The German Building Energy Act (GEG)
The Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG) is Germany's central law on the energy performance of buildings. It merges the former EnEV, EnEG and EEWärmeG into one act and implements the European EPBD. This overview explains the system of requirements — for the legally binding details we always work from the current consolidated text of the act.
Purpose and scope
The act limits the total energy demand of buildings, sets minimum standards for the thermal envelope and requires a share of renewable energy for heating. It applies to heated and cooled buildings; exemptions exist e.g. for listed monuments, temporary structures and some special uses. Responsible for compliance is the building owner, supported by qualified energy consultants.
The three pillars for new buildings
a) Total energy demand
The annual primary energy demand of a new building may not exceed the value of a defined reference building of the same geometry.
b) Structural thermal protection
The specific transmission heat loss (HT') of the envelope is capped — insulation quality of walls, roof, windows and floor.
c) Renewable energy
Heating must use a legally defined share of renewable energy — for new heating systems this is the well-known 65-percent rule with its technology options (heat pump, district heat, biomass, hybrid systems …).
Existing buildings
For renovations the act sets component requirements (maximum U-values when altering exterior components), retrofit obligations such as insulating the uppermost storey ceiling, and offers the alternative of a whole-building balance. Our Thermal Protection Verification tool performs the calculations against the reference building.
Energy certificates and inspections
The GEG governs demand- and consumption-based energy certificates, their mandatory display and the inspection duties for air-conditioning systems. Certificates for your building can be prepared through our partner platform der-energieausweis.com.