Energy transition: Task force for building technology demands binding rules

The Task Force on Building Technology is evaluating the key points for the Building Modernization Act presented by the Federal Government. It calls for binding and practical regulations. Open questions must be clarified quickly in the interest of businesses and consumers.

With the from the Federal government The newly passed Building Modernization Act aims to give homeowners more freedom of choice. A policy paper outlining the key points has been presented. The building services engineering and climate control trades of Task Force Building Technology The paper is viewed positively and as an important step towards greater predictability and clarity in this sector. However, it is now crucial to formulate binding regulations through legislation. Open questions must be resolved swiftly in the interest of businesses and consumers.

Building Modernization ActRead more here regarding the Building Modernization Act.Policymakers must involve the skilled trades, as key players in implementing the energy transition in the heating sector, in the drafting of the legislation. The task force views the one-to-one transposition of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive as "significant progress for the skilled trades." When amending the law, the federal government must ensure that the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive are implemented on time. Otherwise, uncertainty for businesses and consumers, as well as delays in the decarbonization of existing buildings, are likely.

Financial framework conditions are crucial

Position paperYou can find it here Full position paper of the Task Force Building Technology.Reliable financial framework conditions are crucial for the national implementation of EU regulations. These include making federal funding for energy-efficient buildings permanent and providing stronger tax incentives. Extending the funding until 2029 is a positive step, but requires sufficient resources. Effective investment incentives for renewable heating solutions are particularly needed when reducing regulatory requirements. The legal and funding framework must be communicated quickly, transparently, and comprehensibly.

The task force also warns that the repeal of Section 72 of the Building Energy Act eliminates a key incentive for replacing outdated heating technology. This could further delay investments in renewable, decentralized heating solutions. The task force also considers the planned green gas quota risky: Uncertain price developments and limited availability of green gas, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen could lead to rising costs. It remains questionable whether higher biogas shares will be sufficient to achieve the climate targets in the building sector by 2045.

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Consider the capacities of the skilled trades.

According to the task force, implementing the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires significant consultation and implementation support for owners and tenants. Since building services engineering (HVAC) trades play a central role in energy consulting, facade renovation, and the installation of modern heating technology, the task force appeals to the federal government to realistically align its political objectives with the capacities of the skilled trades. Only in this way can the energy transition be built on a solid foundation.

Task Force Building TechnologyThe Taskforce Building Technology unites six associations of the building technology climate trade:
• Central Association of the German Roofing Trade
• Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Crafts
• Federal Guild Association of the German Refrigeration Engineering Trade
• Central Association of Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning
• Federal Association of Chimney Sweeps
• Federal Association of Metal
The Central Association of German Crafts is coordinator of the building technology task force.
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