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Thermal Retrofitting of Worst Performing Buildings Mitigates Risk of High Heating Costs

Author

Listed:
  • Sophie M. Behr
  • Merve Kücük
  • Maximilian Longmuir
  • Karsten Neuhoff

Abstract

The pace of thermal retrofit of buildings in Germany remains slow. A Worst-First approach, prioritizing the retrofit of inefficient buildings, would address energy- and social policy objectives and deliver economic and climate benefits. Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) show how such an approach would protect especially low-income households often living in very inefficient buildings from heating costs risks. This group comprises 28 percent of all tenants and 13 percent of all homeowners. Yet, uncertainty about the cost-benefit of retrofitting and other priorities of homeowners mean that not enough buildings are retrofitted. As a result, the saving potentials, especially from very inefficient buildings, are not being realized. This would, however, be necessary to reduce heating cost risks and energy import dependency, and to meet climate targets. Better alignment of financing and subsidy instruments with the ownership structure, the further development of building standards to include minimum energy performance standards, and reform of tenancy law could improve the situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophie M. Behr & Merve Kücük & Maximilian Longmuir & Karsten Neuhoff, 2024. "Thermal Retrofitting of Worst Performing Buildings Mitigates Risk of High Heating Costs," DIW Weekly Report, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 14(19/20), pages 139-145.
  • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwdwr:dwr14-19-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    retrofitting; heat energy; worst-first approach; minimum energy performance standards;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • L90 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - General
    • Q41 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Demand and Supply; Prices

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