offer to get on board and help move things forward together.

So we’d like to start by asking you a personal question: when did you start seriously engaging with sustainable architecture? Perhaps visiting our exhibition will be what inspires you to comprehensively address this wide-ranging topic. There aren’t many who were environmental pioneers right from the very early days. For most professionals whose work involves our built environment, it’s only in recent years that sustainability, climate action and resource protection have become significantly more important.

That’s why – before you delve deeper into the exhibition – we want to share a perspective with you: just because something is new to you doesn’t mean it’s new to the rest of the world. Some things we take for granted today are the product of very dynamic developments in recent years. Others that feel groundbreakingly new have a history that DGNB often played a role in.

In this video, Dr Christine Lemaitre and Prof. Amandus Samsøe Sattler discuss the idea behind the exhibition and why Aedes is the perfect venue for it.

An invitation to change your perspective

Are you ready to brave this change of perspective together with us? Then set aside the economic constraints of your day-to-day work and open your mind to “What if…?”. If creating something valuable, something fit for the future, were all that mattered. Namely, spaces that have a positive impact and demonstrate solutions to all the demands that a sustainable built environment has to meet – something which runs through the whole exhibition and catalogue as a connecting thread.

You can also see all of this as a call to learn from good solutions from the past. This is exemplified by the projects that have won the German Sustainability Award for Architecture – bestowed by DGNB and the German Sustainability Award Foundation – since it was created in 2013. Most of the projects that we chose as award-winners were ahead of their time, as they addressed topics from the wide spectrum of sustainable building in exemplary ways that were anything but self-evident at the time of their planning.

Der Beitrag DGNB Exhibition “What If: A Change of Perspective” erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.

Speicherstadt in times gone by and times to come – a carbon-neutral warehouse in Hamburg

Miriam Laudien — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:06:30 +0000

Wander through the heart of Hamburg and it’s clear that climate protection and preserving buildings of historical importance are entirely compatible endeavours. Take Speicherstadt, the largest historical warehouse complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where sustainable energy concepts based on photovoltaic technology are being tested alongside solar thermal energy.

Take a listed building and modernise it to meet energy efficiency standards without changing its appearance on the outside – is that even possible? HHLA Real Estate (HHLA 2. Speicherstadt Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG), subsidiary of HHLA, the Hamburg-based dockland and logistics specialist, wants to do just that. Its plan is to make the Speicherstadt warehouse complex completely carbon-neutral by 2040.

One particular goal aligns with a measure outlined in the DGNB Guide to Climate-Positive Building Stock: photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. This involves drawing on all suitable roof areas to make the best possible use of solar potential. A series of prototypes is being set up in Speicherstadt to show how solar technology can be carefully integrated into listed buildings without spoiling their character – also with an eye on future needs. We recently visited the site and found that this vision is already taking shape.

A workshop for research

Making this vision a reality is a complex undertaking, but it holds tremendous potential if practical solutions can be found. As Harald Garrecht, professor and PhD in engineering at the University of Stuttgart highlights: “If the prototypes that have been developed do work, they can be transferred immediately to any existing building.” Garrecht has been project manager for the initiative since it was launched in early 2021, bringing his extensive experience in building material research and the conservation of historic monuments to the development of innovative solutions.

To support his work, a research workshop has been set up in Block H of the Speicherstadt complex, a wing of the building still in everyday use where novel technologies are now being tested under actual operating conditions. Among other concepts being developed and put in place are energy-generating rooftop solutions, storage systems, innovative heat transfer processes and insulation strategies – all designed to preserve the character of the historic buildings.

The biggest challenge: the roof

The focus lies in a hybrid solar system on the roof that generates electricity and heat simultaneously. The system combines photovoltaic modules with solar thermal elements. Ambient heat generated by the system is transferred to a heat pump using a special heat transfer medium, even at outdoor temperatures as low as four degrees Celsius.

The Speicherstadt roof with mounted slates and copper sheeting | Photos: DGNB

Despite the technical complexities of the system, the installation is remarkably unobtrusive. The materials and colours of each module take their cues from the traditional slate and copper sheet roofing of Speicherstadt. It took a number of creative and technical experiments to achieve this effect. In the meantime, the modules are almost indistinguishable from the original roof materials, blending harmoniously into the surrounding area.

An ingenious storage method using concrete and ice

The next step was to work out how to store the sustainably generated ambient heat as efficiently as possible. Two innovative storage solutions are currently being tested under real conditions in Block H: a hybrid heat storage system comprising porous concrete and an ice storage system using otherwise unoccupied areas in the basement.

