EPBD in Germany

The specific definition of the nearly zero-energy building standard is developed by the Federal Government with scientific support and having regard to economic considerations. In this regard, the focus is on the 'KfW efficiency houses', which are currently funded in Germany under the label of KfW Efficiency House 40, 55 and 70 (in the case of refurbishment, as KfW Efficiency House 55 and 70). The number indicates the amount of annual primary energy consumption (QP) in relation (%) to a comparable new building (reference building) according to the requirements of the Energy Conservation Regulation in force (EnEV). An Efficiency House 40, for example, does not use more than 40 % of the annual primary energy consumption (QP) of the corresponding reference building. The present revision of the Energy Conservation Regulation aims to take first steps on the road to a nearly zero-energy building standard. It is envisaged to tighten the energetic minimum standards for new buildings in two phases (in 2014 and 2016) by an average of 12.5 % each. In Germany it has been made compulsory to use renewable energies for heating in new buildings according to the Renewable Energy Heat Act. The minimum amount of renewable energy generation is regulated by the Erneuerbare-Energien- Wärme-Gesetz (Renewable Energies Heat Act). The mandatory use may be met either by the use of solar heating (a minimum share of heating energy need of 15 %), biomass (solid and liquid: at least 50 %, gaseous: at least 30 %), geothermal energy and environmental heat (at least 50 %), but failing that, also by the use of waste heat, combined heat and power generation and energy conservation measures (15% better than the EnEV standard). Combinations of renewable energies and with substitute measures are permitted.

Source: [1] Jan Groezinger at al: Overview of Member States information on NZEBs Working version of the progress report - final report. Ecofys 2014 by order of European Commission.