Energy Conservation Ordinance (EnEV)

Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) - The Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) was the central German regulation for limiting energy consumption in buildings. It established minimum requirements for the energy efficiency of new buildings and the energy-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings. The EnEV was replaced on November 1, 2020, by the Building Energy Act (GEG), which consolidates the EnEV, the Energy Conservation Act (EnEG), and the Renewable Energies Heat Act (EEWärmeG) into a single law.

History and Development of the EnEV

The EnEV underwent several stages of development:

Version	Effective since	Key changes
EnEV 2002	February 1, 2002	Replaced the Thermal Insulation Ordinance and the Boiler Ordinance; introduction of the energy performance certificate
EnEV 2004	February 1, 2004	Clarifications and corrections
EnEV 2007	October 1, 2007	Introduction of the energy performance certificate for existing buildings
EnEV 2009	October 1, 2009	Tightening of requirements by approx. 30%
EnEV 2014	May 1, 2014	Further tightening; mandatory disclosures in real estate listings
GEG 2020	November 1, 2020	Replacement of the EnEV by the Building Energy Act

The core provision of the EnEV was the limitation of the annual primary energy demand for heating, hot water, ventilation, and cooling. Additionally, it regulated minimum thermal transmittance coefficients (U-values) for building components such as exterior walls, windows, and roofs.

Key Requirements of the EnEV (historical)

The EnEV 2014 (latest version) contained the following key requirements:

For new buildings:

• Annual primary energy demand limited to a maximum of 25% above the reference building
• Air tightness requirements (blower door test for Passive House standard)
• Verification via energy demand calculation (DIN V 18599)

For existing buildings:

• Mandatory replacement of old boilers (constant-temperature boilers over 30 years old)
• Mandatory retrofitting of attic floor insulation in unused attic spaces
• Energy performance certificate required for sale and new lease
• Mandatory disclosures (including energy efficiency class) in real estate listings

For energy performance certificates:

• Energy demand certificate or energy consumption certificate - depending on the building’s age and size
• Validity period: 10 years
• Requirement to present the certificate during viewings

Transition from the EnEV to the GEG: What Has Changed

The Building Energy Act (GEG) adopted the proven basic principles of the EnEV but significantly tightened requirements in several areas. A new requirement is the obligation to use renewable energy in new construction: New buildings must now cover a certain percentage of their heating and cooling needs from renewable sources. In addition, the GEG establishes an Individual Renovation Roadmap (iSFP), which enables homeowners to plan modernization steps in a structured manner and thereby receive a 5% bonus on federal funding for energy-efficient buildings (BEG).

The requirements for the primary energy demand of new buildings set forth in the GEG have increased significantly compared to the EnEV 2014. The benchmark is the so-called Efficiency House 55 (EH 55), which mandates a primary energy demand 45% lower than that of the reference building. Since 2023, even stricter requirements (EH 40) have applied to new buildings supported by public subsidies.

Practical Tip for Property Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

Although the EnEV has now been replaced by the GEG, many of its principles remain valid. Anyone buying or selling a property in Nuremberg or the metropolitan region must still present a valid energy performance certificate and state the energy efficiency class in listings. We recommend that owners update the energy performance certificate before selling if it is more than 7-8 years old-an outdated certificate can delay the sales process or cause legal issues.

In the Nuremberg metropolitan region, there are numerous Wilhelminian-style and post-war buildings that are still far from meeting today’s energy standards. For owners of such properties, early energy consulting is particularly valuable: The Bavarian Consumer Advice Center and the Office for Energy and Climate Protection of the City of Nuremberg offer free initial consultations. Those undertaking renovations can benefit from attractive subsidy programs offered by KfW and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), which are governed by the GEG and BEG funding. The requirements of the GEG have become even stricter compared to the EnEV 2014; for renovations, the current GEG requirements apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EnEV still in effect, or has it been abolished?

The EnEV was replaced by the Building Energy Act (GEG) on November 1, 2020. The GEG consolidates the provisions of the EnEV and introduces new requirements, particularly in the area of renewable energy. Existing energy performance certificates from the EnEV era (up to 10 years old) remain valid.

Do I need to renew my energy performance certificate after the transition from the EnEV to the GEG?

No, not automatically. A valid energy performance certificate remains valid for 10 years from the date of issuance, regardless of whether it was issued under the EnEV or the GEG. Renewal is only necessary upon expiration, in the event of structural changes, or in connection with a sale or new lease.

What are the consequences if the energy performance certificate is missing during a sale?

Anyone who fails to present a valid energy performance certificate risks a fine of up to 15,000 euros (Section 108 GEG). Additionally, buyers may assert claims retroactively if they were not informed about the building’s energy performance.

What does the heating requirement starting in 2024 mean for existing buildings?

The so-called Heating Act (GEG Amendment 2024) stipulates that new heating systems must, as a general rule, be powered by at least 65% renewable energy. For existing buildings, a transition period applies that is linked to municipal heat planning. Owners in Nuremberg should keep an eye on the city’s heat planning, which specifies which neighborhoods will be connected to a district heating network or other renewable heat supply and when.

What renovation obligations apply to older existing buildings even after the EnEV is repealed?

Although the EnEV has been formally replaced by the GEG, certain renovation obligations for existing buildings remain in effect and have even been expanded under the GEG. The continuing obligations include: the requirement to replace old constant-temperature gas boilers (older than 30 years), the requirement to retrofit insulation for piping in unheated rooms, and the requirement to retrofit the top floor ceiling (Section 47 GEG). New additions include the heating system inspection under § 60b GEG (effective in 2024 for larger buildings with gas or oil heating) and the requirement to provide proof of compliance upon a change of ownership: Anyone purchasing a building with an energy efficiency rating of F or lower must implement minimum energy efficiency measures within two years. In Nuremberg, this requirement particularly affects buyers of unrenovated post-war properties in neighborhoods such as Langwasser, Schoppershof, or Thon. We recommend clarifying the exact scope of renovation for such properties before purchasing and factoring the costs realistically into the purchase price.

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