German government cannot assess climate impact of building renovation law

The German federal government said it cannot provide a robust estimate of the climate impact of the proposed Building Modernisation Act, which would replace the current Building Energy Act (the “heating law”). The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action responded to a small‑question request from the Green Party, stating that a reliable assessment can only be made after the legislation is finalized. It also lacks dependable forecasts for future prices of natural gas, biomethane and green hydrogen.

Green Party building policy spokesman Kassem Taher Saleh criticised the situation, saying the government plans a law without knowing its effect on CO₂ emissions or costs, and warned that it may breach the constitutional prohibition on backsliding on climate protection. He warned of higher costs, increased emissions, and reduced planning certainty. The draft is scheduled for its first reading in the Bundestag next week.