The most important changes in the heating law

The Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Economic Affairs have published a draft of the amendments to the Building Modernization Act – also known as the Heating Act.

When replacing heating systems, the 65 percent rule for renewable energies will be eliminated, meaning that the installation of conventional heating systems will still be possible. This is one of the key points in the draft bill for the Building Modernization Act (GMG) , which supplements and amends the Building Energy Act (GEG) . It aims to redefine the legal framework for building modernization .

Further changes: There will be no ban on old gas and oil heating systems in 2045. New heating systems must be operated with an increasing proportion of biofuel . Landlords will be required to contribute to the costs of climate protection. The draft legislation is scheduled to be approved by the Federal Cabinet on May 13, 2026, and will come into force on July 1, 2026.

Key aspects of the new building modernization law:

• When replacing a heating system, owners must not more compelling on 65 percent renewable Setting energies.
  
  
• Heat pumps, district heating, biomass, and gas or oil heating systems are permitted. The installation of fossil fuel heating systems powered by gas, heating oil, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is permitted, provided they meet the requirements. Green gas quota To comply: From 2029 onwards, there will be an increasing obligation to use CO₂-neutral fuels. This stipulates a staggered minimum share of renewable energies, in particular from biomethane, bio-oil, biogenic liquefied gas, and green, blue, orange, or turquoise hydrogen, including derivatives produced from them.

• From January 1, 2029: 10 percent 
• From January 1, 2030: 15 percent 
• From January 1, 2035: 30 percent 
• From January 1, 2040: 60 percent 

• Price components for levels 1 to 3 are divided between Tenants and landlords half each divided.
  
  
• From January 1, 2028 CO₂ costs and gas network charges each half between Tenants and landlords divided.
  
  
• The specifications of the EU Building Directive (EPBD) The draft legislation on the overall efficiency of buildings is to be implemented 1:1 into national law.
  
  
• Less bureaucracy: Heating bans and mandatory consultations during replacement will be abolished.
  
  
• The CO₂ price will be waived for the climate-friendly portion of gas/oil. 

Initial assessment of the craftsmanship

The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) positively highlights the fact that the federal ministries have now reached an agreement and that the long period of uncertainty is nearing its end. The planned 1:1 implementation of the EPBD is also welcomed .

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The political agreement on tenancy law , however, raises critical questions and could negatively influence investment decisions by building owners. To avoid disadvantaging decentralized solutions overall, the trade association explains that, in addition to the exclusion of mandatory connection and usage, clear transparency requirements and cost controls for district heating are essential for both owners and tenants.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, the question also arises as to how the long-term supply of fossil fuels can be ensured. It is essential to prevent consumers from becoming dependent on fossil fuel technologies, according to the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH). With a view to achieving climate neutrality , it is also crucial to exert a steering effect on the market that promotes investment in sustainable solutions.

At the same time, skilled tradespeople need reliable framework conditions to be able to provide legally sound advice. This requires the swift and precise drafting of the relevant regulations.

Source: ZDH

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