Examination and support in the design of energy benchmarking for non-residential buildings in Germany

In the ongoing debate about climate change and sustainability, the need to minimise energy consumption and reduce the environmental impact of buildings is universally recognised. In the industry and building sectors, for instance, the development of suitable monitoring systems and continuous analysis of energy consumption have already unlocked significant efficiency potential. Consequently, building management will play a central role in reducing emissions. Although various assessment systems exist, their application is often limited. In Germany, there is a legal requirement to issue energy performance certificates for certain buildings. The triggering events and conditions for energy demand and energy consumption certificates are regulated by law. However, numerous exceptions to this obligation result in the incomplete dissemination of energy performance certificates. These certificates remain uncommon and not widespread, particularly for non-residential buildings, despite the significant efficiency potential in this area.

The aim of this project is to develop a concept for establishing an attractive, simple, and voluntary system for the regular assessment and categorisation of energy consumption in certain non-residential buildings in Germany. To achieve this, existing benchmarking instruments and associated regulations in both the German and international contexts will first be analysed. A particular focus of this analysis is the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS), which has achieved significant success in Australia. Based on the key findings from the analysis of existing instruments, a concept for a suitable energy benchmarking system will be developed. The relevant legal and technical foundations of the system will be detailed. Finally, the concept will be discussed in a stakeholder consultation with relevant actors to formulate a harmonised recommendation for the establishment of the energy benchmarking system.