The concrete storage unit | Photo: DGNB

The concrete storage system combines the properties of solid-state storage and water-based storage. Water circulates within the cavities of a coarse-pored concrete block. This creates a system that is not only capable of absorbing significant amounts of heat but can also be quickly charged and discharged. The thermal inertia of concrete and the flexibility of water work together in perfect harmony.

Individual containers of the ice storage tank | Photo: DGNB

For the ice storage units, a different physical phenomenon is being exploited: latent heat, a kind of hidden energy that is released when water freezes. The ice storage system has been installed in a room in the basement prone to flooding, which consequently required reinforcement with a special support structure. As a result, ambient heat can even be produced efficiently in the colder months of the year.

Renovations to meet energy efficiency standards

Another topic being addressed for the project is improving the energy efficiency of the building envelope. As the building is listed, alterations to the façade are not permitted, so various interior plaster systems were applied and evaluated. An aerogel-based insulating plaster has performed particularly well, delivering substantial reductions in heat transfer – despite being only 30mm thick – thanks to its fine-pored structure and very low thermal conductivity. Carbon-based radiant panel heating systems are also being tested. These leverage the electrical conductivity of carbon to emit heat directly via wall and ceiling surfaces. Using carbon paints and carbon textiles also makes it possible to distribute heat evenly at low voltages without requiring major structural modifications.

Speicherstadt: pointing the way forward

The project demonstrates how to successfully combine the preservation of sites of historical interest with modern energy technology. HHLA Real Estate plans to achieve completely carbon-neutral operations at the historic warehouse complex by 2040, adopting a holistic approach that incorporates both scientific research developments and practical implementation. A key aspect of this is the innovative approach to using rooftop areas to generate energy, which makes Speicherstadt a trailblazing planning and implementation example combining listed building preservation with climate goals.

About the company

HHLA Real Estate is a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik (HHLA), which was founded in 1885. A specialist in property development, leasing and management in the port and logistics sector, HHLA Real Estate is helping to strengthen Hamburg’s trade and commercial infrastructure. The company places emphasis on modern, sustainable and energy-efficient properties, attaching particular importance to preserving the cultural heritage of Hamburg.

Other project participants

The project is being managed by Prof Harald Garrecht of the Institute of Construction Materials (IWB) at the University of Stuttgart. The BIMLab at HafenCity University Hamburg and the Chair of Energy Efficient Buildings and Indoor Climate at RWTH Aachen University are also involved. Both the Hamburg Authority for Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture and the monument protection office of the Authority for Culture and Media are supporting the project as partner institutions. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. The project sponsor is Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ).

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Der Beitrag Speicherstadt in times gone by and times to come – a carbon-neutral warehouse in Hamburg erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.

Dedicated to achieving ambitious climate action targets in social housing construction

Miriam Laudien — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:57:16 +0000

The UBS4 residential building in Norderstedt, Germany – created by architects blu by AUG. PRIEN – has been recognised as a state-wide pilot project by the Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein. Despite various hurdles, the highly motivated team were able to deliver optimal carbon savings at every step from planning to completion, particularly in the choice of construction materials.

Climate-friendly construction – starting from the initial idea and right across the different planning phases – is rarely easy to achieve. Regular life cycle assessments make it possible to monitor the process and make advance adjustments if there are any deviations from project targets.

In this article, I’ll share how a project team comprising Carsten Joost (CEO of blu by AUG. PRIEN) and Lukas Muth (timber construction planner and life cycle assessor for ASSMANN Beraten + Planen) set highly ambitious climate action goals for a much-needed new building and succeeded in finding an innovative way to meet their targets.

Carbon neutrality and affordable living space

In Norderstedt, northern Germany, three four-to-five-storey residential blocks with 71 subsidised rental apartments were built as part of a larger urban development project. Right from the start, developer and contractor blu by AUG. PRIEN had the aim of keeping carbon emissions as low as possible. “Our task is to transform the construction industry towards carbon neutrality. At the same time, we’re also committed to creating affordable living space,” says Joost. The importance of this perspective was shared with other project stakeholders at an early stage in order to simplify the planning process and foster innovative ideas through a joint, networked approach. Support and guidance came in the form of the DGNB Certification System and DGNB Auditor Uta Käding from Intep, especially when it came to the life cycle and energy assessment, but also life cycle costs.

