Gebäudeenergiegesetz

The Gebäudeenergiegesetz, often abbreviated as GEG, is a German federal law that consolidates and modernizes previous regulations concerning the energy efficiency of buildings. It came into effect on November 1, 2020, replacing the Energy Conservation Act (EnEG), the Energy Conservation Ordinance (EnEV), and the Renewable Energy Heat Act (EEWärmeG). The GEG aims to improve the energy performance of new and existing buildings, promote the use of renewable energies for heating and cooling, and contribute to Germany's climate targets.

Key provisions of the GEG include requirements for the energy performance of new buildings, which must meet strict standards for insulation, heating, ventilation, and hot water systems. For existing buildings, the GEG sets out rules for energy renovations, specifying when and to what extent energy efficiency measures must be implemented, particularly during significant renovations or changes of ownership. It also mandates the use of a certain percentage of renewable energies for heating in new buildings and in existing buildings undergoing major heating system replacements. The law also introduces requirements for energy performance certificates, which are crucial for informing potential buyers or renters about a building's energy consumption. The GEG is a central piece of legislation in Germany's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector.