The building sector accounts for around 35% of final energy consumption and around a third of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany (according to the Climate Protection Act, KSG). This sector therefore plays a key role in achieving the German government’s energy and climate policy objectives. In order to achieve the climate protection targets for 2030 from the KSG and the goal of a virtually climate-neutral building stock in 2050, a significant reduction in energy demand in the building sector is required. In addition, not only the narrower sector concept, but also the extended construction and building sector must be considered. In addition to the operating phase, the construction and demolition of buildings also cause emissions and other environmental impacts, the analysis of which is increasingly coming into focus, not least against the backdrop of the amended EU Buildings Directive (EPBD).
In addition, living space is in short supply, especially in urban centers. New housing construction will play a key role here in the coming years in order to eliminate shortages and curb rent increases in the long term. In order not to further increase energy consumption in the building sector and secondary emissions in the entire building sector, it is therefore important to build new buildings in a particularly sustainable and climate-friendly way.
The Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building’s (BMWSB) support for new construction combines the goal of creating living space and home ownership with that of climate protection in the building sector. The programmes are intended to offer financial incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycle of new buildings and the primary energy requirement in the operating phase, to optimize the space used and to increase the use of renewable energies while adhering to the principles of sustainable construction.

Goals and Results

The federal funding programs Climate-friendly New Construction (KFN) and Home Ownership Promotion for Families (WEF) were launched in 2023, while the Climate-friendly New Construction in the Low-Price Segment (KNN) program was launched in 2024. All three programs are now to be evaluated for the first time as part of the performance review in accordance with Section 7 of the Federal Budget Code (BHO). The ongoing evaluation of the funding programs takes place as an accompanying target achievement, impact and efficiency control.