The Building Energy Act (GEG) is a law in Germany that helps reduce the energy consumption of buildings. It is especially important for anyone looking to build, modernize, or renovate a house to improve energy efficiency. But what exactly is the GEG, and what do you need to know if you want to make your home energy-efficient? In this article, we’ll explain the basics in simple terms.
What is the Building Energy Act (GEG)?
The Building Energy Act, or GEG, is a law that sets limits on how much energy a building is allowed to consume. It combines several previous regulations (the Energy Conservation Ordinance – EnEV, the Renewable Energy Heat Act – EEWärmeG, and the Energy Conservation Act – EnEG) into a single law. The goal is to reduce the energy consumption of buildings and promote the use of renewable energy. This means that buildings should consume as little energy as possible for heating, hot water, and cooling.
Who does the Building Energy Act affect?
The GEG applies to both new buildings and existing buildings. Anyone planning to build a house must ensure that the building meets the GEG requirements. But it also applies to homeowners who are planning to modernize or carry out energy renovations.
For example: If you replace an old heating system, install new insulation, or add new windows, you must ensure that these new components meet the energy efficiency requirements of the GEG.
Why does the Building Energy Act exist?
The Building Energy Act is intended to help achieve Germany’s climate goals. In many buildings, a lot of energy is still being wasted due to poor insulation or old heating systems. This results in more energy being consumed than necessary, causing unnecessary CO₂ emissions.
Through the GEG, energy consumption in buildings is to be reduced, and the use of renewable energy, such as solar power or heat pumps, is promoted. This way, the law contributes to climate protection.
What are the key regulations in the GEG?
There are a few central points that make the GEG particularly important for homeowners and builders:
- Energy certificate: Every homeowner must present an energy certificate when building or selling a property. This certificate shows how much energy the building consumes. It also gives an overview of whether your home is energy-efficient or if improvements are needed.
- Insulation: A key topic in the GEG is thermal insulation. Well-insulated homes lose less heat and use less energy. The GEG sets standards for how well walls, roofs, and windows must be insulated.
- Renewable energy: The law encourages the use of renewable energy, such as solar panels or heat pumps. For new buildings, it is often mandatory to cover part of the energy demand using renewable sources.
- Heating systems: Old, inefficient heating systems often need to be replaced with more modern models. The GEG ensures that new heating systems operate more efficiently and consume less energy.
What does the GEG mean for homeowners?
For homeowners, the GEG means that certain requirements must be met when renovating, upgrading, or building new homes. For example, if you are re-roofing your house, you will often also need to add insulation that complies with the GEG standards. If you replace an old heating system, you need to ensure that the new system is energy-efficient.
The good news is that in many cases, government grants are available when you make your home more energy-efficient. This means you can receive financial support for renovation measures, such as improving insulation or using renewable energy.
How can you make your house GEG-compliant?
If you are building or renovating a house, you should always ensure that all measures comply with the GEG guidelines. Here are some steps to help you:
- Consult an energy advisor: An energy advisor can tell you exactly what steps are necessary to make your house GEG-compliant. They can also help you take advantage of funding opportunities.
- Improve insulation: Good insulation in walls, roofs, and windows helps reduce energy consumption.
- Modernize heating: If you have an old heating system, it may be worth upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model. The use of renewable energy is often subsidized.
- Obtain an energy certificate: If you want to sell or rent out your home, you need an energy certificate. This gives potential buyers or tenants an insight into the building’s energy consumption.
Why the Building Energy Act makes sense
The Building Energy Act helps reduce the energy consumption of buildings in the long term. It ensures that new buildings and existing ones become more energy-efficient and consume less energy for heating and hot water. For homeowners, this means not only saving on energy costs but also contributing to climate protection.
The GEG ensures that homes are better insulated, use modern heating systems, and utilize renewable energy. This increases the value of the property, makes it more future-proof, and more sustainable. Those who invest in the energy-efficient renovation of their homes today will save money in the long term and protect the environment at the same time.
Teilen:
Insulation of basement ceilings: Increase living comfort with FRIEDWIL FX5