As one of the most energy-intensive sectors, the Austrian building sector still offers considerable potential for CO2 savings. In 2020, this sector generated eight million tons of CO2 equivalent. More than three quarters of existing buildings in Austria were built before 1990 and, according to Statistik Austria, 60 percent are considered to be in need of renovation from an energy perspective. The study "CO2 Savings Potentials in the Building Sector" led by Gundula Weber, Senior Expert Advisor Sustainable Thermal Energy Systems, and Gerhard Zucker, Thematic Coordinator Sustainable Thermal Energy Systems, shows the great potential for savings if renovations also take into account intelligent control technology, intelligent lighting, and improved home and building management. The greatest potential for savings is in the area of heating: If efficient control systems are used here in conjunction with holistic building automation, this results in potential savings of up to 85,000 tons of CO2 at a renovation rate of five percent.
"By networking technologies and systems, intelligent building technology enables the optimal use of energy," says Gundula Weber. Significant efficiency increases also result from an overall energy refurbishment in drinking water heating and lighting.
The study was commissioned and financed by OVE Österreichischer Verband für Elektrotechnik, FEEI Fachverband der Elektro- und Elektronikindustrie, Bundesgremium des Elektro- und Einrichtungsfachhandels and Bundesinnung der Elektro-, Gebäude-, Alarm- und Kommunikationstechniker.
Download the study in German: CO2 savings potentials in the building sector