The transition from the EnEV to the GEG: paving the way for a greener future

For almost two decades, the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) was a cornerstone of German efforts to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The EnEV created the conditions for reducing the energy consumption of buildings and was in line with general national and European climate targets. However, as the need for more comprehensive and streamlined regulations grew, the EnEV was eventually replaced by the Building Energy Act (GEG), which opened a new chapter in German energy policy.  

From patchwork to unity: How the GEG emerged from the EnEV and is shaping the future of energy efficiency

The EnEV was instrumental in setting energy efficiency standards, but it was only one piece of the regulatory puzzle. In addition to the EnEV, there were other regulations such as the Energy Saving Act (EnEG) and the Renewable Energies Heat Act (EEWärmeG), which regulated aspects of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies in buildings. The existence of several overlapping regulations resulted in complexity and, at times, confusion among stakeholders, including building owners, property owners and energy consultants.

In response to these challenges, the German government recognised the need to simplify and consolidate these various regulations into a single, more coherent framework. The aim of this consolidation was to create a more streamlined legal structure that could more effectively drive the transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly buildings. The result was the GEG, which came into force on 1 November 2020.

Effects and future prospects: The transition from the EnEV to the GEG represents a significant development in Germany's approach to the energy efficiency of buildings. By streamlining regulations and setting more ambitious standards, the GEG aims to better support Germany's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting international climate targets.

As the GEG gains traction in the construction and property industry, it is expected to drive innovation in building technologies and materials, promote the use of renewable energy and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable built environment. The legacy of the EnEV as a precursor to the GEG lies in its role as a foundational framework that galvanised Germany's early efforts in this direction and set the stage for the more comprehensive and forward-looking policies enshrined in the GEG.

To summarise, the EnEV was a ground-breaking regulation that significantly advanced energy efficiency in the building sector, while the GEG represents the next step in Germany's journey towards a more sustainable future. By building on the successes of its predecessor and addressing its limitations, the GEG positions Germany as a role model in the global fight against climate change.  

Building classification in the GEG: What you need to know

As part of the Building Energy Act (GEG), the classification of buildings plays a decisive role in assessing their energy efficiency. These classifications are not only important for building owners and architects, but also for owners and tenants who want to assess the energy consumption and long-term operating costs of a building.

Residential and non-residential buildings The GEG initially distinguishes between residential and non-residential buildings:

Residential buildings are all buildings that are primarily used for living, such as detached houses, apartment blocks or residential homes.

Non-residential buildings include buildings with other uses, such as office buildings, schools, hospitals or shopping centres. This distinction is important because different energy requirements apply to the different building types.

The reference building: benchmark for energy efficiency A central concept in the GEG is the reference building.

This fictitious building is used to assess the energy quality of a new building. The reference building has the same dimensions and utilisation profiles as the planned real building, but with standardised energy properties that are defined in the GEG. The energy demand of the real building must not exceed the values of the reference building, which ensures that new buildings fulfil the legal requirements.

Energy efficiency classes: Guidance for buyers and tenants The energy efficiency classes shown on the energy performance certificate are another important element of building classification. These classes range from A+ (very efficient) to H (less efficient) and provide a simple, visual guide to the energy efficiency of a building. These classes are based on the primary energy demand and help to recognise the energy status of a building at a glance.

Nearly zero-energy buildings: the new standard For new buildings, the GEG aims to achieve the standard of the nearly zero-energy building. A nearly zero-energy building is characterised by a very low energy requirement that is largely covered by renewable energy sources. This standard is particularly relevant for public buildings, which are intended to act as role models.

Building classification according to the GEG is a key instrument for promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry. Whether through the differentiation between residential and non-residential buildings, the introduction of the reference building as an assessment standard, the use of energy efficiency classes or the establishment of the nearly zero-energy building standard - the GEG provides clear guidelines for reducing the energy consumption of buildings and thus making an important contribution to climate protection.  

