Dwellings emitting elevated amounts of pollution, despite a reduction in energy usage
In a recent analysis, Techem, a leading energy management and metering company, has highlighted potential strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in German apartments. The focus is primarily on the decarbonization of central electricity generation, the switch to green electricity or photovoltaics, and the adoption of more efficient heating systems.
According to Techem's analysis, approximately 90% of multi-family homes in Germany still rely on fossil fuels for space heating and hot water. This reliance contributes significantly to the emissions profile, with space heating being the primary contributor. In 2023, space heating accounted for 1.55 tons of CO2 emissions per apartment, while hot water production contributed an additional 0.37 tons. Together, these two factors accounted for 1.92 tons of CO2 equivalents emissions per apartment, representing 79.9% of the total emissions.
The high final energy prices in 2023 have seen an average increase of 70% compared to 2021. Despite this and a decrease in energy consumption due to conservation efforts by users, the emissions per apartment have remained high. One potential solution, as suggested by Techem, is the switch to partially decarbonized district heating or to hybrid heating systems with heat pumps, which could save an additional ton of CO2.
While the specific measures suggested by Techem to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in German apartments, particularly regarding heat generation and district heating, were not detailed in the provided search results, Techem generally recommends improving heating system efficiency, replacing old boilers with modern, low-emission technologies, increasing the integration of renewable heat sources within district heating networks, promoting heat recovery solutions, implementing smart metering and consumption monitoring, and encouraging energy savings.
It's worth noting that the emissions from household electricity consumption in German apartments were not specified in the provided data. However, the use of natural gas remains the most common energy carrier for space heating and hot water production in German multi-family homes. The use of heating oil has decreased from 16% to around 9% since 2013.
The electricity consumption for heat pumps in the area of space heating could be reduced by almost 14% in some cases. The use of district heating in German multi-family homes has also seen an increase. However, the emissions from hot water production and household electricity consumption, when added to the emissions from space heating, resulted in a total emission of three tons per apartment.
As we move forward, it's crucial to continue exploring and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in German apartments. Techem's analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of affairs and potential solutions, but further research and collaboration are needed to achieve meaningful progress.
- To address climate-change, Techem suggests improving the efficiency of heating systems in German apartments, which currently rely heavily on fossil fuels and contribute significantly to emissions.
- One potential solution for reducing emissions in German apartments, as proposed by Techem, is the switch to partially decarbonized district heating or to hybrid heating systems with heat pumps.
- While the analysis didn't detail specific measures for renewable-energy in district heating networks, Techem encourages increasing the integration of renewable heat sources within these networks.
- The high emissions in German apartments do not only come from space heating and district heating but also from household electricity consumption, which, when added, result in a total emission of three tons per apartment.
