While the public debate has so far focused heavily on residential construction, specific questions arise for industrial and logistics companies: what are the implications for large-volume non-residential buildings such as production and logistics halls? Thomas K\u00fcbler, an expert in energy-efficient hall heating systems, puts the key points into perspective from a practical point of view.<\/p>\n
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Climate neutrality remains the guiding principle<\/strong><\/p>\n The German government is sticking to its goal of climate neutrality by 2045. The GMG is to come into force on 01.07.2026. The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is to be implemented using national leeway.<\/p>\n \u201eFor operators of hall buildings, this means above all planning security and continuity in terms of objectives, combined with greater flexibility in implementation,\u201c says K\u00fcbler. \u201eEfficiency and decarbonization remain key requirements - but without a one-sided technological focus.\u201c<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Elimination of the 65 percent requirement<\/strong><\/p>\n The obligation to operate new heating systems with at least 65% renewable energy, which was previously anchored in the Building Energy Act (Geb\u00e4udeenergiegesetz, GEG), is to be dropped. The requirements of the Heating Act (GEG \u00a7\u00a7 71-71p) will be deleted.<\/p>\n This opens up new planning options, particularly in the construction of new non-residential buildings. In refurbishment, there are already alternative ways of achieving this through efficiency measures.<\/p>\n \u201eFor hall buildings, it is crucial that in future the focus will once again be more on building-specific design,\u201c explains K\u00fcbler. \u201eLarge room volumes, different usage profiles and high air exchange rates require individual solutions.\u201c<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Technological openness and biogenic energy sources<\/strong><\/p>\n The key points provide for owners to be given greater freedom of choice when replacing their heating systems in future. In addition to electric systems such as heat pumps, gas or liquid fuel-based systems will continue to be permitted, provided they are gradually operated with CO\u2082-neutral components.<\/p>\n From 01.01.2029, a biogenic share of at least 10 percent is planned, which is to increase gradually. The CO\u2082 price will no longer apply to this proportion.<\/p>\n \u201eThis creates an additional transformation option for operators of industrial buildings,\u201c says K\u00fcbler. \u201eHybrid and energy-flexible systems in particular can be gradually decarbonized in this way.\u201c<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prospects for industry and commerce<\/strong><\/p>\n As things stand, industrial and commercial sectors are to be exempted from certain quota regulations. A final review remains to be carried out.<\/p>\n If this regulation is confirmed, it would facilitate tailor-made solutions for production and logistics locations without jeopardizing the overarching climate targets.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Investment security and funding<\/strong><\/p>\n The GMG is intended to end a phase of investment restraint caused by regulatory uncertainties. The federal subsidy for efficient buildings (BEG) for climate-neutral heating solutions is to be continued until at least 2029.<\/p>\n \u201eReliable framework conditions are crucial for companies,\u201c emphasizes K\u00fcbler. \u201ePlanning security makes it possible to tackle modernization projects strategically and not put off investments any longer.\u201c<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n The GMG cornerstones mark a readjustment in building energy law. For operators of production and logistics halls, this results in more technological openness for economic decarbonization measures and greater planning leeway.<\/p>\n At the same time, gradual decarbonization remains a binding framework. Efficiency, energy flexibility and economic viability will thus become key criteria for future investment decisions in non-residential construction.<\/p>\n