Coalition Talks Reveal Potential Reversal of Building Energy Act
Negotiators from the SPD and CDU/CSU have reportedly proposed the repeal of the so-called Building Energy Act, also known as the Heating Act. According to the German Economic News (DWN) citing Table Media, the working group focused on “Transport and Infrastructure, Building and Housing” has agreed to roll back the measure, but the decision is not yet final. The matter is now in the hands of the party’s chief negotiators.
As reported by the dpa, the actual name of the Heating Act is the Building Energy Efficiency Act (GEG). Instead of focusing on the energy efficiency of individual buildings, the new law would prioritize emission efficiency. The promotion of heating systems is expected to continue, but the often-criticized specifications for heating system replacement would be eliminated.
Not a surprise: Green Party Criticism
Katharina Dröge, the parliamentary group leader of the Greens, commented on the plans of the Union and SPD:
“I appeal to CDU and SPD: Do not make bad deals at the expense of climate protection. It would be fatal if CDU and SPD were to abandon the effective climate protection measures of the Building Energy Efficiency Act. That would mean Merz and Klingbeil giving up on the climate goal of 2030.”
Dröge emphasized that Germany is already lagging behind in “climate protection in the building sector” and that a step backward would be “irresponsible.