Building Energy Act • Table.Briefings

March 17th, 2026

Survey: Reforms to the German Building Energy Act and Renewable Energy Act face criticism

A recent survey shows that the reform of the Building Energy Act (GEG) is creating more uncertainty than predictability.

By Lisa Kuner

Carsten Schneider am Rednerpult im Bundestag.

News | Building Energy Act

March 5th, 2026

Building Energy Act: Schneider pushes for tenant protection

In the amendment to the Building Enegy Act (GEG), the German Environment Minister is insisting on protection rules for tenants. These would also benefit the climate. Otherwise, he is evasive about the law, which, according to calculations by the Öko-Institut, will greatly widen the climate gap.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt

Bundesminister für Umwelt, Klimaschutz, Naturschutz und nukleare Sicherheit Carsten Schneider (SPD) und Bundesministerin für Wirtschaft und Energie Katherina Reiche (CDU).

Feature | Building Energy Act

March 3rd, 2026

Building Modernization Act: Impact on climate targets still unclear

Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and the Federal Environment Agency remain silent on the government’s plans for the Building Modernization Act (GMG). Among other things, the way protections for renters have been designed is likely to be a key factor in the law’s impact on CO₂ emissions.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt

Die Fraktionsvorsitzenden Spahn und Miersch sowie Wirtschaftsministerin Reiche bei der Vorstellung der Eckpunkte für das Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz

Feature | Building Energy Act

February 26th, 2026

Building Modernization Act: Why the planned reform endangers climate targets

Germany’s governing parties argue that the country’s climate targets remain achievable even if gas- and oil-fired heating systems continue to be installed. A proposed green gas quota is intended to offset the resulting emissions. However, many experts urge caution.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt and Nico Beckert

Paragrafenzeichen auf Heizungsthermostat

Talk of the Town | Building Energy Act

February 26th, 2026

Heating law: Why reform of the Building Energy Act is on shaky legal ground

Legal experts express caution about the planned reform of the Building Energy Act. Their assessment could lend support to potential constitutional complaints against the federal government on climate grounds. European Union law may also pose obstacles to the government’s plans.

By Alexandra Endres and Manuel Berkel

Opinion | Building Energy Act

February 24th, 2026

GEG: Why the green gas quota is a mistake for competitiveness and the climate

A mandatory green gas quota for the heating sector is set to form part of the German government’s amendment to the Building Energy Act (GEG). According to the Association of the Electrical and Digital Industry (ZVEI), the measure would undermine core elements of the heating transition, weaken Germany’s industrial competitiveness and dilute climate action efforts.

By Sebastian Treptow and Mark Becker-von Bredow

News | Building Energy Act

February 24th, 2026

Building Energy Act: agreement on key points imminent

After a long dispute, the CDU/CSU and SPD have largely agreed on the key points of the GEG reform. The CDU/CSU seems to have prevailed with its demand to abolish the 65% rule for renewable heating energy. Instead, a green gas quota is to be introduced.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt and Nico Beckert

News | Energy transition

February 5th, 2026

Building Energy Act: Reform could violate the constitution

A new report warns that proposed amendments could have far-reaching consequences, arguing that a weakening of climate protections would not be legally sound.

By Marc Winkelmann

08.03.2024, Gaszähler im Privathaushalt, Links der Zähler, rechts der Hauptabsperrhahn an der Hausanschluss-Wand.

Feature | Building Energy Act

December 16th, 2025

German Building Energy Act (GEG): Why there is hardly any legal prospect of a repeal

Following a coalition committee meeting, a new timetable and new responsibilities for the previously announced amendment to the GEG have emerged. A repeal of the 65% rule for renewables without any substitution, which the CDU is pushing for, could fail due to EU requirements.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt

Feature | Building Energy Act

December 4th, 2025

Building Energy Act: Lobby association fighting for gas heating with misleading figures

The political battle over the Building Energy Act is heating up. A lobby association claims that the GEG reform has increased CO₂ emissions are based on a false interpretation of official figures, while the heating association presents a distorted picture of the industry’s situation. A fact check.

By Malte Kreutzfeldt