Rising energy costs and new legal requirements challenge property owners. But what if this is precisely where the greatest opportunity for increasing the value of your property lies? A well-thought-out, sustainable use of your land not only reduces your ongoing costs but also makes your property robust and attractive for the future.
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The topic briefly and concisely
Optimising the building envelope in accordance with GEG 2024 can reduce heat losses by up to 40% and forms the basis of any efficiency strategy.
The combination of photovoltaics and heat pumps not only fulfills the 65% rule of the GEG but also increases the property value by up to 10%.
Government subsidies (BEG) can significantly reduce investment costs, with grants of up to 70% for a heating system replacement.
If you own a property, you're faced with the challenge of securing its value in the long term. In light of climate goals and the Building Energy Act (GEG), energy efficiency has become a central factor. It's no longer merely a legal requirement but an economic necessity. This article presents you with 7 specific strategies on how sustainable land use can not only benefit the environment but also reduce operating costs by up to 30% and measurably increase your property's market value. From the building envelope to smart controls – discover your potential.
Foundation for Efficiency: Optimising the Building Envelope according to GEG Standards
Every measure to improve energy efficiency begins with the building envelope. The amended Building Energy Act (GEG), effective from January 2024, sets out clear energy requirements. Proper insulation of the facade or roof can reduce heat losses by up to 40%. When renovating, you must comply with insulation obligations as soon as you renew more than 10% of a component. Replacing old windows with modern triple glazing also significantly reduces energy loss and is often one of the most cost-effective individual measures. The insulation of the top floor ceiling alone is an obligation that many owners overlook. A sustainable renovation of old buildings always begins with an analysis of these weak points. Investing in the envelope not only protects against the cold, but also against summer overheating and lays the foundation for all further efficiency measures.
Striving for energy independence: Generate renewable energy on your own property
The obligation to use at least 65% renewable energies in new heating systems is a central point of the GEG 2024. Heat pumps that utilise ambient heat are a key technology here and operate particularly efficiently. In combination with a photovoltaic system on the roof, you can produce your own electricity for around 10-12 cents per kWh and thereby operate the heat pump. A PV system not only increases your independence but also the property value by an average of 5-10%. The integration of renewable energies is therefore not merely an expense but an investment in the sustainability and profitability of your property. This paves the way for further ecological enhancements.
Green Infrastructure: How Green Roofs and Facades Improve the Energy Balance
A green roof is far more than just a visual highlight. It protects the roof waterproofing and can double its lifespan to up to 40 years, saving renovation costs. In the summer, a green roof lowers the temperature in the rooms below by up to 4 °C, reducing the need for air conditioning. A 100 m² green roof can evaporate up to 500 litres of water on a summer's day, which corresponds to a cooling capacity of at least 25 kWh. The following benefits are documented:
Reduction of energy costs for heating and cooling.
Retention of 50-90% of annual precipitation.
Filtering of fine dust and CO₂ from the air.
Improvement of sound insulation by up to 8 decibels.
Combining the green roof with photovoltaics, the cooling from the plants even increases the efficiency of the solar modules by up to 5%. This measure enhances the ecological and economic value of the property and improves the local microclimate.
Manage water smartly: Save costs through de-sealing and rainwater utilization
In Germany, approximately 34% of urban areas are sealed, which leads to overloaded drainage systems during heavy rainfall. De-sealing areas such as driveway or pathways and converting them into grass pavers or gravel lawns is an effective countermeasure. It allows local rainwater infiltration, replenishes groundwater reserves, and can reduce your stormwater charges by up to 50%. A rainwater tank for garden irrigation or toilet flushing reduces the consumption of expensive drinking water by up to 45%. Every cubic metre of retained water relieves the municipal infrastructure and protects against flooding. Thoughtful water management is often an underestimated but highly effective lever for sustainable land use and sets the ground for selecting suitable building materials.
Ecological building and renovation: Choosing the right materials for a sustainable future
The choice of building material has a significant impact on a building's environmental footprint throughout its entire lifecycle. Three-quarters of Germans wish to build more sustainably. Wood, for example, is a renewable resource that stores CO₂ and has excellent insulating properties. But recycled concrete or bricks made from clay and loam are also durable options with a good environmental profile, even if firing bricks uses a lot of energy. Look for recognised labels that guarantee sustainable origins and freedom from harmful substances:
FSC label: Guarantees wood from sustainable forestry.
The Blue Angel: Awards low-emission and environmentally friendly products.
Natureplus: A stringent label for climate protection and health in building materials.
The use of regional materials reduces transport emissions by up to 80%. Conscious material selection is the foundation for a healthy living climate and smart, energy-efficient building technology.
Optimize digitally: Reduce energy consumption with smart home systems
An intelligent energy management system (HEMS) is the brain of your home and can reduce energy costs by up to 30%. Such systems connect heating, photovoltaic systems, and major consumers such as the wallbox or the heat pump. Already, 31% of Germans use smart radiator thermostats, which alone have the potential to reduce heating costs by 9 to 15%. A HEMS optimizes the self-consumption of your solar power, which costs you only 10-12 cents/kWh, while grid electricity often costs over 30 cents/kWh. The system automatically decides when the washing machine runs or the electric car charges – namely when the sun is shining and the electricity is free. With smart energy management solutions, efficiency becomes predictable and transparent, directly leading to the available grants.