Decentralised ventilation systems: the key to optimising energy efficiency and building classification

As part of building classification, developers and owners must comply with certain minimum standards in terms of energy requirements and the building envelope. Decentralised ventilation systems are playing an increasingly important role here, as they help to reduce energy consumption and can therefore meet the requirements of the EnEV.

The targeted integration of decentralised ventilation systems in buildings can increase efficiency, resulting in an improvement in the energy efficiency class and thus a reduction in energy requirements. These systems ensure demand-led ventilation, heat recovery and energy savings, which can have a positive effect on the building classification.

Decentralised ventilation systems from Ventomaxx are characterised by their flexibility and adaptability. By cleaning and heating the air directly where it is needed, they help to minimise energy loss during air circulation. The efficiency of the entire ventilation system is maximised through the targeted control of air flows. Integrated sensors automatically recognise humidity, CO2 levels and pollutants in order to adjust the air supply accordingly. This not only contributes to the well-being of the occupants, but also to the prevention of mould growth.

Another significant contribution to energy efficiency is heat recovery, which many decentralised ventilation systems offer. This technology recovers the heat contained in the exhaust air and uses it to preheat the fresh supply air. This reduces the building's energy requirements and creates a sustainable solution.

Decentralised ventilation systems are not only energy-efficient, but also help to improve air quality and living comfort. By continuously ensuring optimum air circulation, they keep the air fresh and healthy, which is particularly important in heavily frequented or sensitive rooms such as offices, flats or schools. The decentralised design eliminates the complex and costly use of large central ventilation systems. Each system works autonomously and can be flexibly adapted to the needs of the room in question. This creates efficient and needs-orientated air circulation throughout the building.

Thanks to their key role in energy efficiency, decentralised ventilation systems make a significant contribution to making buildings more sustainable and reducing energy consumption in the long term.

Ventomaxx is known for its high-quality decentralised ventilation systems, which offer an excellent solution for energy-efficient and sustainable building ventilation. Our products are characterised by their high quality, durability and flexibility. The modules can be easily integrated into existing building structures and require little installation effort. This saves time and money, both during initial installation and during regular maintenance. By using highly flexible materials and state-of-the-art technologies, Ventomaxx decentralised ventilation systems offer an optimal solution for efficiently ventilating buildings while saving energy thanks to intelligent control units and innovative heat recovery.

Their high performance, simple installation and customisation options thanks to the use of highly flexible materials and state-of-the-art technologies make them a forward-looking solution for energy-efficient construction. Whether in new builds or refurbishment projects - for customised ventilation solutions that meet the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance and guarantee the highest quality, whether in new builds or refurbishment projects.  

Possible applications and practical examples

Decentralised ventilation systems can be used in a variety of ways in different buildings and are increasingly coming into the limelight when it comes to increasing energy efficiency. These systems are increasingly being used in office buildings, schools, hospitals and residential buildings in order to fulfil the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance.

In office buildings, decentralised ventilation systems can help to create a pleasant indoor climate, supply employees with fresh air and optimise energy consumption at the same time. By individually controlling the ventilation in individual rooms, needs-based ventilation can be ensured, resulting in a reduction in energy costs.

In residential buildings, decentralised ventilation systems are an ideal solution for ensuring controlled ventilation of living spaces and preventing mould growth. With intelligent control systems, residents can customise their indoor air quality and save energy at the same time.

Practical examples show that decentralised ventilation systems not only help to meet legal requirements such as the GEG, but also create added value for building users. Flexible installation, high energy efficiency and individual controllability make these systems a pioneering technology in the field of building services engineering.  

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 For almost two decades, the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) was a central component of German energy policy, making a significant contribution to improving the energy efficiency of buildings and supporting national and European climate targets. However, with the introduction of the Building Energy Act (GEG), the EnEV was replaced by a more comprehensive and standardised set of regulations that combines the provisions of various laws. The GEG marks the transition to a new era in which Germany is better prepared for the challenges of climate change and further paves the way for sustainable and energy-efficient construction.