Different approaches to life cycle assessments

The building complex was originally intended to be made from reinforced concrete with a double-skin façade made from sand-lime and clinker bricks. For the interior fit-out, a classic lightweight construction made from metal stud walls and plasterboard was planned.

With the aid of a life cycle assessment, these designs were rethought and a number of alternatives were identified (numerous versions of which were compared with each other), especially for the structural elements and external walls. The floor plans were also significantly reworked and simplified to standardise as many elements as possible and make efficient use of space.

Life cycle assessments of different options | Graphic: DGNB (based on blu by AUG. PRIEN)

Hybrid construction combining geopolymer concrete with timber frame and a simple supply and exhaust ventilation system proved to be the most optimal solution. However, as geopolymer concrete does not yet come with validated environmental product declarations (EPDs), it was not possible to include it in the calculation required for certification. But as it was the alternative with the lowest carbon emissions, it was nevertheless the best choice. So the use of geopolymer concrete was tested in the company’s own laboratory, monitored on the construction site and granted approval for use in this particular project.

As the building had to be connected to the district heating system, there was a limited number of ways to optimise the energy concept. The team were also confronted with a particular challenge of rental apartment construction: when calculating the size of the required photovoltaic system, they had to take into account an obligation under tenancy law affecting the purchase of electricity generated by the building.

Prefabrication and standardisation

While the parts of the building in contact with the ground and its public areas were built out of geopolymer concrete, which uses cement-free binding agents made from fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag, the living areas were constructed using timber frame. Uniform spans tailored to the timber construction as well as regularly spaced supports made it possible to ensure even load bearing and high material efficiency, a good starting point for prefabricated parts and standard elements.

Timber frame construction in the residential storeys | Photos: blu by AUG. PRIEN

The external walls and partitions between apartments were prefabricated at the plant as non-load-bearing timber frame elements and delivered to the construction site together with the windows, doors and cladding. Renewable cellulose was used as insulation. For the interior fit-out, straw board was chosen instead of plasterboard. No flooring was installed; the screed surface was merely given a mineral coating. The bathrooms were built as modular units and fully fitted with tiles, lighting and sanitary facilities in the factory. The prefabricated façade was made from clinker bricks recycled from demolition projects that had been carefully sorted, assembled and prepared. This shortened material transport and construction times, saved resources and lowered carbon emissions.

Interior fit-out of the apartments | Photos: blu by AUG. PRIEN

The early declaration and regular review of ambitious climate action goals across the entire life cycle of the building means that this project fulfils one of the Top 50 measures of the DGNB Guide to Climate-Positive Building Stock. The delivery of this project also shows that we’re making progress with social housing construction targets, not only positively impacting the quality of living of building occupants, but also the environment.

The incentive provided by transparency

This project helped blu by AUG. PRIEN gain further expertise in sustainable processes, materials and construction projects – knowledge that it will not only use itself in future, but that it also intends to share with other stakeholders in the construction industry.

Since early 2023, Joost has been giving lectures on ways of establishing sustainability in the construction industry as an overarching goal shared by all stakeholders, and as a focal point in social housing construction. blu by AUG. PRIEN also uses its social media channels to share progress. During the construction phase of the UBS4 project, it published weekly building site updates and posted milestones, accompanied by photos and relevant background information.

About the company

AUG. PRIEN was founded as a family business in 1873 and is headquartered in Hamburg. It now has over 800 employees and has expanded its building activities to include project development and investment.

Its subsidiary, blu by AUG. PRIEN, was established in 2022 to pool all of the company’s expertise in sustainable construction. Its aim is to develop and deliver projects that unite social, environmental and technical considerations.

The UBS4 project won the Business Environmental Award bestowed by the German Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein.

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Der Beitrag Dedicated to achieving ambitious climate action targets in social housing construction erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.

Climate-positive living: retrofitting a single-family detached home for more energy efficiency

Miriam Laudien — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:14:16 +0000

If renewable energy sources are considered right from the start, climate-positive living is often readily achievable. What steps are needed to get there, and what results can be attained? Developer Lars Knabben, CEO of the energy consulting firm e² energieberatung, answered these questions and gave me an overview of possible measures.

For economic reasons, it’s not always possible to put all components required for climate-positive building operation in place in one go. This is particularly the case with existing buildings. Nonetheless, a climate protection roadmap can be particularly useful when it comes to planning effective investments and making good use of subsidies. The aim? To reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions while at the same time minimising energy costs.

