EnSan: "Energy-oriented refurbishment" model projects

Buildings are energy requirements set in stone. Once built, houses are used for around 100 years. Fundamental modernisation measures are only implemented after 30-60 years. 90% of buildings in Germany are not, or only barely, thermally insulated, and can thus be referred to as "old" in terms of their energy properties. It follows that savings in this area can have the most significant effects. To date, exterior walls, roofs, windows, or heating systems are often only renewed if they are in danger of dilapidation, or if the legal regulations have been intensified.

If the technically realisable "3-litre house" refurbishment is taken as a basis, energy-oriented refurbishment of existing buildings as practised today is accessing only a third to a half of the potential savings. But with consistent energy savings measures, the heating requirements of existing buildings can be reduced by 50-80%, and as the comfort of the workplace or living area increases, so does the attractiveness of the real estate property.

Many existing office buildings and commercial buildings, as well as buildings in the education, culture, and leisure sectors, were planned and built in times of low energy prices. In these buildings, the necessary thermal and visual comfort, and the ergonomic requirements, can only be met by means of bulky building services equipment and high energy consumption. These buildings have either insufficient thermal insulation, or none at all. The heating and ventilation systems, oversized by today's standards, are not capable of adapting to flexible working hours and variable use of space. Insufficient daylight must be compensated for by artificial light. These types of shortcomings in buildings entail not only high energy costs, but also take their toll on the motivation of the employees or occupants. In numerous EnSan demonstration projects, sample refurbishments are being developed and tested for different building types. This includes combined residential and commercial buildings, large residential complexes, small residential buildings, office and administration buildings, educational establishments, hostels and nursing homes.