Energy certificate 2026: New A–G scale and extended duties

Joost Jansky

Energieberater, Blogger

The trigger for this comprehensive reform is the EPBD amendment (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) of the EU, which Germany must transpose into national law by May 2026. At the same time, the coalition committee of the federal government decided on 10 December 2025 to abolish the so-called "Heating Act".

Important clarification: There was never a promulgated law with this name. What is meant is the GEG amendment 2024, which was called "Heating Act" by politics and media because it contained changed requirements for heating in buildings. This amendment has been in force since 1 January 2025 and is now being replaced by the Building Modernisation Act (GMG).

The EPBD amendment: Why everything changes in 2026

The EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) and the EED (Energy Efficiency Directive) are part of the EU Commission's "Fit for 55" package. The goal is to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions by 2030 and improve the overall energy efficiency of buildings in the EU.

Implementation deadline May 2026: What does this mean?

Germany must transpose the EPBD amendment into national law by May 2026. This means: The Building Energy Act (GEG) is being fundamentally revised and renamed to "Building Modernisation Act (GMG)".

Practical impact: For property owners this means they must prepare for new regulations – especially for energy certificates, which will be assessed according to different criteria in future.

Coalition committee decision: "Heating Act" is being abolished

On 10 December 2025 the coalition committee of the federal government discussed the continuation of the GEG. Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented the results on 11 December 2025: As agreed in the coalition agreement, the "Heating Act" is being abolished.

Important clarification: Practically there was no promulgated "Heating Act" – what is meant is the GEG amendment 2024, which has been in force since 1 January 2025 and was called "Heating Act" by politics and media because it contained changed requirements for heating in buildings.

What does the abolition of the "Heating Act" mean?

The GEG amendment 2024 applies for the time being and is being replaced by the new Building Modernisation Act (GMG). The political requirement is: The new law should be "more technology-open, flexible and simpler" – as agreed in the coalition agreement.

The relevant paragraphs on heating replacement regulations (§ 71 to 71k, including the 65% rule) remain in the GEG amendment 2024 for the time being, until the GMG comes into force.

Remains exciting: How the federal government wants to create more flexibility and technology openness while the parallel EU directive to be implemented provides clear and partly strict framework conditions.

Takeaway: The GEG reform is in full swing. While the key points are still being worked on, owners should already prepare for the coming changes.

The new energy certificate scale: From A+ to H to A to G

One of the most important changes concerns the energy efficiency classes. Previously there was the A+ to H scale in Germany, which differed from other EU countries. From 2026 a new, harmonised EU-wide scale from A to G is being introduced.

Why a harmonised EU scale?

The harmonisation is intended to create comparability: An energy certificate from Germany should be as understandable as one from France or Spain. This not only facilitates EU-wide property trading, but also creates more transparency for owners and buyers.

Example: An investor who wants to compare a property in Munich and one in Paris can compare the energy efficiency classes directly in future – without having to deal with different national systems.

What does Class A (zero-emission buildings) mean?

Class A corresponds to a zero-emission building with very high energy efficiency that causes no CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels on site. This means: Buildings that are fully heated with renewable energies and have a very low energy demand can achieve this highest class.

Practical example: A modern passive house with a heat pump and photovoltaic system could be classified in Class A in future. Such a building causes no CO₂ emissions on site and has an extremely low energy demand.

What does Class G (15% of the most energy-efficient buildings) mean?

Class G will cover the 15 percent of the most energy-efficient buildings in the national stock. This is an important change: While the old scale H was the worst class, the new scale G is defined relative to the national building stock. This means that even buildings in Class G are still relatively energy-efficient – they belong to the best 15 percent of the stock.

Important to understand: A building in Class G is not "bad" – it belongs to the most energy-efficient 15 percent of all buildings in Germany. The new scale is therefore significantly more demanding than the old one.

How does the new scale differ from the old one?

