Demolishing old buildings and replacing them with more energy-efficient new buildings has long been considered the silver bullet. However, if we look at the embodied carbon emissions caused by the production of materials, transportation and construction in addition to operation, a different picture emerges. In the long run, retrofits produce fewer emissions than new buildings in most cases. One of the greatest opportunities for a change in the building sector therefore lies in the post-war buildings of the 50-70s in Germany: these buildings with high energy consumption make up around 40% of the stock and are comparatively easy to refurbish into ultra-low energy buildings.

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Further advantages of renovating and extending the existing building stock are resource conservation, waste avoidance, appreciation and preservation of building culture, and a more careful approach to the social environment. Living space can also be created through additions, conversions and changes of use.

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That is why we are calling for a retrofit-friendly construction code, are supporting the demolition moratorium, and are promoting the extension of existing buildings and the addition of new structures to existing buildings.

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