Building Energy Act (GEG): What property owners in Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and Roth need to know

The Building Energy Act (GEG) is a key element of German energy and climate policy that affects property owners, developers and property buyers. Since its introduction, the GEG has pursued the goal of reducing energy consumption in buildings and promoting the use of renewable energies. For property owners, particularly in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and Roth, the law presents a number of requirements and challenges that need to be taken into account.

The GEG brings together regulations that were previously contained in the Energy Saving Act (EnEG), the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) and the Renewable Energies Heat Act (EEWärmeG). This simplifies the energy-efficient planning and utilisation of properties. In this article, you will find out which regulations the GEG contains and how property owners can adapt to them.

Challenges of the GEG

The Building Energy Act presents property owners with the challenge of making their buildings energy-efficient. The energy requirements of the GEG must be met, particularly in the context of new buildings or modernisations. However, certain requirements also apply to existing buildings that are sold or rented out, such as the Obligation to present an energy performance certificate. Fulfilling these requirements can lead to increased investment costs, but also offers long-term savings in energy costs.

What does the Building Energy Act (GEG) regulate?

Requirements for new buildings

The GEG stipulates that new buildings must meet certain energy standards. These include, among other things:

• Maximum primary energy requirementNew buildings must not exceed a certain primary energy requirement in order to minimise energy consumption.
• Renewable energiesThe use of renewable energies is being promoted. There are regulations stipulating that a certain proportion of energy requirements must be covered by renewable energies.

Requirements for existing buildings

There are also clear requirements for existing buildings. Certain energy standards must be met for extensive refurbishments or modernisations:

• Roof and façade insulationRefurbishment: Roofs and façades must be insulated accordingly to minimise energy loss.
• Obligation to replace old boilersOil and gas heating systems that are more than 30 years old must be replaced, unless they are low-temperature or condensing boilers.

Energy performance certificate and its significance

When renting or selling a building or a flat, a Energy certificate which provides information on the energy consumption of the building. The energy performance certificate is an essential basis for potential buyers or tenants to assess the energy efficiency of the property.

Tax benefits and subsidy programmes

Tax benefits or subsidy programmes are often available when energy-efficient renovation measures are carried out. These programmes can help to reduce investment costs:

• KfW funding programmesKreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers low-interest loans and grants for energy-efficient construction and refurbishment.
• Tax depreciation and amortisationRefurbishment costs incurred to comply with the GEG are tax deductible.

Tips for property owners

1. plan early

For new builds or extensive refurbishments, you should find out about the requirements of the GEG at an early stage. Careful planning helps to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

2. obtain expert advice

Property owners should seek advice from an energy consultant or architect to ensure that all the requirements of the GEG are met. Correct implementation saves costs in the long term and offers security.

3. use support programmes

There are numerous subsidy programmes that support the energy-efficient refurbishment of buildings. Take advantage of these financial assistance programmes to reduce costs and benefit from lower energy costs in the long term.

Advantages of advice from my-home.de

my-home.de offers you comprehensive advice on all aspects of the German Building Energy Act (GEG) in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Schwabach and Roth. With our network of experts, we can help you to make your property energy-efficient and fulfil the legal requirements.

• Customised solutionsWe develop customised solutions that are precisely tailored to your property.
• Professional realisationThanks to our network of experts, we guarantee professional implementation of the GEG specifications.
• Subsidy counsellingWe help you to find and use the appropriate subsidy programmes to reduce your refurbishment costs.

Recommendations for action and concluding remarks

The Building Energy Act offers both challenges and opportunities for property owners. It is important to be aware of the regulations at an early stage and to plan the necessary measures. With the right support, you can not only fulfil the legal requirements, but also save energy and costs in the long term.

Let my-home.de advise you and use our expertise to make your property energy-efficient and successfully implement all GEG requirements.

Q&A - Building Energy Act (GEG)