Increase energy efficiency on properties: Your path to lower costs and greater sustainability
Are you also facing the challenge of reducing your property's energy costs while simultaneously making a contribution to climate protection? Many property owners and heirs are confronted with rising energy prices and new legal requirements. This article shows you how to systematically implement energy efficiency on your property, which measures really work, and how to make optimal use of government subsidies.
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The topic briefly and concisely
The Building Energy Act (GEG) often obliges owners to carry out energy renovations within 2 years after purchase or inheritance.
Effective measures such as insulation (20-30% savings) and heating system replacement (20-30% savings) have high savings potential.
The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) offers grants of up to 70% for renovation measures; applications must be submitted before the start of the measures.
The implementation of energy efficiency on properties is more than just a trend - it's a necessity and a wise investment in the future. In light of the Building Energy Act (GEG) and the European climate goals, owners face the task of significantly reducing the energy consumption of their properties. This applies to new buildings as well as existing properties, especially during a change of ownership. But don't worry: With a well-thought-out strategy and the use of funding, you can not only meet legal requirements but also save costs in the long run, increase living comfort, and enhance the value of your property. Discover which steps are crucial and how Auctoa can support you in making data-driven decisions for your property.
Understanding legal frameworks: The Building Energy Act (GEG) and EU regulations
The Building Energy Act (GEG) forms the central legal framework for the energy efficiency of buildings in Germany. It obliges owners, especially when ownership changes through purchase or inheritance, to carry out certain energy renovation measures within two years. This includes, for example, replacing boilers that are older than 30 years and do not use low-temperature or condensing technology. Insulating the top storey ceiling or the roof, as well as insulating heating and hot water pipes in unheated rooms, is also often required. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in fines of up to 50,000 euros. In parallel, EU directives, such as the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), set ambitious targets: The average primary energy consumption of residential buildings is to be reduced by 16 per cent by 2030 and by 20 to 22 per cent by 2035. For non-residential buildings with the poorest energy efficiency, an improvement of 16 per cent by 2030 and 26 per cent by 2033 is envisaged. These requirements highlight the urgency of early engagement with the energy-efficient renovation of existing properties. A thorough understanding of these regulations is the first step towards successfully implementing energy efficiency on your property.
Setting Priorities: The Most Effective Measures to Increase Energy Efficiency
To effectively increase the energy efficiency of your property, a targeted selection of measures is crucial. Not every renovation delivers the same benefits. Focus on areas with high savings potential. Insulating the building envelope is often key. Good insulation of the roof and facade can reduce energy loss by 20 to 30 percent. Replacing old windows with modern, triple-glazed thermal insulation windows is also a worthwhile investment, allowing for energy savings of 5 to 10 percent. Modern windows have U-values of approximately 0.9 W/(m²K), while old single glazing often has values of 4.7 W/(m²K) or worse. Another important lever is the heating system, which can account for up to 77 percent of a house's energy consumption. Replacing an outdated heating system can reduce energy demand by 20 to 30 percent. Consider renewable energies in this context. Installing a solar thermal system for water heating can reduce the necessary energy expenditure by about 20 percent. Smart technologies, like digital thermostats, can decrease energy consumption by up to 30 percent and enhance your property's energy efficiency class. A thorough analysis, possibly with the support of an energy consultant, helps identify the optimal measures for your property. These measures are not only ecologically sensible but also contribute to the long-term value appreciation of your property.
Make optimal use of government funding: The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG)
The investment in energy efficiency measures is generously supported by the government. The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) offers attractive grants and low-interest loans for a wide range of renovation projects. Eligible applicants include private owners, companies, and municipalities. It's important to note: The application must generally be submitted before the start of the measures, i.e., before concluding supply or service contracts. The BEG supports individual measures (BEG EM) on the building envelope, such as insulation or window replacement, with a funding rate of 15 percent of the eligible costs. For the installation of systems for heating based on renewable energies, such as heat pumps or biomass heating systems, the basic funding rate is 30 percent. Additionally, there are various bonuses:
The Climate Speed Bonus of up to 20 percentage points for the early replacement of old fossil fuel heating systems.
The Income Bonus of 30 percentage points for owner-occupiers with a taxable household annual income of up to 40,000 euros.
The Efficiency Bonus of 5 percentage points for particularly efficient heat pumps.
An Emissions Reduction Grant of 2,500 euros for very low-emission biomass systems.
The maximum funding rate is capped at 70 percent of eligible costs. For heating systems, eligible costs are, for example, 30,000 euros for the first residential unit. Expert planning and construction supervision by energy efficiency experts is also subsidised by 50 percent. Find out detailed information about the current funding conditions to significantly reduce the financial burden of your renovation projects. A professional assessment by Auctoa can help you determine the renovation requirements and identify suitable funding.
