Austrian real estate sector urges comprehensive heat‑protection package

The Fachverband der Immobilien‑ und Vermögenstreuhänder of the Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKÖ) is calling for a rapid yet collaborative heat‑protection package for residential buildings. Fachverbandsobmann Roman Oberndorfer said, “Maßnahmen brauchen Einbindung und müssen Teil einer umfassenden Sanierungsstrategie sein,” stressing that any measures must be embedded in the ongoing comprehensive renovation strategy covering thermal‑energetic refurbishment, decarbonisation, energy supply, financing and a practical tenancy framework.

Oberndorfer criticised the current ministerial decree for treating heat protection as a stand‑alone issue, warning that it creates parallel structures and jeopardises a coordinated solution. He added, “Hitzeschutz ist längst keine Komfortfrage mehr, sondern eine zentrale Herausforderung für den österreichischen Gebäudebestand.” The association argues that heat protection must be linked to insulation, ventilation, heating conversion, modern building technology and financing, and that legally sound, technically feasible solutions can only be developed together with social partners and experts. Concrete proposals have already been submitted to the working group drafting the overall renovation strategy.