Old scale (A+ to H):

• A+ = Best class (very energy-efficient)
• H = Worst class (very energy-inefficient)
• Nationally different in the EU

New scale (A to G):

• A = Zero-emission buildings (highest efficiency, no CO₂ emissions on site)
• G = 15% of the most energy-efficient buildings in the stock
• Harmonised across the EU

Important: The exact conversion from the old to the new scale is not yet known. It remains to be seen how buildings that were previously in Class C or D will be classified in the new scale.

Takeaway: The new scale is more demanding and harmonised across the EU. Buildings that previously had a good rating could be classified differently in the new scale.

Extended presentation duty: When will you need an energy certificate in future?

Previously you had to present an energy certificate for sale, new rental, lease or new build (§ 80 GEG). From 2026 this duty is significantly extended – with considerable practical impacts for owners.

Sale and new rental (previously)

These duties remain. For every sale or new rental the energy certificate must be presented. This is already standard today and will remain so in future.

New: Lease renewal

Important change: In future an energy certificate must also be issued for lease renewals. This affects all landlords who renew existing leases.

Practical example: If you renew a lease from 2020 in 2026, you must present a new energy certificate – even if the old certificate would still be valid. This means additional costs and effort for landlords.

Further example: A landlord with 20 apartments who renews all leases in 2026 must have 20 new energy certificates issued. At average costs of €150 per certificate this means additional costs of €3,000.

New: Major renovations

Also new is the duty to issue an energy certificate for major renovations.

Still unclear: What exactly counts as a "major renovation" is not yet defined. It remains to be seen whether there are thresholds (e.g. costs, scope of renovation) or whether certain measures automatically count as "major renovation".

Possible scenarios:

• Renovations above a certain cost value (e.g. €50,000)
• Renovations affecting more than 25% of the building envelope
• Certain measures such as facade insulation or heating replacement

Practical impacts for owners

For landlords the extended presentation duty means:

• More effort: Energy certificates must be issued more frequently
• More costs: Every new energy certificate costs money – for larger portfolios the costs can be considerable
• Legal security: Early issuance protects against fines

For sellers:

• Transparency: Buyers receive more information about the energy condition
• Value development: Energy-efficient buildings could increase in value
• Planning security: Clear regulations create legal security

Takeaway: The extended presentation duty means more effort and costs for owners. Plan these additional expenses in your budget.

Greenhouse potential over lifecycle: New requirement for new builds

Another important innovation concerns new builds: From 2028 for large new builds and from 2030 for all new builds, greenhouse potential over the entire lifecycle must be calculated and shown in the energy certificate.

What does lifecycle calculation mean?

The lifecycle calculation covers the entire "lifetime" of a building – from the production of building materials through construction, use, possible renovations to demolition and disposal. All CO₂ emissions that occur in this entire cycle are taken into account.

Example: A building with a lot of concrete has higher greenhouse potential in the production phase than a timber building. However, the timber building could consume more energy during use. The lifecycle calculation takes both aspects into account and gives an overall assessment.

Concretely this means:

• Production: CO₂ emissions in the production of building materials
• Construction: CO₂ emissions in the construction process
• Use: CO₂ emissions during the entire period of use (heating, electricity, etc.)
• Renovation: CO₂ emissions in renovation measures
• Demolition and disposal: CO₂ emissions in demolition and disposal

From 2028: Large new builds affected

From 2028 large new builds must show greenhouse potential in the energy certificate. The exact definition of what counts as a "large new build" is still pending.

Probably affected: Buildings above a certain size (e.g. 1,000 m² or more) or buildings with certain uses (e.g. commercial buildings).

From 2030: All new builds affected

From 2030 the duty applies to all new builds – regardless of size. This means that single-family houses will also have to show greenhouse potential in the energy certificate in future.

