Energy efficient modernization of existing buildings with "passive house " components - essential part of long lasting energy supply policy

Energy savings in buildings generate lower consumption of heat energy and more efficient use of energy being used in general. Approximately one third of all final energy being used in Germany is needed for heating buildings. Roughly two thirds of this again is needed for heating private homes. In this sector possible savings are particularly significant. Energy savings reduce the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). Saving energy means protecting the environment. To modernize buildings for energy saving purposes is a central task for the construction industry in the upcoming years. Apart of reducing CO2 emission this will provide outstanding potentials for the general economic as well as for environmental and labour market policy. Saving primary energy and thus reducing CO2 emission is difficult to achieve in any other sector with the same efficiency rate. With regards to heating, savings of up to 10 times less can be achieved. The outstanding experience obtained with "Passive House" technology in new construction imposes the use also in modernization of existing buildings. WBG Nurnberg is traditionally known as a partner for innovative and long lasting concepts. In the context of the EU - Ziel-2-Förderung the company selected a building at Nürnberg Südstadt to modernize for the fist time an existing structure with "Passive House" components. The apartment building "Jean-Paul-Platz 4" with 6 units of 149 sqm each was built in 1930. The modernization was done with tenants in the building. Heat energy consumption: Before 204 kWh/sqma. After modernization 27 kWh/sqma. Efficiency rate 86 %.