German government’s building renovation plan draws criticism over funding gaps

Germany offers an individual renovation roadmap (iSFP) prepared by BAFA‑approved energy consultants, allowing owners of older homes to access up to 25 % of renovation costs through combined KfW and iSFP bonuses and up to 50 % subsidy for the energy‑consultation itself. The roadmap outlines step‑by‑step measures to reach the Effizienzhaus 40 standard and helps secure state support.

The Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) says the draft of the new Federal Funding Programme for Efficient Buildings (BEG) is insufficient. It criticises the lack of mandatory standards, the exclusion of the rented‑sector, and a projected cut of more than €2 billion in future funding. “Mit diesem Entwurf kann die Bundesregierung die Fehlentscheidungen … nicht korrigieren,” said DUH executive Barbara Metz, adding that the plan violates earlier heat‑pump subsidy promises.