Impacts on planning and construction

This innovation will significantly influence the planning of new builds:

• Material selection: Building materials with low greenhouse potential will become more important (e.g. timber instead of concrete)
• Construction method: Sustainable construction methods will be promoted
• Calculation: Energy experts must apply new methods
• Costs: Additional calculations could increase the costs for energy certificates

Practical example: A developer who chooses between a solid house (concrete) and a timber house must also take greenhouse potential into account in future. The timber house could perform better overall despite higher heating costs, because production causes significantly less CO₂.

Still unclear: Which calculation methods exactly should be used and which data are required is not yet known.

Takeaway: The lifecycle calculation will change the planning of new builds. Sustainable building materials and construction methods will become more important.

Existing energy certificates lose their validity

IMPORTANT: Existing energy certificates with the old scales (A+ to H) will lose their validity. This means: All energy certificates that were issued according to the old scale must be replaced by new certificates with the A to G scale.

Why do old certificates become invalid?

The new harmonised scale is not simply a renaming – it is based on different calculation methods and assessment criteria. Therefore old certificates cannot simply be "converted" but must be reissued.

Practical example: A building that received an energy certificate with Class C (old scale) in 2023 cannot simply be "converted" to the new scale. A new energy certificate must be issued according to the new criteria – possibly with a different energy efficiency class.

When must you have a new energy certificate issued?

Still unclear: The exact time from which old certificates become invalid is not yet known. It remains to be seen whether there are transition periods or whether all old certificates become invalid from a certain deadline.

Possible scenarios:

• All old certificates become invalid from May 2026
• There is a transition period (e.g. until end of 2026)
• Old certificates remain valid until they would expire anyway (10 years)

Recommendation: If you are planning a property transaction (sale, rental), you should have a new energy certificate issued in good time to ensure you meet the legal requirements.

What does this mean for ongoing transactions?

For ongoing transactions that are completed before the new regulations come into force, continuation regulations probably apply. Details are not yet known.

Practical example: If you sign a purchase contract in March 2026 and the sale is completed in May 2026, you might need a new energy certificate – even if the old one would still be valid.

Practical tips for owners

1. Plan early: If you are planning a transaction, have a new energy certificate issued in good time
2. Plan costs: New energy certificates cost money – plan these costs in your budget (approx. €150-500 depending on building)
3. Contact energy expert: Ask your energy expert when the best time for issuance is
4. Bring forward renovations: If you want to renovate anyway, it might make sense to do this before issuing the new energy certificate to achieve a better rating

Takeaway: All existing energy certificates will become invalid. Plan the issuance of new certificates in good time, especially if you are planning a transaction.

Digital database and renovation passport: The future of energy certificates

Digitalisation is also reaching energy certificates. From 2026 a national digital database for energy certificates is being set up.

National digital database for energy certificates

A national digital database is planned in which energy certificates, renovation passports and inspection reports are stored.

Advantages of digitalisation:

• Transparency: Energy certificates are easier to trace
• Efficiency: Less paperwork, faster processes
• Traceability: History of renovations is documented
• Quality: Forgery is made more difficult

What is stored?

The database stores:

• Energy certificates (newly issued)
• Renovation passports
• Inspection reports

Still unclear:

• When exactly the database will be set up
• Who has access to the data
• How registration works
• Which data protection regulations apply

Practical example: A buyer could check online in future whether the presented energy certificate actually exists and is correct. This protects against forgery and increases transparency.

The new renovation passport: Voluntary but useful

In addition to the energy certificate, a so-called renovation passport is being introduced, which should be available voluntarily to building owners.

Still unclear:

• How the renovation passport looks exactly
• What information it contains
• Who can create it
• What costs arise

Presumed benefit:

• Long-term renovation planning
• Documentation of renovation measures
• Better overview of the energy condition
• Support in planning funding

Practical example: An owner who carries out various renovation measures over several years can document these in the renovation passport. This helps in planning further measures and in applying for funding.

Takeaway: Digitalisation brings more transparency and efficiency. The renovation passport can be a valuable addition for long-term renovation planning.