Strategic planning and implementation: Your roadmap to energy efficiency
Implementing energy efficiency on your property successfully requires a strategic approach. Start with an assessment: What is the current energy status of your property? An energy performance certificate provides initial indicators here. For a detailed analysis and an individual renovation schedule (iSFP), it's advisable to consult a certified energy efficiency expert. The creation of an iSFP is also state-subsidised and can even increase the funding rate for subsequent measures by 5 percentage points (iSFP bonus). The iSFP not only outlines sensible measures but also their recommended sequence and cost-effectiveness. Plan your budget carefully, taking into account both the investment costs and potential subsidies, as well as long-term energy savings. Obtain multiple quotes from qualified specialist companies. When choosing, pay attention not only to price but also to experience and references, especially for complex measures such as installing a heat pump or facade insulation. Careful planning and selecting the right partners are crucial for the success of your energy efficiency projects and using green subsidies. Remember, every kilowatt-hour saved not only saves your wallet but also the environment.
Securing long-term benefits: value enhancement and sustainability
Implementing energy efficiency measures on your property brings far more than just short-term savings on energy costs. An energetically refurbished property is significantly more attractive on the market and typically achieves a higher sales price or better rental income. Prospective buyers and tenants are increasingly looking for low running costs and a good energy standard, which can result in a willingness to pay up to 15% more. By reducing energy consumption, you are also actively contributing to climate protection and resource conservation. This not only improves your personal carbon footprint but also enhances the long-term sustainability of your property in light of increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Another aspect is improved living comfort. Good insulation ensures a more pleasant indoor climate – warm in winter and cool in summer – and can also improve soundproofing. Measures such as installing a modern ventilation system with heat recovery contribute to consistently high air quality. The investment in sustainable materials and technologies pays off in multiple ways. To understand the specific impact of energy efficiency measures on the value of your particular property, a professional property assessment, such as offered by Auctoa, can be very enlightening. This allows you to make informed decisions for a sustainable future.
Conclusion: Energy efficiency as the key to a property that retains its value and is future-proof
The implementation of energy efficiency on properties is an investment that pays off – for your wallet, your living comfort, and the environment. By understanding the legal requirements of the GEG, prioritising effective measures such as insulation and heating replacement, and skilfully utilising government incentives like the BEG, you can significantly improve your property's energy balance. Strategic planning, ideally supported by an energy efficiency expert and a tailored renovation plan, ensures the success of your projects. Remember: energy efficiency not only increases the current value of your property but also prepares it for the future. Start today to fully exploit the potential of your property!
Do you need a neutral assessment of your property's current value or an analysis of renovation needs? The ImmoGPT chat from Auctoa or an Auctoa evaluation can provide you with quick, data-driven assistance.
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Additional useful links
Umweltbundesamt provides data on energy consumption of private households in Germany.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides information on environmental statistics related to private households.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) offers tables on household energy consumption.
KfW provides information on federal funding for efficient buildings.
KfW offers grants for energy-efficient refurbishment of existing properties for private individuals.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) publishes a press release on the housing situation in Germany.
FAQ
What is the most important aspect of implementing energy efficiency on my property?
Begin with a thorough analysis of the current situation (if necessary, with an energy consultant). Prioritise measures with the greatest potential for savings (e.g., insulation, heating). Find out about funding opportunities (BEG) early and submit applications before starting any measures.
Do I have to renovate my house if I inherit it?
Yes, in many cases, inheriting a property results in an obligation to renovate under the Building Energy Act (GEG). You then have two years to implement certain energy-efficient measures, unless exceptions apply (e.g., if you, as the heir, have already been living in the house for a long time and moved in before 01/02/2002).
What role does the energy certificate play?
The energy performance certificate provides information about the energy quality of a building and is mandatory when selling or renting out a property. It helps to assess the need for renovation and often forms the basis for grant applications. There are consumption and demand certificates with varying levels of significance.
Can I combine funding?
It is generally possible to combine BEG subsidies with other public funding programs for the same project, however, the total funding quota must not exceed 60 percent (90 percent for municipal applicants). Combining it with tax incentives for the same project is excluded.
How do I find a qualified energy advisor or contractor?
For the BEG funding, it is often necessary to involve an energy efficiency expert (EEE). You can find lists of qualified experts on websites such as www.energie-effizienz-experten.de. For tradespeople, you can turn to local guilds or recommendations and pay attention to certifications.
What happens if I ignore the obligation to renovate?
Failure to comply with renovation obligations under the GEG can be penalized as an administrative offense. Fines of up to 50,000 euros may be imposed. Compliance is randomly checked, for example, by chimney sweeps or building authorities.