The starting point for the planning process is a stocktaking exercise before defining clear climate targets and a list of measures to be taken – e.g. insulation, different heating systems or solar energy. These go hand in hand with scheduling, cost overviews and an assessment of funding options.

With its long-term plan for achieving climate neutrality and systematically implementing individual improvements, for me Lars Knabben’s project is a wonderful example of how to weigh up all potential possibilities to optimise building use in tandem with climate protection – thus implementing ‘Low-investment optimisation measures’, a Top 50 measure outlined in the DGNB Guide to Climate Positive Building Stock.

Planning climate action early

As far back as 2005, Lars Knabben – owner of a single-family detached home in Krefeld, Germany – was already taking renewable energy sources into account right from the planning stage. In recent years, he has extensively retrofitted the technical systems in his house due to rising energy demand, a desire for independence from energy suppliers, and most of all, his wish to help protect the climate. For us it’s a good example of how to implement the ‘low-investment optimisation measures’ outlined in the DGNB Guide to Climate-Positive Building Stock.

The location of his house, built in 2006, made it possible to use near-surface geothermal energy, so five earth probes were drilled to a depth of 25 metres on the roughly 400 sqm site in order to supply a brine-to-water heat pump. Domestic hot water is provided by a 5 sqm solar heating system. One year after construction was complete, a 23 sqm photovoltaic system with a peak output of 3.2 kilowatts was fitted on the gable roof. This used up all available roof space.

In 2021, Knabben decided to expand the photovoltaic system, as he had recently switched to an electric car and also wanted his house to be climate-positive. To create the extra area required for the solar modules, he built a carport and added a roof to the terrace. He planned the solar modules using free web-based software that took into account shade cast by nearby trees and ensured sufficient light transmission between the modules on the terrace.

Thanks to his professional background, apart from the electrical connections Knabben was able to plan and build the entire system by himself. “We chose solar modules with glass panes on both sides as they last a long time, they’re extremely sturdy and they lose very little over time in terms of efficiency,” he explained.

The software was able to calculate the ideal number of solar modules, how to best interconnect them and how much energy they would generate: 39 solar modules with a peak output of just under 12 kilowatts.

Solar modules on the terrace with joints for transparency, plus a view of the two photovoltaic systems | Photos: Lars Knabben

Knabben was also able to use his knowledge and experience as a DGNB Auditor to take ecological factors into consideration during planning and building. Just as he had done with the house, he made sure that any materials used were low in pollutants and that the structures were easy to disassemble.

Returns and savings

The house offers over 240 sqm of heated net floor space. Its annual average energy consumption – including heating, hot water, electric car charging and electricity used by consumer devices in the home – is 9000 kilowatt-hours. Still, the expanded photovoltaic system generates over 10,000 kilowatt-hours annually, meaning that the family home is now energy self-sufficient. Any surplus energy generated is stored for later use.

Energy generation and consumption in detail

Generation	kWh/year	Consumption	kWh/year
Photovoltaic system on roof of house	2800	Heating and hot water	3000
Photovoltaic system on carport and terrace	7500	Electric appliances	3600
		Electric car	2400
Total generation	10,300	Total consumption	9000

As the house generates an annual 27.5 kilowatt-hours of energy per square metre, it meets EU energy efficiency class A+. It is also climate-positive according to the DGNB framework for carbon-neutral buildings and sites. Based on its current energy output, it saves an estimated six tonnes of carbon per year compared to the same house powered by energy from coal-fired plants.

Costs of the new photovoltaic system

The material costs for the 75 sqm roof substructure, including the rail system for mounting the solar modules, were around €10,000. The modules themselves (around €230 each) plus the power inverter came to approx. €14,000, while the storage unit was about . A further was spent on installation, including modifying and expanding the control cabinet.

Overall, the project cost around €35,000 (gross).

Cost breakdown of the photovoltaic system | Graphic: Miriam Laudien, DGNB

Every step counts

Drafting a climate protection roadmap and implementing the measures it contains step by step – all within a framework that’s feasible both in terms of finances and timing – opens the door to effective contributions to carbon emission reductions, even early in the process. Sometimes it’s only small steps that get us to the long-term goal, but every updated or overhauled building component, and every optimised technical system, moves us one step closer to a climate-positive building stock.

About Lars Knabben

Lars Knabben is the CEO of e² energieberatung, a DGNB Auditor, a member of the DGNB Technical Committee, a state-approved expert in sound insulation and heat insulation, and a lecturer in technical system development at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. His interests lie primarily in project management, DGNB Certification and planning in the areas of energy and building physics.

