Hesse has modernised 100 buildings saving 250,000 tonnes of CO2

The German state has become a nationwide pioneer in energy-efficient renovations

The German state of Hesse has renovated 100 buildings through energy saving projects. In a press conference this week, Finance Minister Michael Boddenberg explained that thanks to building renovations, such energy-saving investment programmes help reduce CO2 emissions. With an investment of 160 million euros, the programme has been running since 2012.

The state estimated that up to 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide can be avoided over the next 30 years as a result of substantial upgrades that have occurred in various buildings. This is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of about 1,800 single-family homes during the same period.

“Through structural and technical modernisation and energy-saving contracts, we will be able to make these immense CO2 savings within the next three decades. Our major goal of a CO2 -neutral state administration by 2030,” summarised the finance minister.

Environmental protection and long-term cost savings

The renovated buildings not only protect the environment but will also save money in the long run. The programme combines economy and ecology in one according to the finance minister.

Another important part of the programme is the participation of 11 universities and colleges. It serves to sustainably increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 in the university buildings in Hesse. It is planned for around 40 construction projects to be implemented by 2025 and a total of 200 million euros are available for the reconstruction. The construction work is expected to begin this year.

During the implementation of the energy efficiency projects, Hesse was able to incorporate additional building steps into the planning. Examples include work to enhance accessibility, fire prevention, and workplace safety. 

Investments were also made in modern LED lighting systems and increased the efficiency of the heat supply systems. For example, outdated fossil fuel boilers were replaced. Many systems have been converted to renewable energy sources, such as wood pellets.