Energy-saving regulation for commercial buildings – tips to reduce costs

First: What does the GEG (formerly EnEV) require of shops and commercial buildings?

Field
What the law requires

Thermal insulation
Walls, windows and the roof must comply with modern U-value standards.

Heating and cooling
High-efficiency appliances must be used (e.g. efficiency class A).

Lighting
LED systems should be used and motion or light sensors should be installed.

Energy performance certificate (Energieausweis)
Required when renting out, selling or carrying out major refurbishment.

Ventilation
In large buildings, programmed and energy-efficient ventilation systems are required.

If you are a tenant, you are not legally responsible for major structural modifications, but you can improve how systems are operated in order to save costs.

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Second: Tips for reducing energy costs for retail premises

1. Smart lighting

• Use LED recessed spotlights (LED-Einbaustrahler) – they can save up to 80% of consumption.

• Install motion sensors in areas such as the storeroom or toilets.

• Switch off illuminated signs automatically after business hours (timer switch).

2. Heating and air conditioning

• Do not set the heating above 20–21 °C in winter.

• Program the thermostat according to your opening hours.

• Clean filters regularly – neglected units consume significantly more energy.

• Avoid using electric fan heaters (Heizlüfter) except in extreme cases – they consume a lot of electricity.

3. Refrigeration and freezing equipment (if present)

• Do not open fridges unnecessarily and make sure that the doors close properly.

• Clean the rear condenser (Kondensator) regularly.

• Monitor the cooling temperature: excessive cold is unnecessary (for example, 7 °C is sufficient for drinks).

4. Managing office equipment

• Use switchable power strips (Steckdosenleisten mit Schalter).

• Switch off the cash register and monitor after closing time or set them to a low-energy standby mode.

• Switch printers and other secondary devices off completely if they are not needed every day.

5. Insulation and air leaks

• Seal gaps and openings around doors and windows with sealing tape (Dichtungsband).

• Thermal curtains help a lot in winter.

• Make sure the door does not remain open in winter (install an additional inner door if necessary).

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Third: Can I get financial support to reduce my energy consumption?

Yes, there are support programmes such as:

BAFA funding – energy consulting for SMEs

• Covers up to 80% of the cost of a consultation by a certified energy expert.

• The expert can inspect your shop/building and provide a report outlining potential savings.

KfW programmes for efficiency measures

• Low-interest financing for modernising heating, lighting and ventilation.

You can apply through your tax advisor (Steuerberater) or in cooperation with a certified energy engineer.

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Example of the impact of such measures:

Measure
Approximate annual savings (for a 50 m² shop)

Replacing 20 bulbs with LEDs
€300–400

Installing a programmable thermostat
€150–250

Improving door insulation
€100–200

Switching off devices outside business hours
€200–300

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The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on in-depth research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may be uncertain. Therefore, please regard the information in the articles as an initial point of reference and always consult the competent authorities or professionals to obtain definitive and binding information.