What does the future of construction look like? At the DGNB Sustainability Day 2026, this question was not discussed in abstract terms but explored through concrete solutions, emerging technologies and evolving forms of collaboration.
Our colleague Andreas Welz attended the event and brought back numerous professional insights. His key takeaway: the construction and real estate industry is in the midst of a profound transformation. The crucial question is no longer whether change is necessary, but how sustainable construction can be effectively implemented in planning, material selection, building operation and project delivery.
As a member of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), we follow these developments with great interest. During its annual assembly, the DGNB presented its continued growth, supported by stable membership figures, increasing certification numbers and a clear internationalisation strategy. Looking ahead to its 20th anniversary in 2027, the organisation intends to further strengthen its global ambitions.
One of the central topics was the role of sustainable buildings as a key driver of Europe’s green transformation. A recent comparative study highlighted the strengths of the DGNB system compared with international sustainability standards such as LEED and BREEAM, particularly regarding its holistic approach, future viability and alignment with the requirements of the European Green Deal.
Sustainable construction does not result from a single solution but from the interaction of many different approaches. The DGNB Sustainability Challenge demonstrated the broad spectrum of innovations that has emerged. Among the concepts presented were:
Many of these solutions are already on their way to widespread application. For planning practice, this is an important signal: sustainability is becoming increasingly measurable, technically tangible and more firmly embedded in the requirements for future-proof buildings.
Alongside technological innovations, societal and structural issues were also in focus. DGNB President Christoph Samsøe emphasised the importance of sufficiency: sustainability is not only about doing things better, but often also about using fewer resources, occupying less space and planning more consciously. For clients, planners and engineering consultants, this perspective broadens the focus from pure efficiency to the fundamental appropriateness of buildings and their intended uses.
New forms of collaboration were also discussed. Complex construction projects require contractual and planning models that facilitate early coordination, interdisciplinary decision-making and shared responsibility. Particularly in areas such as building physics, energy efficiency, indoor comfort, fire protection, circularity and certification, the discussions demonstrated the importance of integrated planning from the very beginning.
Further impulses came from Cem Özdemir, who called for greater courage to innovate, less bureaucracy and more confidence in people’s ability to shape change. The example of modern earthen construction illustrated how traditional materials can become technologies of the future through research, digitalisation and new manufacturing methods.
The panel discussions conveyed an encouraging perspective overall. Rather than focusing on the well-known challenges of transformation, the discussions centred on practical solutions for a future-oriented construction and real estate industry. One message from Yvonne Zwick was particularly memorable: the future is created through collaboration, long-term thinking and encounters on equal footing.
Our conclusion: The transformation of the construction sector is not something that still lies ahead. It is already well underway.
Learn more about our contribution to sustainable construction in our Sustainability expertise section.
