Energy Saving Ordinance and Renewable Energies Heat Act
In addition to the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance, new buildings have to comply with requirements given by the Renewable Energies Heat Act ("Gesetz zur Förderung erneuerbarer Energien im Wärmebereich (Erneuerbare-Energien-Wärmegesetz - EEWärmeG)") since 1 January 2009. This results in numerous reciprocal effects concerning the calculations and the proof of compliance. In particular, the partial use of renewable energies demanded by the Renewable Energies Heat Act can have a major impact on the primary energy demand according to the Energy Saving Ordinance.
The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy - generally in charge of the law - provides documents and information on a separate website:
Here are also provided:
Notes on application and frequently asked questions
The Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) developed for the application of the EnEV in coaction with the Renewable Energies Heat Act a
Manual for owners and planners [Download (German language only)].
The technical contents of the manual are also valid for the new ordinance (EnEV 2013) as long as
- the strengthened requirements are not yet applicable (i. e. from this perspective: until 31st December 2015) and
- the Renewable Energies Heat Act is valid in its current version; an amendment is foreseen within the 18th Legislative Period (2013 to 2017).