EN 16798-3: non-residential building ventilation
Energy efficiency in non-residential buildings such as offices, factories or schools is not just vital in terms of saving money on energy bills, it’s also a crucial consideration for environmental protection and sustainability. In this regard, the DIN EN 16798-3 standard – revised in 2025 and originally introduced in 2017 – plays a central role by setting clear performance requirements for ventilation, air conditioning and room cooling systems within non-residential buildings. Its focus: reliable air exchange, energy-efficient operation, and consistently high indoor air quality.
Closely aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021 Air Quality Guidelines, this standard mandates adherence to specific limits for air pollutants – covering both particulate matter and harmful gases. Effective filtration is therefore mandatory, not optional, to protect both people and the environment by continuously improving ambient air quality, even when outdoor pollution levels are low. Studies show that even minor improvements in indoor air quality can have a significantly positive impact on people's health and well-being. This research underscores the great importance of having fully DIN EN 16798-3-compliant ventilation systems in non-residential buildings.
DIN EN 13779 becomes DIN EN 16798-3
The previous standard, DIN EN 13779, was replaced in 2017 by DIN EN 16798-3:2017-11, and the standard has since been revised again as DIN EN 16798-3:2025. Both editions are part of a series that addresses the clear energy assessment of buildings. Specifically focused on non-residential buildings, it encourages systems that regulate air quality and temperature. The main objectives are to simultaneously promote energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption by using optimised ventilation concepts, which are crucial both economically and ecologically.
By also adhering to the ISO 16890 standard (for particle filtration) and ISO 10121-3 (for molecular/gas-phase filtration), which help determine the most suitable air filters for specific applications, operators can obtain a better overview and greater control over the most efficient and effective air filtration measures that can be used within their buildings.
The core requirements of the DIN EN 16798-3 standard
DIN EN 16798-3 sets specific performance parameters for air conditioning or HVAC systems within non-residential buildings. These parameters focus not only on the efficiency of the devices but also on their ability to improve indoor air quality without unnecessary energy consumption. According to the standard, ventilation systems must efficiently regulate air exchange in non-residential buildings, thereby ensuring minimal energy losses.
It is essential that room cooling and ventilation systems are precisely matched to the building's size and usage. Oversizing or undersizing can lead to significant energy inefficiencies. The standard specifies how these systems should be planned and operated in order to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Additionally, it also emphasises the importance of regular maintenance and inspection to help guarantee long-term high performance standards.
Outdoor and indoor air quality classes in DIN EN 16798-3
Based on pollution levels, the DIN EN 16798-3 standard outlines classifications for both outdoor and indoor air quality, dictating the type of air filters needed for clean air in non-residential buildings. The 2025 revision now defines these classes separately for particulate matter (P) and molecular / gaseous contamination (G), each with explicit numerical thresholds.
* Mean values according to the 2021 WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG): NO₂ = annual average; SO₂ = 24-hour average; O₃ = peak season average inside non-residential buildings. Source: MANN+HUMMEL Air Filtration Catalog, p. 16.
Indoor / supply air quality (SUP) classes
According to DIN EN 16798-3, there are five classifications for indoor air quality (i.e., supply air quality, or SUP). These SUP standards apply if the supply air complies with the WHO limit values and all national standards or regulations on air quality, taking various factors into account.
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Source: MANN+HUMMEL Air Filtration Catalog, p. 17.
Filter class recommendations
The prevailing air pollution levels determine which filters should be used for smooth, safe, and energy-efficient filtration. The table below shows the current recommendations from MANN+HUMMEL and Eurovent for particle filtration according to ISO 16890, based on the combination of outdoor air quality (ODA) and required supply air quality (SUP).
Example 1: recommendation for two filtration stages. Example 2: recommendation for a single filtration stage. Source: MANN+HUMMEL Air Filtration Catalog, p. 18 (recommendations from MANN+HUMMEL and Eurovent, based on ISO 16890).
Where gaseous pollutants are present, DIN EN 16798-3 also links molecular (gas-phase) filtration efficiency to the ODA(G) and SUP(G) classification, tested according to ISO 10121-3. This entire molecular/gas-phase filtration guidance is new in the 2025 revision and did not exist on this page before.
* Recommended ** Required. Source: MANN+HUMMEL Air Filtration Catalog, p. 18.
The advantages of implementing DIN EN 16798-3
Implementing ventilation concepts and solutions in accordance with DIN EN 16798-3 offers many advantages. Highly effective filters help protect people from a wide variety of pollutants and harmful gases. The efficiency of a filter also impacts operating costs: 80 percent of the total costs of the filter are attributable to energy. A clean filter accounts for 25 percent of the energy consumption of a ventilation system, whereas a loaded filter accounts for a full 50 percent.
What’s more, over the long term, efficient ventilation and cooling systems enhance property value, as energy-efficient, safe buildings are increasingly in demand. Environmentally, implementing the standard results in a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, which is invaluable when it comes to addressing the critical issue of climate change.
Practical implementation tips for improving building filtration
Implementing DIN EN 16798-3 can be challenging, especially if older systems need to be modernised or replaced. A thorough review and assessment of existing ventilation and cooling systems is a good starting point. Speaking to energy consultants for a detailed energy audit can help evaluate current systems and provide recommendations for upgrades or replacements in line with the standard. The experts at MANN+HUMMEL are available to support you with analysing the energy efficiency of your filters.
New standard, new opportunities: Upgrade your systems with MANN+HUMMEL
DIN EN 16798-3 presents an excellent opportunity to significantly improve energy efficiency in non-residential buildings. By complying with this standard, operators can safeguard employees and visitors, save costs, make a positive contribution to environmental protection, and increase property value.
At MANN+HUMMEL, we provide the most energy-efficient ventilation filters on the market to maximise air quality while minimising energy consumption. This makes DIN-compliant ventilation in non-residential buildings a valuable investment in the future of your building and your commitment to a more sustainable world.
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At MANN+HUMMEL, we’re here to support your air filtration needs! Whether you have questions about our products or need tailored solutions, our expert team is ready to assist you. Reach out to us via email, telephone or contact form to discuss your requirements, and let’s work together to enhance your air quality. Contact us today and experience exceptional service tailored to your business!