Energy-Efficient Renovation, Sustainable Living
Energy-efficient renovations do more than just reduce energy consumption. They improve living comfort, increase the property’s value, and pave the way for the heating systems of the future.
Retain Energy in the Building, Reduce Heating Costs
Every energy-efficient renovation helps advance the heat transition: It reduces energy demand, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and can lower the cost of heat supply in the long term.
Good building insulation offers many benefits. In the winter, heating costs can be lowered, and in the summer, the building stays cool longer. Key factors here are insulating the exterior walls and installing modern windows. Such a retrofit is a real investment in the home. That’s because, in addition to lowering heating costs, it also increases the property’s value.
Tailor the renovation to the building
The options for energy-efficient renovation vary from building to building. Compared to other major cities, Wiesbaden has a very large stock of older buildings that were constructed before World War I. The often richly ornamented facades and historic preservation regulations pose special challenges for energy-efficient retrofitting. However, even in these buildings, energy-saving measures can be implemented. The historic preservation authority provides guidance on what modifications are permissible and whether funding is available.
Renovation is also a challenge for new buildings. Against the backdrop of the oil crisis, mandatory insulation standards for new construction were introduced in 1977 and have been gradually tightened. Buildings constructed since the 1990s therefore often already meet a high insulation standard. Energy-efficient retrofits reduce heat consumption to a lesser extent in these cases, so it takes longer for the investment to pay off. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to modernize the heating system directly.
Small Efficiency Measures with a Big Impact
Even without a comprehensive renovation, it’s often possible to save energy. Individual measures that are relatively easy to implement can significantly reduce heat loss. For example,
- Insulate heating pipes
- Sealing windows and doors
- Bleeding radiators
- Replacing thermostatic valves
- Insulating the basement ceiling or attic
- Perform a hydraulic balancing
- Replace the heating pump
Want to get started right away?
The Next Step: Renovating with Expert Advice
You can find out which steps make sense for your building by seeking independent advice from the Consumer Advice Center and the Wiesbaden Climate Protection Agency. There, you’ll receive information on renovation and financial assistance.