This study was published in 2023 by the FIW Institute München.
SUMMARY:
Building insulation is a fundamental pillar for achieving climate protection goals in the building sector. The more decisively the heat demand of buildings is reduced, the more likely and easier the transition to renewable heating becomes. Especially in combination with heat pumps, insulated buildings offer significant advantages. If these are not utilised, the overall goal achievement is at risk. This report demonstrates the effects of ambitious building insulation on multiple levels.
In the Building:
- Synergy through dual effects of thermal insulation: reducing heat demand and increasing heat pump efficiency.
- The energy price shock hardly affects insulated buildings.
- The worse a building is insulated, the more difficult it is to install a heat pump.
- Buildings can be insulated step by step so that they are prepared for the transition to the heat pump at the crucial moment.
In the Energy System:
- Synergies through the dual effect of thermal insulation: reducing the required heating power and increasing storage capacity leads to a significant relief of the power grids.
- Insulated buildings are more resilient to unforeseen events.
- Thermal insulation offensive: The more ambitious the heat demand is reduced, the more realistic the transformation path for renewable energy supply becomes.