Germany's controversial Building Modernization Act faces fierce criticism ahead of Bundestag vote

The German government is pushing ahead with the Building Modernization Act, a replacement for the reformed Building Energy Act. The draft law will face its first Bundestag reading next week. However, critics argue that key details—including costs and climate impact—remain unclear. The Green Party’s housing policy spokesperson, Kassem Taher Saleh, has raised serious concerns about the proposal. He warned that the law could lead to higher expenses, greater pollution, and reduced planning certainty for property owners. In his view, the government is dismantling hard-won climate standards, potentially making the legislation unconstitutional.

The government itself admits it cannot yet assess the law’s effect on climate protection. Officials stated that any evaluation of its environmental impact will only happen once the legislative process concludes. They also confirmed a lack of forecasts for future prices of natural gas, biomethane, and green hydrogen—factors crucial to the law’s implementation.

Further criticism came after the government failed to address whether the draft complies with EU law. In response to parliamentary questions, officials provided no clarity on the final cost of the measures or how they would compensate for any shortfall in emissions reductions. The Green Party has since condemned the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed changes. With the Bundestag set to debate the Building Modernization Act next week, major questions about its financial and environmental consequences remain unanswered. The government’s inability to provide cost estimates, price projections, or legal assurances leaves property owners and policymakers facing significant uncertainty.