October 2023

Sustainability: generating energy from wastewater

Zum Heizen und Kühlen kommt im Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte in Regensburg ein sogenanntes ThermWin-System der Firma Huber SE zum Einsatz, das Energie aus Abwasser zurückgewinnt. Das ThermWin-System funktioniert unter anderem mittels eines speziell entwickelten Abwasserwärmetauschers in Verbindung mit einer Wärmepumpe. Die Effizienz des Systems wird durch eine vollautomatische Selbstreinigung...

Solid wood furniture: protection with oil, varnish or wax

Solid wood furniture is known for its stability, durability and aesthetics. However, its lasting beauty depends heavily on proper surface care. Three conventional methods of surface care - varnish, oil and wax - each offer unique advantages. According to the Initiative Pro Massivholz (IPM), it is crucial that the method suits both the taste of the buyer and the...

Care costs: heavy burden for residents

People in need of care in Germany are increasingly under financial strain. This is the result of a study by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (vdek). The costs for new arrivals in care homes are rising particularly sharply. Their co-payment has risen by an average of 348 euros per month compared to 2022. Even for those who have been living in a care home for some time, the...

Verdict: City must pay for total loss of car

The Frankfurt am Main Higher Regional Court (OLG) recently ordered the city to pay damages of 6,500 euros for neglecting to maintain and inspect a street tree (case reference: 1 U 310/20). In this case, a broken branch had caused total damage to a Fiat 500 in a residential area. The OLG ruled that the city was liable for the damage due to inadequate inspection.

Heat pump technology: VDI promotes qualification

The Association of German Engineers (VDI) has published new guidelines to help ensure the professional planning and installation of heat pumps in single and multi-family homes. VDI guideline 4645 is aimed at experts such as planners, system manufacturers, tradesmen and operators involved in the installation and operation of hot water heating systems that work with...

Ruling: Court must renegotiate right of entry for property sales

If an owner wishes to sell or rent out their property, they have the right to enter the property after giving the appropriate notice. But can a court prohibit the right of access to an apartment in special cases? The Federal Supreme Court recently dealt with this question (VIII ZR 420/21, BGH), overturned the judgment of the regional court and referred the matter to the...

Save energy: These changes apply in 2024

From 2024, changes in the area of energy saving will come into force. The energy advice service of the consumer advice center points this out. One major change is the amendment to the Building Energy Act (GEG). From January 1, 2024, new buildings in new development areas must install heating systems that use at least 65% renewable energy. For existing buildings outside of...

Vacation properties: VPB advises careful consideration

The decision to purchase a vacation property should be made with caution, according to the advice of the Association of Private Builders (VPB). A vacation apartment or vacation home can be a sensible investment. Nevertheless, such a property should be examined just as carefully as the main residence so that it does not become a burden. Three central questions are...

House building: techniques for saving money

Wie nachhaltig gebaut werden kann, hat „kabeleins.de“ in einem Beitrag über nachhaltige Wohntrends festgehalten. Moderne Technologien und innovative Ansätze wie der Bau mittels Holz-Baustein-Prinzip ermöglichen es, Geld zu sparen und gleichzeitig die Umwelt zu schonen. Bei Holz-Baustein-Prinzip beispielsweise werden Holzbausteine im XXL-Format – ähnlich wie Lego – gestapelt. Ein Rohbau soll so...

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