Germany heating regulations and technology updates

Germany is undergoing significant shifts in heating regulations and technology. Under the updated Building Modernization Act, homeowners now have more flexibility to install gas and oil heating systems, provided they adhere to a ‘bio-staircase’ model. This requires an increasing share of climate-friendly fuels, starting at 10 percent in 2029 and rising to 60 percent by 2040.

Regarding rental properties, several regulatory deadlines and cost-sharing rules are in effect. Landlords are prohibited from passing 100 percent of CO2 costs onto tenants; they must bear a portion of these expenses based on specific legal formulas. Additionally, by December 31, 2026, landlords must retrofit or replace heating and hot water meters with devices capable of remote reading to modernize consumption tracking.

Technological advancements are also emerging to lower barriers to entry for green energy. The US-based startup Merino Energy has introduced a compact, all-in-one heat pump designed for rapid installation in approximately one hour, aiming to reduce the high labor costs typically associated with traditional systems.