Renovation backlog in Berlin: 8.3 billion euros for climate-friendly residential buildings!

Renovation backlog in Berlin: 8.3 billion euros for climate-friendly residential buildings!

The condition of state-owned real estate in Berlin is worrying. Loud rbb24 The renovation backlog has now accumulated to around 8.3 billion euros. This backlog is not only a financial problem, but also an ecological problem. Of the total costs, around 2.7 billion euros go to energy renovations that would be necessary to improve energy efficiency and achieve climate goals.

The current annual construction budget of Berliner Immobilienmanagement GmbH (BIM), which is around 305 million euros, is far from enough to reduce the existing renovation backlog. In order to achieve the desired climate neutrality of state-owned real estate by 2045, an additional 154 million euros are required each year. This financial situation was examined in detail in a special audit by the State Audit Office and could force some locations to close if appropriate measures are not taken.

Financial challenges and restructuring approaches

The BIM has already drawn up a renovation roadmap and specifically identifies the buildings most affected. However, an increase in rents for Berlin authorities is currently not possible due to the strained budget situation. Instead, alternative financing models, for example through loans, are being examined. These strategies are intended to help mobilize the necessary financial resources for the renovations.

The broader discussion about energy-efficient renovations shows that the energy efficiency of buildings varies greatly. Building types that fall into the worst efficiency classes H or G require more than 300 kWh of energy per year per square meter. In contrast, modern, well-insulated buildings consume less than 50 kWh per year per square meter, which illustrates the urgency of renovations. Experts emphasize that low-income households particularly suffer from high energy costs resulting from inefficient buildings.

Recommendations for improving energy efficiency

A commission of experts has made several recommendations to promote energy-saving renovation. This includes the introduction of state support to enable landlords to finance a rent-neutral renovation, as well as the adjustment of the modernization levy. The goal is to gradually increase the renovation rate from the previously historic 1% to 4% by 2025.

This increased renovation rate could result in significant CO2 savings and a significant reduction in gas demand in the building sector. Loud DIW Around 14.4% of gas demand could be saved by the end of 2025 if the renovation of the most inefficient buildings is prioritized.

Overall, it is clear that without comprehensive support and effective measures on both a political and financial level, the challenges in Berlin's housing construction and energy-efficient renovation will be difficult to overcome. It is essential that the federal and state governments make joint efforts to improve the conditions for energy-efficient renovations and to ensure the quality of living for all Berliners.