Energy efficiency

Today, even listed buildings can often be equipped with photovoltaic systems. New regulations in several federal states allow a more liberal approval practice for solar systems on listed buildings. Owners of historic buildings now have the opportunity to use solar energy to cut electricity costs and reduce CO₂ emissions without significantly altering the appearance of the building.

In Germany, the building sector accounts for around 30 percent of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. A large proportion of the approximately 15 million detached and semi-detached houses are outdated in terms of energy efficiency. However, modern insulation and efficient heating systems based on renewable energies can significantly reduce energy consumption and increase living comfort at the same time. Refurbishment actively contributes to...

Almost a third of property owners in Germany would only carry out energy-efficient renovations if they were legally obliged to do so. This is the result of a study by ING-Direktbank. Despite the potential to increase property values and rents through such improvements, there is great reluctance. This hesitation is partly due to the confusion and uncertainty...

The concept of urban mining is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. It enables the reuse of materials from demolition projects. The targeted recycling of building materials produces valuable secondary raw materials that can be used in new construction projects. The aim is to reduce dependence on new, often scarce raw materials. The procedure includes the...

Property owners face high costs when they want to renovate their properties to make them more energy efficient. However, modernization can significantly reduce energy costs and increase the value of the property. There are various subsidy programs to alleviate this financial burden. Owners must first apply for the subsidies before the D. Investments may usually only be made after the...

Energy costs can be significantly reduced through efficient heating behavior. This requires adjusting the room temperature to around 19 to 20 degrees Celsius in living areas and 16 to 18 degrees in rooms that are rarely used, such as bedrooms. Keeping radiators clear of furniture and other objects prevents heat build-up and enables more efficient heat distribution in the room.

At the turn of the year, many suppliers in the basic supply reduce their electricity and gas prices. Most households benefit from a reduction in electricity prices in particular. Nevertheless, an analysis by Verivox shows that switching to another provider is often still cheaper, as the basic supply usually remains more expensive than alternative offers. Verivox reports that 280 providers have...

Thermal insulation glazing plays a decisive role in the energy efficiency of buildings. They prevent heat from escaping through window surfaces to the outside. This can significantly reduce heating costs. Particularly in the cold season, when heating energy can be lost through old windows, replacing them with modern double or triple glazing offers a significant...

In order to replace conventional gas and oil heating systems in apartment buildings, employees at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE are developing new heat pump systems using propane (R290). These developments aim to implement more sustainable and efficient heating solutions that meet the diverse requirements of the German housing stock. In this...

The Association of Private Building Owners (VPB) recommends that property owners have their heating system serviced in good time before the cold season begins. According to the Building Energy Act, regular maintenance is mandatory. However, how often this must be carried out remains undefined. Annual heating maintenance is nevertheless advisable. This is because it is not only important for the energy efficiency of the system, but...