The poor energy efficiency of the building stock makes the sector the biggest energy consumer in the EU. This not only creates energy poverty in many regions. The sector is also responsible for around a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. With the revision of the Buildings Directive, the EU wants to address the problems, but for many the requirements go too far.
By Timo Landenberger
Since the beginning of November, CO2 prices in the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) have been rising rapidly. This week, the price per ton of CO2 exceeded €80 for the first time and is now almost at €90. It is the anticipated increase due to consistent climate policy, but not everyone is happy about it.
By Lukas Knigge
With a restructuring of climate policy, the new federal government wants to end the rivalry between the environment and economics ministries. This is intended to transform Germany from a brake on climate protection to a driver of it in Europe. The new "super ministry" under Robert Habeck will nevertheless have to reckon with headwind. Especially from the coalition partner FDP.
By Timo Landenberger
The digital product passport is intended to bundle environmentally relevant information such as materials or repairability of a product in a digital system. If the capital goods industry is ignored in its conception, bureaucratic chaos could follow, especially for smaller and medium-sized companies, fears VDMA President Karl Haeusgen.
By Redaktion Table
The new cabinet is in place, but responsibilities are still being wrangled over. But it is foreseeable that the Greens will shape German policy in the EU – and thus secure a key position of power for themselves.
By Till Hoppe
