Are you considering buying a house and wondering how to incorporate climate protection into your decision? With rising energy costs and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, this is more relevant than ever. This article will show you how to make your property decision future-proof and environmentally friendly.
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The topic briefly and concisely
The energy performance certificate is crucial when buying a house and must include CO2 emission data; pay attention to efficiency classes and the difference between demand and consumption certificates.
Climate-friendly heating systems (e.g. heat pumps with >3 JAZ) and good insulation are key to reducing CO2 and are supported by government grants (KfW/BAFA up to 70% for heating replacement).
Sustainable building materials and the use of renewable energy (e.g. photovoltaics) increase property value, reduce operating costs, and actively contribute to climate protection.
The real estate sector significantly contributes to CO2 emissions—around 30% in Germany. At the same time, purchasing a home offers enormous opportunities to actively contribute to climate protection and save costs in the long term. From choosing energy-efficient properties to undertaking sustainable renovation measures and utilising government subsidies: informed buyers can make a difference. Discover the aspects that are crucial when buying a house in the context of climate protection and how to make your investment responsibly. An assessment from Auctoa or a chat with our ImmoGPT can help you better assess the energy quality of a property.
Understanding the Role of the Building Sector in Climate Protection
Did you know that residential buildings are responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions? In Germany, it's about 30%. By 2030, CO2 emissions from real estate should decrease to 65 million tonnes. The goal is clear: climate neutrality in the building stock by 2045. These figures highlight the urgency of integrating climate protection aspects when buying a house. Every decision for an energy-efficient property is a step in the right direction. The good news is that sustainable living and saving can go hand in hand. Adhering to energy standards is therefore not only a contribution to environmental protection but also an economically wise decision. The next step is a close examination of the energy performance certificate.
Energy certificate: Decipher the energy status of your desired property
The energy performance certificate is a key document when buying a house and provides important information on energy efficiency. Since May 2021, it must also include information on the level of CO2 emissions. Sellers are required to present this to you at the latest during the viewing unless the usable floor space is smaller than 50 square metres. There are two types: the consumption certificate and the demand certificate. The demand certificate is often more informative as it calculates theoretical energy demand independently of user behaviour. Pay attention to the efficiency class (A+ to H) and the primary energy rating. A consumption certificate costs approximately 50 to 100 euros, while a demand certificate costs 300 to 500 euros. The validity is generally 10 years. A missing or incorrect energy performance certificate can result in fines of up to 15,000 euros. With this information, you can better estimate potential heating costs.
Heating systems and insulation: Key to CO2 reduction
The heating system is the largest CO2 producer in the home. Climate-friendly heating systems such as heat pumps, solar thermal energy, or pellet heating are therefore essential. The Building Energy Act (GEG) has required since January 2024 that new-build heating systems must utilise at least 65% renewable energy. Heat pumps, which use ambient, ground, or groundwater heat, are particularly popular in new builds but can also be effective in older buildings if they are well insulated and low flow temperatures are sufficient (annual performance factor over 3). Optimal insulation of walls, roofs, and cellar ceilings, as well as modern windows, are prerequisites for energy efficiency. Materials such as cellulose, hemp, or wood fibre boards offer sustainable insulation options. Consider green roofing for climate adaptation as well. The combination of modern heating technology and good insulation not only reduces emissions but also significantly lowers your ongoing costs.
Make the most of funding: Government support for climate-friendly living
The state supports house purchases and renovations in the interest of climate protection with numerous funding programmes. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) are key contact points here. For the purchase or construction of a climate-friendly new building (Efficiency House level 40), you can, for example, receive a loan of up to 150,000 Euros through the KfW programme "Climate-Friendly New Building – Residential Buildings" (297, 298). For individual measures for energy renovation, such as heating replacement or insulation measures, there are grants from BAFA or also KfW funds. From 2024, KfW will also be responsible for promoting modern heating systems, offering grants of up to 70% of the eligible costs (max. 30,000 Euros for a single-family home). Tax incentives under § 35c EStG are also possible, whereby up to 20% of the costs (maximum 40,000 Euros) can be deducted over three years. Careful research into green funding options is always worthwhile. Get informed early on, as applications often need to be submitted before measures begin. These grants make the path to a climate-friendly home financially more attractive.
