The heat transition: Progressing climate action in the building sector

Poorly insulated buildings and outdated heating systems use substantial amounts of energy. Overall, the building sector is responsible for around 25 percent of Germany’s carbon emissions and 30 percent of its final energy consumption. The German government aims to transform the German building stock into a nearly climate-neutral state by 2050, with a target of a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 against the 2014 baseline.

Achieving these climate targets will require a significant increase in the current refurbishment rate in the building sector. Roof and wall insulation, high-insulation doors and windows and elimination of thermal bridges, combined with energy-efficient heat production based largely on renewables, are proven measures to reduce heat consumption in residential buildings. Furthermore, a building that has been modernised to improve its energy performance is a more comfortable and cosy living space.

Ambitious energy standards must be set for the new-build sector, because once a building is standing, it consumes energy for years to come. Or perhaps not: from 2021 onwards, the nearly zero-energy standard will apply across the EU. Sustainable construction materials from regenerative sources also make a contribution to climate protection and resource conservation. The substantially reduced heat demand can be met using modern technologies such as heat pumps in combination with photovoltaics or solar thermal.