© istockphoto.com/EdnaM

The Buildings Energy Act has been in force since 1 January 2024. The revised Act contains binding rules and deadlines for the shift to renewable heating and provides consumers, the housing industry, the heating industry and the skilled craft sector with a clear framework for their investment decisions. For example, renewable energy will gradually become the norm in the buildings sector and will replace environmentally damaging gas- and oil-fired heating systems.

The key information and links in a 3-minute read

The information pages at energiewechsel.de (in German only)offers a central information platform for consumers about the Buildings Energy Act. A comprehensive list of FAQs and explanatory videos provide answers to the main questions. The online heating guide shows the deadlines in place, why it makes sense to replace an old gas or oil heating system – and what funding and advisory services are on offer.

A compact factsheet on the Buildings Energy Act (PDF download) (in German only) is addressed to private individuals and to energy consultants, chimneysweeps and heating technicians, who can print them out for their customers. In order to help people understand the cost-related risks, consumers buying a new oil- or gas-fired heating system must be provided with information. This is because, particularly in existing buildings, fossil heating systems can still be installed until the municipality has published its heat planning. However, rising carbon prices (in German only) and obligatory green fuel quotas must be borne in mind from 2029. The corresponding document for the replacement of the heating system (in German only) can be obtained free of charge by heating technicians, chimneysweeps and companies offering plumbing, heating and air-conditioning services.

Background information for experts can also be found in the factsheets on climate-neutral heating on the “Gebäudeforum klimaneutral” website (in German only), including background information, a detailed presentation of different compliance options, innovations and examples of best practice.

Further information, e.g. about deadlines for owners, landlords and tenants in the Buildings Energy Act (in German only), can also be found on the “Gebäudeforum klimaneutral website. The revised Buildings Energy Act defines specific deadlines, e.g. for the switch to a heating system which uses 65% renewable energy.

The dossier about the federal funding scheme for efficient buildings (in German only) contains all the information about funding for the replacement of a heating system.

Particularly successful practical examples can be found and viewed at energiewechsel.de and on the Gebäudeforum website. (in German only)

Why are there so many sources of information? This is because of the many different ways in which the requirements imposed by the Act can be met. The wide range of available information helps people along this path. Given the comprehensive funding being provided by the Federation, it already makes sense to switch to climate-friendly heating.