Sustainable materials and construction methods: More than just a trend
When buying a house, and especially when constructing a new one or undertaking a comprehensive renovation, the choice of building materials plays an important role in climate protection. Sustainable building materials such as wood, clay, hemp concrete, or recycled materials significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your house. Wood, for example, absorbs CO2 during its growth and is a renewable resource. Pay attention to certifications that verify sustainable origins. Besides the materials, the construction method is also crucial. An environmentally-friendly construction method considers the entire lifecycle of the building, from the production of building materials through the usage phase to potential deconstruction and recycling. Also, consider using photovoltaic systems for self-generated electricity. These aspects not only contribute to climate protection but often improve the living environment and can increase the value of your property. Opting for sustainable options is an important step towards the future.
Long-term perspective: Value enhancement and cost savings through climate protection
Investments in climate protection when buying a house pay off multiple times in the long run. Energy-efficient homes have lower operating costs, as less needs to be spent on heating and electricity. Given rising energy prices and the pricing of CO2 (since January 2024 at 45 euros per tonne of CO2), this advantage becomes increasingly apparent. A climate-friendly house is also future-proof and often experiences a higher increase in value. The demand for sustainable properties is steadily growing. Thoughtful energy efficiency measures safeguard the value of your property. Early consideration of climate protection aspects protects against costly retrofit obligations in the future. Thus, your home becomes not only a comfortable place to live but also a solid and responsible investment. With a neutral evaluation from Auctoa, you can better assess the potential of your property.
hauskauf-klimaschutz
Purchasing a house offers a unique opportunity to make a personal contribution to climate protection while also benefiting in the long term. By considering the energy certificate, choosing efficient heating systems and insulation, using subsidies, and opting for sustainable materials, you can positively shape your future and the environment. Every step counts in reducing CO2 emissions in the building sector. Remember: An eco-friendly home means lower energy costs, higher living comfort, and a stable asset. Use the available information and advisory services, such as the ImmoGPT chat by Auctoa, to make informed decisions for your house purchase in the spirit of climate protection. Your decision today shapes tomorrow.
Additional useful links
Destatis provides information on environmental data for private households.
Destatis issues a press release on energy consumption and relevant statistics.
The Federal Environment Agency offers information on energy-efficient buildings.
The Federal Environment Agency publishes a document on climate protection in listed buildings.
The KfW provides information on funding programmes for climate-friendly new residential buildings.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) offers information on the amendment of the Building Energy Act (GEG).
The German Energy Agency (dena) provides information on the dena Building Report 2025.
The Consumer Centre offers energy consulting services for renovation, construction, house purchase, and property inheritance.
FAQ
What does GEG mean for home buyers?
The Building Energy Act (GEG) sets energy standards for buildings. For homebuyers, this includes obligations regarding the energy certificate, regulations for heating systems (new buildings: 65% renewable energy from 2024), and renovation requirements.
How can I recognise a truly energy-efficient house?
Pay attention to a good energy efficiency class in the energy certificate (A+ or A), high-quality insulation, modern windows, an efficient heating system (ideally with renewable energies), and possibly a ventilation system with heat recovery.
Is it worthwhile to renovate an old building with a focus on climate protection?
Yes, it's often worthwhile. An energy-efficient renovation (insulation, new windows, heating system replacement) can drastically reduce energy consumption and increase living comfort. In addition, there are attractive subsidies available. An <a href="/blog/altbau-energieeffizient-modernisieren">energy-efficient modernization</a> is often more sustainable than demolition and new construction.
Which sustainable building materials are recommended?
Recommended sustainable building materials include, for example, wood from certified forestry, clay, cellulose, hemp, wood fibre boards, or recycled building materials. They often have a better ecological balance than conventional materials.
How can Auctoa support me in buying a house in an environmentally friendly way?
Auctoa offers AI-powered real estate evaluations that can also consider energy-related aspects. Our ImmoGPT chat can answer initial questions about energy efficiency and sustainability, helping you better assess a property's potential.
Do I always need to pay attention to climate protection when buying a house?
It is not only a legal requirement (e.g., energy performance certificate) but also an economically and ecologically sensible decision. Climate protection measures reduce costs in the long term, increase property value, and contribute to environmental protection.
