GERMANY’S FIRST ENERGY-AUTONOMOUS APARTMENT BUILDING
Wilhelmshaven, Germany Construction and Development, Environment and Resource efficiency
Description
The construction of Germany’s first energy-autonomous apartment building had the following objectives:
• Implementation of a pilot project to demonstrate the current technical feasibility of a near- independent energy supply
• Analysis of users’ consumption to draw conclusions for future construction projects;
• Strengthening the ecological awareness of users;
• Implementation of a new business model: Conclusion of flat-rate rental agreements with energy flat-rates, offering cost security and cost transparency for tenants
Context
Energy-autonomous construction is an investment in modern residences of the future for the Wilhelmshavener Spar- und Baugesellschaft eG (SPAR + BAU). Energy efficiency has been a leading principle for construction projects for years, and not only due to legal requirements such as the Energy-Saving Regulation (Energieeinsparverordnung). The construction of Germany’s first energy-autonomous apartment building not only actively contributes to climate protection, but also provides attractive and affordable residential space. The experiences landlords gain from this first energy-autonomous building are used for planning future projects. The extent to which this business model will prevail on a large scale will, however, depend considerably on the cost development for technical building equipment. This is, of course, still relatively high for a pilot project for reasons of volume.
Issues tackled
Energy-autonomous construction is an investment in modern residences of the future for the Wilhelmshavener Spar- und Baugesellschaft eG (SPAR + BAU). Energy efficiency has been a leading principle for construction projects for years, and not only due to legal requirements such as the Energy-Saving Regulation (Energieeinsparverordnung). The construction of Germany’s first energy-autonomous apartment building not only actively contributes to climate protection, but also provides attractive and affordable residential space. The experiences landlords gain from this first energy-autonomous building are used for planning future projects. The extent to which
this business model will prevail on a large scale will, however, depend considerably on the cost development for technical building equipment. This is, of course, still relatively high for a pilot project for reasons of volume.
Results
▶ Ground-breaking ceremony in November 2017, completion in December 2018;
▶ Investment volume: approx. €2.47 million;
▶ Six apartments with modern equipment, around 90 m²: kitchens fitted with high quality with electrical appliances of energy efficiency class A+++, dedicated housekeeping rooms in the apartments with energy-efficient washing machines and dryers, suspended ceilings with LED lighting, and living room Displays providing current and past consumption feedback;
▶ Flat rent including all operating costs, heating costs, individual electricity consumption: €10.50/m² (with an annual consumption limit of 3,000 kilowatt hours per residential unit for electricity and heating, and 100 cubic metres per year for water)
▶ 165 m² photovoltaic area;
▶ 96 m² solar thermal area;
▶ 20,000 litres of stratified storage;
▶ 2 x 22 kWh battery storage;
▶ Degree of autonomy: approx. 70%, additional heat and electricity costs approx. €2,500/year
Why it works
✚ Very innovative and easily duplicable in others contexts.
✚ In contrast to conventional buildings, apartments are let
at a flat rate, including all operating and heating costs,
individual electricity demand and the option of free-of charge
e-car charging bays.
✚ While the comparable base rent in a new building in
Wilhelmshaven is around €8.25/m², residents here only
pay €6.95/m².
Scale
local
https://www.spar-und-bau.de/