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Der Beitrag Climate-positive living: retrofitting a single-family detached home for more energy efficiency erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.

From deconstruction to new façade: aluminium in a world of circularity

Miriam Laudien — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:47:13 +0000

Wicona wants to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by the end of 2025. This ambition goes beyond just the company and its own products: they’re also involving suppliers and project partners in their corporate strategy to achieve circularity together. But what does the overall process from disassembly to recycling and reuse look like? And is this form of aluminium recycling already a standard?

When it comes to manufacturing aluminium façades sustainably, the raw material is the most important factor. As extracting primary aluminium is energy-intensive, using recycled aluminium can make a considerable contribution to reducing carbon emissions. How do the individual steps of circular recycling work? And what potential can be realised with it? That’s what I would like to explain in this article by looking at DGNB member Wicona, a fitting example of how to implement the measure from the DGNB Guide to Climate-Positive Building Stock on ‘closing cycles for all building materials and products’.

From the building site to material recovery and back again

In the case of this example, circularity is this simple: dismantle the old aluminium façade, sort and separate the parts, then recycle and finally reuse. Of course, a few more steps are needed for certain components, but the procedure nevertheless remains relatively straightforward.

Scrap metal delivery | Photo: Mediashots/WICONA

As part of a renovation to improve energy efficiency, the existing aluminium façade is dismantled on site and the individual components pre-sorted. The aluminium scrap is transported to a special recycling plant in Dormagen, in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where it’s sorted according to quality levels. One thing I didn’t know until now is that as well as post-consumer scrap – which has already gone through a product life cycle – there’s also what’s known as pre-consumer scrap, i.e. aluminium that has never been used. Distinguishing between these two recycling materials is essential for a correct life cycle assessment, as pre-consumer scrap has a much larger carbon footprint.

The scrap is shredded and sorted into different alloys, then in the next step (in Luxembourg) it’s melted and extruded into billets.

Shredded aluminium parts | Photo: Mediashots/WICONA

Extruded billets | Photo: Mediashots/WICONA

The final production steps then take place south of Ulm, Germany, where the aluminium billets are processed into window and façade profiles. And that’s how you manufacture façade elements made from up to 100% recycled aluminium (post-consumer scrap).

The pioneering Landeroth project

Bremen-based metal construction company Landeroth successfully implemented this circular process in a recent project with Wicona and Saint-Gobain. Landeroth wanted to replace the façade of its administration and production building with a more energy-efficient one while keeping carbon emissions as low as possible.

The new façade, measuring around 370 sqm, was built as a curtain wall made from fully recycled aluminium alloy, with glass made from 65% recycled cullet using renewable energy. “By using such a high level of secondary raw materials, we slashed carbon emissions by almost 25 tonnes,” explains Christian Mettlach, Wicona’s business communications manager.

Recycling as standard

All of Wicona’s façade elements are now made from 75% recycled and 95% recyclable components as standard, with the goal of hitting 80% and 100% respectively by the end of 2025.

I think a particularly positive aspect of this minimum percentage of recycled aluminium is that customers looking for a cheaper product from the same supplier aren’t forced to buy a less sustainable one, which remains a widespread practice in the market otherwise. It’s only using 100% recycled material – as in the Landeroth project – that entails increased costs. But in turn, the global warming potential is lower.

At the same time as increasing the share of secondary raw materials in its manufacturing, Wicona has also set itself the goal of developing environmental product declarations (EPDs) for all products, not generating any landfill waste, and halving carbon emissions in transport and packaging.

The company shares its expertise in circularity with suppliers, project partners and any other interested parties through an in-house academy. Subjects covered include production processes as well as legal basics and information on the EU taxonomy and material register.

“We’ve geared our entire corporate strategy towards sustainability and circular building. Our products are now made from at least 75 per cent recycled aluminium, making us trailblazers in the construction industry, and we’ve already started helping our customers achieve true circularity in their projects,” says Christian Mettlach.

About the company

Wicona offers aluminium profile systems for façades, windows and doors, with a focus on circularity based on recycled and recyclable materials.

The company was founded in Ulm in 1948, from where all of its R&D, marketing, sales and service activities have been coordinated ever since, despite the Wicona brand now belonging to the Norwegian Hydro Group.

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Der Beitrag From deconstruction to new façade: aluminium in a world of circularity erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.

