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The energy transition in buildings: why efficiency is so important

The shift towards climate-friendly buildings is already underway. But what exactly does energy efficiency achieve in buildings? How can all the relevant factors be considered during a renovation? And what broader advantages does this have for society? Christian Stolte, Head of the Climate-Neutral Buildings unit at the German Energy Agency (dena), explores these questions in a new video.

To achieve a climate-neutral building stock by 2045, we need a smart combination of efficient building envelopes, modern technology, and renewable energy sources. This approach not only benefits the environment but also offers real financial advantages for residents – through lower energy use and reduced running costs. In this video, Christian Stolte shares practical tips on how to boost energy efficiency at home. 

You can watch the video on the German Energy Agency’s (dena) YouTube channel here (in German only).

The latest update to the dena Buildings Report 2025 (April edition) offers fresh insights into heating systems, energy consumption, carbon emissions, construction costs, government funding figures, and the growing adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems.

“The continued strong expansion of PV on buildings and the boom in plug-in balcony panels clearly show that the public support the energy transition,” says dena CEO Corinna Enders. “It’s now crucial for the new government to provide clear direction for the buildings sector. The rising demand for renovation roadmaps and funding applications – especially for heat pumps – proves there’s both interest and willingness to embrace climate-friendly heating solutions.” 

You can find the updated dena Buildings Report 2025 here (in German only).