From 2033, all buildings in Germany should have energy standard D.
But that could be expensive, fears the CSU co-chair Angelika Niebler and makes a counter-proposal.
STRASBOURG - The EU Parliament voted in favor of the new building regulations on Tuesday (14 March).
But what does that actually mean?
According to the plans, by 2033 every building should have at least a class D energy efficiency standard.
The so-called overall energy efficiency class should be given on a scale from A to G, similar to household appliances.
This should reduce emissions in the building sector and thus contribute to climate protection.
Building energy efficiency class D
The building energy efficiency class D in Germany means that the specific energy consumption of the building must be between 130 and 160 kWh/m²a.
The energy consumption is calculated using an energy certificate, which also contains information on energy weaknesses and recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
EU Building Directives: Energy Refurbishment
But not everyone is enthusiastic about the climate protection idea.
After all, the energy refurbishment of buildings is also associated with costs – which the owners ultimately have to pay for.
The EU Commission has repeatedly emphasized that the refurbishment pays off in the long term, but the costs have to be covered for the time being.
The CSU co-chair Angelika Niebler vehemently rejects the new building regulation.
After the vote, she called for refurbishment and renovation measures to be given tax breaks.
That is a "far better approach than decreing compulsory renovations," said the MEP on Tuesday.
"A general obligation to renovate, as provided for in the building directive, does not do justice to the reality of many people's lives," explained Niebler.
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MEP Angelika Niebler speaks out clearly against the EU's obligation to renovate.
© IMAGO / Future Image
Niebler: Refurbishments could “not pay off economically”
Especially in times of inflation, a shortage of skilled workers and high energy prices, homeowners should not be forced to make energy-saving renovations.
"Especially since it is quite possible, especially in rural regions, that these will not pay off economically," said the CSU politician.
"We have to shape the fight against climate change with the people and not against them."
List of rubrics: © Sebastian Gollnow/dpa