Existing Building Stock Holds Enormous CO₂ Reduction Potential
The greatest need for action lies particularly in existing buildings. According to the Federal Association of the German Heating Industry (BDH), of the roughly 21.6 million heating systems installed in Germany’s basements, around 10 million are considered technically outdated. This presents enormous CO₂ savings potential. The replacement of outdated heating technology between 2022 and 2024 led to annual CO₂ reductions of 6.8 million tonnes. However, over the past two years, heating system sales in Germany have declined, partly due to political uncertainties, reaching just 627,000 units last year — the lowest level in 15 years4. Yet postponing heating system modernization should not be an option for building and homeowners, especially as attractive funding conditions remain in place. Real estate experts from Germany’s Savings Banks (Sparkassen) and Building Societies (LBS) note that a building’s CO₂ footprint and energy efficiency significantly influence its value and sale price5. Properties with poor energy efficiency (often classes E to H), which come with high renovation costs, are particularly affected by price declines, as buyers increasingly factor these costs into their offers.
Leading Market Players Present Solutions for the Heating Transition
Trade visitors will find a comprehensive overview of the latest technological developments in the heating sector in Halls A1 and A4 at GET NORD. Renowned manufacturers presenting their high-efficiency heating solutions include August Brötje, ATEC, Bosch Thermotechnology, Danfoss, ETA Heiztechnik, Fröling, Hansa Heiztechnik, Hargassner, Kermi, Maico, ÖkoFEN, Oventrop, Qvantum, Variotherm, Max Weishaupt, and Wolf. In addition to hybrid heating systems, heat pump technologies, pellet boilers, and combined heat and power systems, the exhibition will feature condensing boilers for liquid and gaseous fuels. The digitalization of heating technology and the interaction of energy-relevant products — such as PV systems, electric vehicles, and heat pumps through energy management systems — are also key focal points. Exhibits range from smart thermostats for private households to AI-supported energy management solutions for entire building complexes. The BDH will also provide information on current energy policy developments relevant to the heating sector, as well as on technical trends related to modern heating systems, at its stand in Hall A1, Stand 200. Of particular importance to manufacturers is the framework paper on the Building Modernization Act (GMG) published by the German Federal Government. “After two years of political uncertainty and a weak market, there is now an opportunity for the heating market to recover. The key points introduce simplification and greater clarity for consumers when replacing heating systems. What the heating industry needs now are stable political conditions and healthy demand, not renewed volatility and emotionally charged political debate. GET NORD is an excellent opportunity for expert dialogue between industry and skilled trades,” says Markus Staudt, Chief Executive Officer of BDH.
HVAC Trade in Pole Position
The HVAC trade plays a decisive role in decarbonizing the building sector. Because the building stock is so heterogeneous, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for selecting a heating system. Furthermore, it is essential to rebuild the trust of building and homeowners in heating system modernization amid ongoing uncertainties and thus restore acceptance of the heating transition.Additionally, the sector serves as an interface to the electrical trade, as heat generation increasingly relies on electrical energy. “The heating cellar is the central arena on the path to decarbonizing energy supply. HVAC trade professionals are needed more than ever to plan and implement solutions that deploy modern efficiency technologies,” says Andreas Albrecht, Managing Director of the Hamburg HVAC Guild and Trade Association.
press material for download: https://hmc.canto.de/b/VPNVK
