Germany pushes hybrid ventilation for public building upgrades

Public buildings across Europe, especially schools, administrative offices, sports halls and swimming pools, are aging and largely inefficient – about three‑quarters of the stock dates from the 1960‑80s and meets only a 1 % annual renovation rate. The revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) raises standards, urging municipalities to improve both energy efficiency and indoor‑air quality.

In Germany, the federal government has created a €100 billion "Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality" special fund to support the renovation of public facilities, with the first allocations slated for this year. A key focus is hybrid ventilation, which blends natural airflow with controlled mechanical systems. WindowMaster showcases such solutions, citing a reference office building where natural façade openings are supplemented by demand‑controlled mechanical ventilation, delivering fresh air, reduced heat loss and lower operating costs. Frank Ernst, managing director of the Building‑Climate Association, notes that “requirements for public buildings have expanded beyond energy efficiency to include indoor‑environment quality and resilient operation.” The upcoming ISH 2027 exhibition will highlight these integrated approaches for the European public‑building sector.