Author: Jana Burczyk

CPEA ESG

CPEA publishes new report on ESG implementation in construction and real estate

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 Sustainable 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.

research projects and initiatives

DGNB involvement in research projects and initiatives

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.

Protecting biodiversity – from the well intentioned to the well done

While terms like sustainability and climate protection are now topics of intense discussion in the building sector and frequently receive attention at major meetings in industry, the topic of biodiversity is yet to become part of everyday life among companies. At the DGNB Annual Congress 2023, biodiversity expert Dr Frauke Fischer, Pascal Bunk (Knauf Gypsum) and Sven Schulz (Lake Constance Foundation) explained why this is becoming a problem. They also discussed potential solutions to the growing biodiversity crisis.

From Level(s) to taxonomy – why the DGNB System is brimming with EU thinking

Taxonomy and the Level(s) reporting framework are intended to make the often vague concept of sustainability more understandable to everyone in Europe, especially when it comes to sustainable business and the construction and property industry. The DGNB adapted to this development early on and has incorporated EU sustainability goals in its thinking. But how ‘European’ actually is the DGNB System?

LIFE Level(s)

LIFE Level(s) – Making sustainability comprehensible throughout the EU

Promoting sustainability – including in construction – is a self-declared goal of the European Union. Therefore, the project LIFE Level(s) was launched in 2019 to raise awareness for the topic among an interested public as well as the groups of actors involved in the construction of buildings. The findings of the project, which is scheduled to run until the end of 2022, have already resulted in a number of tools and publications for practical use. Reason enough to draw an interim conclusion.