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Investment in energy efficiency is comprehensively supported by the government. The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) is the central instrument, managed by KfW and BAFA. For individual measures like insulation or window replacement, there is a base funding of 15%, which increases to 20% with an Individual Renovation Roadmap (iSFP). The maximum eligible costs here are 60,000 euros per residential unit. For heating system replacement, the subsidy can even amount to up to 70% when various bonuses are combined. For owner-occupiers with a household income below 40,000 euros, an additional income bonus of 30% is available. An overview of suitable funding options is crucial to minimising the financial burden. Are you wondering how these measures affect the value of your specific property? A data-backed report from Auctoa or a quick analysis with our ImmoGPT will provide you with clarity.
Conclusion: Sustainability as a value driver for your property
What does sustainable land use exactly mean?
Sustainable land use involves designing and managing a property in a way that conserves resources, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances quality of life. This includes measures for energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources, smart water management, and creating green spaces.
What support can I get for insulating my house?
Through the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG), you receive a 15% subsidy from BAFA for insulation measures. If you first have an individual refurbishment roadmap (iSFP) drawn up, the subsidy increases to 20%. The maximum eligible costs are 60,000 euros per residential unit.
Is a photovoltaic system worthwhile even without a heat pump?
Yes, absolutely. A PV system reduces your electricity costs by generating and using your own affordable power. It makes you less vulnerable to electricity price increases and can also power an electric car or other household appliances. Any excess electricity is fed into the grid for a fee.
What is the difference between extensive and intensive green roofs?
An extensive green roof is low-maintenance, has a low build-up height (about 6-20 cm), and mostly consists of drought-resistant plants like sedum. An intensive green roof has a higher build-up (from 20 cm), requires more maintenance, and allows for a more diverse planting with perennials, grasses, and even small shrubs, similar to a garden.
How do I find out which measures are best for my property?
The best approach is to get professional energy advice, which is often subsidized. An energy advisor creates an individual refurbishment roadmap (iSFP) that identifies the most economical and effective measures for your specific building. For an initial assessment of value potential, you can also use digital tools like Auctoa ImmoGPT.
What does municipal heat planning mean for me as an owner?
Municipal heat planning determines whether a district heating or hydrogen network will be available in your street in the future. This planning affects the deadlines for implementing the 65% renewable energy requirement during heating replacement. If a plan is available, you must consider it when installing a new heating system. Major cities must present their plans by mid-2026, smaller municipalities by mid-2028.
Additional useful links
Das Statistische Bundesamt (Destatis) offers detailed information on house and land price indices in Germany, which are relevant for property valuation.
Das Umweltbundesamt provides a guide for the proper handling of rainwater, offering important advice on rainwater use and unsealing.
Die KfW provides comprehensive information about funding programmes for private individuals for the energy-efficient renovation of existing properties, including grants and loans.
Das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) offers a dossier on the energy transition in the building sector, explaining the political framework and goals.
Das Bundesfinanzministerium answers frequently asked questions about the new property tax in Germany in an FAQ section.
Die Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena) provides information on current laws and regulations regarding building efficiency, particularly the Building Energy Act (GEG).
Das Bundesamt für Naturschutz (BfN) provides data and facts on the increase of settlement and traffic areas in Germany, highlighting the importance of unsealing.
Das Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) publishes reports on the residential property market in Germany, offering insights into value developments.
Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB) advocates for sustainable building and offers certification systems as well as technical information on ecological building materials and processes.
FAQ
What does sustainable land use specifically mean?
Sustainable land use means designing and managing a property in such a way that resources are conserved, environmental impact is minimized, and quality of life is improved. This includes measures for energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, intelligent water management, and the creation of green spaces.
What funding can I get for insulating my house?
Through the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG), you can receive a subsidy of 15% for insulation measures from BAFA. If you first have an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP) created, the subsidy increases to 20%. The maximum eligible costs are 60,000 euros per residential unit.
Is a photovoltaic system also sensible without a heat pump?
Yes, absolutely. A PV system reduces your electricity costs by generating and using your own, affordable electricity. It makes you more independent from electricity price increases and can also supply an electric car or other household appliances. Excess electricity is fed into the grid for a fee.
What is the difference between extensive and intensive green roofing?
An extensive green roof is low-maintenance, has a minimal height (approximately 6-20 cm), and mainly consists of drought-resistant plants like sedum. An intensive green roof has a greater height (from 20 cm), requires more maintenance, and permits a more diverse planting with perennials, grasses, and even small shrubs, similar to a garden.
How do I find out which measures are best for my property?
The best approach is a professional energy consultation, which is often subsidised. An energy consultant creates an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP) that highlights the most economical and effective measures for your specific building. For an initial assessment of the value potential, you can also use digital tools like Auctoa ImmoGPT.
What does municipal heat planning mean for me as a property owner?
The municipal heat planning determines whether a district heating or hydrogen network will be available on your street in the future. This planning affects the deadlines for implementing the 65% renewable energy requirement when replacing heating systems. If a plan exists, you must comply with it when installing a new heating system. Large cities must submit their plans by mid-2026, while smaller municipalities have until mid-2028 to do so.
