In Germany, residential buildings account for almost a third of CO2 emissions, which is why energy-efficient renovations are increasingly being promoted. However, federal funding for efficient buildings is mainly aimed at owners, which leads to social inequalities. The German Tenants' Association and the Öko-Institut are calling for funding programs to focus more on social justice and to support tenants in particular, who are often among the lower-income households.
Despite state subsidies and a climate component in housing benefit, the cost of modernization remains a financial burden for many tenants. In order to increase the acceptance of climate protection measures, experts suggest linking subsidies to the rent level and increasingly supporting landlords who are committed to the common good. The EU Buildings Directive also underlines the need to provide greater support to financially weak households for the heating transition.
Specific proposals include additional funding for the refurbishment of social housing to keep energy costs affordable for households in need and avoid energy poverty. Such measures could contribute to achieving climate targets in the long term by promoting more energy-efficient housing stock while ensuring social justice.
© immonewsfeed
