slavun - stock.adobe.comThe energy transition in the building sector is stalling, but the solutions have long been available. What's missing is a clear roadmap: Which measures will have the greatest impact – and where do we begin?
It was only a few years ago that politicians confidently formulated the goal of a climate-neutral Germany – and with it, the goal of a climate-neutral building stock by 2045. The expansion of renewable energies, electromobility, smart metering, modern heating concepts and innovative heating technologies were supposed to be the key.
Communication Consultants GmbHThe initial euphoria has now subsided, at least to some extent. Around 75 percent of the housing stock is still heated with fossil fuels (mostly oil or gas). A good 15 percent of the housing stock is heated with district heating, 70 percent of which is generated from fossil fuels. After several years of strong growth, sales figures for heat pumps declined noticeably in 2024. The good news: they are now recovering.
Against this backdrop, it is hardly surprising that the building sector in particular misses its climate targets year after year. In 2025, CO2 emissions even increased compared to the previous year.
The use of digital metering technology and the obligation to provide residents with monthly consumption information, as stipulated by the German Heating Costs Ordinance (HKVO), has noticeably changed residents' consumption patterns in recent years. Overall, heating is more efficient and electricity is used more consciously. However, this is only a first step in the right direction. The next step is to make buildings more energy-efficient.
Ralf Görner, Managing Director Minol Messtechnik
Between wish and reality
What concrete steps can building owners and landlords take to ensure that the energy transition ultimately succeeds?
A valid question, as there's no shortage of good intentions. Surveys regularly show that more than half of property owners plan to carry out renovations in the next twelve months. However, the actual implementation rate is in the low single digits. The biggest obstacle: a lack of strategy in the face of often unclear and frequently changing laws and regulations, complex funding processes, and a lack of planning certainty for investments. Add to that the many options: external insulation, new windows, solar panels, heating system replacement, heat pump? There are numerous ways to increase the energy efficiency of buildings through energy-efficient renovations. Property owners have at least as many questions about this.
slavun – stock.adobe.comWe often see a certain amount of uncertainty among housing companies, private landlords, homeowners' associations, and property management companies. Many ask themselves questions like: Which renovation measures should be tackled, and in what order? What will have the greatest impact, and what makes economic sense? The desire for change is strong, as is the desire for a targeted plan.
Ralf Görner, Managing Director Minol Messtechnik
FROM GEG TO GMODG: THE NEW HEATING LAW
On May 13, 2026, the German Federal Government adopted the draft for the new Building Modernization Act (GModG). It is intended to replace the existing Building Energy Act (GEG) and places greater emphasis on technological neutrality.
- No more 65 percent requirement: The blanket renewable energy requirement for new heating systems is being abolished.
- The “bio-staircase”: For new gas and oil heating systems, the share of green fuels must gradually increase from 2029, starting at 10 percent and reaching 60 percent in 2040.
- Cost sharing: From 2028, CO₂ costs, gas network charges and additional costs for bioenergy will be shared equally between tenants and landlords.
- New regulations also concern direct electric heating, energy performance certificates, solar obligations and renovation standards for non-residential buildings.
Renovating and modernizing with a system
The will to sustainably renovate properties is therefore present. Digital tools are now available to help find the right renovation strategy. For several months now, Minol has offered a new solution with its B.One Guide , which uses building and consumption data to support property owners in developing a suitable renovation strategy and generates concrete proposals and timelines.
In recent years – and especially in connection with the energy transition – the role of real estate has changed. From purely residential or commercial buildings, they are increasingly becoming multifunctional spaces. They not only serve as living quarters or social hubs, but also play a crucial role in the energy transition. With the growing expansion of photovoltaic systems, properties are becoming energy producers and an integral part of the energy infrastructure. Dedicated charging points for electric vehicles make them a key factor in the mobility revolution. With B.One Tenant Electricity, Minol is also addressing this trend, offering property owners a complete package for generating and marketing green electricity from their own roofs.
Real estate is at the heart of the energy transition. With around 30 percent, the building sector still contributes the largest share to total emissions nationwide. In total, this amounts to approximately 200 million tons of CO2 . Renovation and modernization present many challenges, but with the right strategy and suitable solutions, they also offer just as many opportunities.
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