Innovation Academy

Refurbishment of buildings

The potential in renovating old buildings is substantial. Not only do old buildings in Germany use three times as much energy as new structures, also, 87% of the total energy requirements for private households is used for heat and hot water. Of this, up to 80% could be saved by competent retrofitting. This modernization process would lessen dependence on fossil energy sources while at the same time giving a new stimulus to the job market.

By looking at several examples we will demonstrate the potential for saving energy through renovation: a 19th century hotel, former barracks from the 1930s, blocks of houses and high-rise buildings from the 1960s and 70s.

Field trips to selected modernized buildings are on the agenda as are talks with initiators and architects on site.

1. Introduction

• Energy saving potential in Europe
• Reducing dependency on fossil energy sources
• Retrofitting as a job-market stimulus

2. Legal basis and promotion

• European laws and guidelines
• The Energy Pass
• Promotion by means of loans at reduced rates of interest

3. Examples for renovating old buildings

• Modernization to low energy
• Modernization to passive energy
• Presentation of planned projects by the participants

4. Field trips to some of the following:

• Barracks to housing: conversion of barracks from the 1930s
• Residential construction: blocks of houses from the 1960s
• Hotel business: gradual modernization of a 19th century building
• Solar modernization: industrialized apartment blocks from the 1970s
• Student´s housing area: sustainable district planning by combining old and new buildings
• Retrofitting a villa dating back to the late 19th century, conversion to an office building
• Conversion of a school to passive construction
• Renovation of a multiple family dwelling with a commercial section from the 19th century, and its conversion to passive energy

5. Presentation of building material

• Exhibition and opportunities for consulting

Target group: