Building sector misses climate target

The first milestone in climate protection has been reached: in 2020, Germany emitted around 739 million metric tons of greenhouse gases – around 70 million metric tons less than in 2019. CO2 emissions fell by 40.8 percent compared to 1990, making this the largest annual decline since 1990, according to emissions data from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA).

The five sectors of energy management, industry, transport, agriculture and waste management are achieving the reduction targets for 2020 set out in the Climate Protection Act.
However, the available data also show that this was only achieved by the Corona pandemic. According to the data, a good third of the reductions are due to the consequences of the pandemic, especially in the transport sector. Only one sector failed to meet the necessary target: buildings.

The annual emissions target for the building sector under the Climate Protection Act was 118 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents. But while CO2 emissions were reduced in line with targets in the energy, industry, agriculture, waste and transport sectors last year, no progress was made in the buildings sector. Carbon footprint targets were missed by two million metric tons of greenhouse gases, leaving the building sector currently at 120 million metric tons.

The Corona pandemic has had a positive impact on many sectors in terms of CO2 emissions. However, non-residential buildings, and public buildings in particular, experienced increased ventilation due to the pandemic, which made savings more difficult. In addition, much of the stock was unprepared for the changed usage situations due to home offices and homeschooling, which is why many rooms were heated despite not being used. Unfortunately, this enormous savings potential was not exploited with the help of digitalized and networked building technology – such as our digital heat management solution. This underscores the need for demand-driven and digital individual room control.

It is imperative that the problem child that is the building sector becomes more efficient and sustainable.
“More needs to happen in the building sector, the figures say that quite clearly”, said Environment Minister Schulze.

Let’s change that together. With our self-learning radiator thermostats, we not only reduce the CO2 emissions of your building stock, but also save your organization cash – up to 32%. In addition, we generate added value by digitizing the radiators and can offer you efficient remote heat monitoring via our online platform.

This is how we make climate protection simple and profitable at the same time. Request your free savings analysis here or contact us for a non-binding consultation.