Building management and automation – the first step on the climate action roadmap

Miriam Laudien — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:25:41 +0000

Building automation experts Kieback&Peter have developed a carbon reduction roadmap to quickly and effectively decarbonise older buildings. The DGNB member company showed me how this is done.

Running older buildings is rarely energy-efficient or environmentally friendly. According to a publication by the German Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR), buildings are responsible for 30 per cent of the country’s entire carbon emissions – and those erected between 1949 and 1978 make up the largest share of this (see Statista). But renovating buildings to make them energy-efficient is often considered laborious, slow and expensive.

Digitalisation apparently offers an effective solution: according to a study by Bitkom, up to 14.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions could be avoided by 2030 simply by making much better use of building automation systems. These reductions would mainly be achieved through the more efficient provision of heating and hot water. To harness this potential, Kieback&Peter has developed a carbon reduction roadmap. It thus fulfils the measure relating to ‘efficiency and the savings potential of technical building equipment’, as outlined in the DGNB Guide to Climate-Positive Building Stock. Björn Brecht, head of business development, explained to me how this tool can save energy and costs.

Boosting energy efficiency through digitalisation

Automation is an important tool when it comes to running and operating the technical systems within buildings. Digital solutions can be used to establish monitoring, diagnostic and optimisation processes that are able to increase and safeguard energy efficiency in the long term. Real-time monitoring is the beating heart of such a system and data generated by measuring and regulating energy flows is used as a basis for planning efficiency measures and overseeing anticipated savings.

On top of this, data generated by digital systems can be used to determine whether it would be possible to switch to alternative energy sources, such as a heat pumps or district heating. It can also tell you the performance criteria that need to be met to do this. The cost savings attained can also be reinvested in further renovation measures to increase energy efficiency, contributing towards the next step on the climate action roadmap.

Climate code 3-3-0

Kieback&Peter’s carbon reduction roadmap represents practical and hands-on service package that goes by the name Code 3-3-0 – i.e. three steps and three months to reach net zero.

Based on an initial analysis to determine a building’s current energy consumption and set emission reduction targets, a technical concept is developed to optimise operation, followed by a phase of monitoring and regular progress reviews. The resulting solution is suitable for buildings of all kinds, and takes all technical systems – heating, ventilation and air conditioning – into consideration.

“Digitalisation enables short-term optimisation measures that have a lasting effect and should be put in place before complex renovations to increase energy efficiency as part of the CO₂ reduction roadmap,” explains Björn Brecht.

Carbon reduction roadmap over three months | Graphic: Kieback&Peter

One element of the carbon reduction roadmap is en:predict, a system equipped with a self-learning algorithm for optimising building technology. It can be used to predict future heating, air conditioning and ventilation needs and reduce consumption by avoiding peak loads. Since the middle of 2024, en:predict has been recognised by the DGNB as part of its certification system for Buildings In Use.

Digitalisation of a housing cooperative

Over 100 existing buildings belonging to a housing association in northern Germany have already been retrofitted and digitalised for energy-efficient operation.

For this project, a realistic initial goal of a 20% reduction in carbon emissions was set. The total heating consumption of the estate was found to be ca. 14.6 million kilowatt-hours, equivalent to annual carbon emissions of around 3000 tonnes, and thus the desired reduction in emissions was determined to be about 600 tonnes. Funding and financing opportunities were included in the subsequent cost calculation.

First, the buildings were fitted with an adapted monitoring system to evaluate relevant energy flows and provide a basis for using the energy required by buildings more efficiently. Data is captured via sensors and consumption meters fitted to the existing heating, hot water and electricity systems, then fed into a building energy management system by a controller so that it can be plotted on graphs and evaluated.

Based on this information, the building systems were adjusted using practical tools. For instance, unnecessarily high flow temperatures in a heating circuit were lowered without compromising the comfort of residents.

Ultimately, it was possible to modify the buildings’ energy systems so that the goal of reducing carbon emissions could be met by the following year – while also improving living standards, cutting energy costs and making the buildings safer.

Thanks to digital solutions, the whole estate is now equipped with the latest technology and much closer to becoming carbon-neutral.

About the company

As smart building ‘solutioneers’, Kieback&Peter combine intelligent building technology and data-driven services to create long-term sustainable solutions. Founded in Berlin in 1927, the family-owned company employs around 1500 people across 50 sites and is a specialist in developing and manufacturing solutions to interconnect technical systems within buildings – such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire protection – into unified, optimised systems.

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Der Beitrag Building management and automation – the first step on the climate action roadmap erschien zuerst auf DGNB Blog English.