18,8 Million Buildings.

Image of the action plan "Energie für Morgen" by the German Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung

The German government plans to cut CO2 emissions for the existing built environment. They focus on about 17,3 million residential - and 1,5 million nonresidential buildings. The modernization of existing buildings saves money, energy and reduces the carbon footprint.

Architects, however, tend to deny the potential of renovation and restoration commissions.

The following remedial actions get funded:

• improving of roof, exterior walls and basement ceiling insulation
• renewal of windows
• renewal of heating systems
• installation of a solar heating system

Maybe they do not sound sexy - but we can’t breakaway our cities because of inefficient buildings? The website of the government department features a "remedial action assistant": a tool that shows what you can possibly save (German content).