The "Heating Act" is being abolished: What does this mean for energy certificates?

As already mentioned, the so-called "Heating Act" (actually the GEG amendment 2024) is being abolished. What does this mean concretely for energy certificates?

Clarification: There was no promulgated "Heating Act"

Practically there was no promulgated law with the name "Heating Act". The GEG amendment 2024 was called this by politics and media because it contained changed requirements for heating in buildings.

GEG amendment 2024: What is meant?

The GEG amendment 2024 has been in force since 1 January 2025 and applies for the time being. It contains among other things:

• § 71 to 71k: Regulations on heating replacement and the 65% rule
• Mandatory consultation: There is a consultation duty for modernisations
• Energy requirements in new builds: The GEG regulates not only modernisations but also energy requirements in new builds and transposes the EU Building Directive in Germany

65% rule remains in force for the time being (GEG 2024)

The 65% rule, which states that new heating systems must be operated with at least 65% renewable energies from 1 January 2026, remains in the GEG amendment 2024 for the time being.

Politically controversial: The SPD wants to maintain the requirement, while the Union advocates abolition or significant relaxation. It remains to be seen how this question will be regulated in the new GMG.

How heating replacement affects the energy certificate

A heating replacement has direct effects on the energy certificate:

• Better energy efficiency class: Modern heating systems with renewable energies improve the rating
• Lower energy costs: Efficient heating systems reduce energy costs, which is reflected in the consumption certificate
• Value increase: Energy-efficient buildings have a higher market value

Practical example: An owner replaces an old gas heating system with a heat pump. The energy certificate improves from Class D to Class B. The building becomes more valuable and more attractive for buyers or tenants.

Heat pumps improve the rating

Modern heat pumps can significantly improve the energy efficiency class and help achieve Class A (zero-emission buildings). This makes them particularly attractive for owners who want to increase the value of their property.

Example: A building with a modern heat pump and photovoltaic system could be classified in Class A in future – the highest energy efficiency class. This significantly increases the property value.

Municipal heat planning and its impacts

The Municipal Heat Planning Act (KWP-G) provides that municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants must create a heat plan by 30 June 2026. A total of 84 German cities are affected, including metropolises such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Essen as well as medium-sized cities such as Heidelberg, Freiburg, Ulm and Kassel.

Impact: After the municipal heat planning comes into force, replaced gas heating systems must meet the 65% requirement after at most five years.

Transition quotas (without heat plan):

• From 2029: at least 15% renewable energies
• From 2035: at least 30% renewable energies
• From 2040: at least 60% renewable energies

Practical example: An owner in Munich, where a heat plan already exists, must choose a heating system when replacing that meets 65% renewable energies after five years. An owner in a smaller city without a heat plan has more time but must prove at least 15% renewable energies from 2029.

Strategic considerations for owners

If you are planning a heating replacement, you should consider the following:

1. Timing: Should the heating replacement take place before or after issuing the new energy certificate?

   • Before: Better rating in the new energy certificate
   • After: You know exactly what improvement the heating replacement brought

2. Funding: Use current funding for heating replacement (see section "Funding")

3. Municipal heat planning: Inform yourself whether your municipality already has a heat plan or when it will be created

4. Energy consultation: Consult an energy expert to develop the best strategy for your property

Takeaway: A heating replacement can significantly improve the energy efficiency class and increase property value. Plan the timing strategically.

Further relevant changes 2026

In addition to the energy certificate changes, there are further relevant changes in 2026 that affect property owners:

Solar technology duty for public buildings

By end of 2026 public buildings and non-residential buildings over 250 m² must be equipped with solar technology – if this is technically feasible. This can also affect the energy certificate rating, as solar technology improves energy efficiency.

Practical example: An owner of an office building over 250 m² must install a photovoltaic system by end of 2026. This not only improves energy efficiency but can also positively affect the energy certificate.

Charging infrastructure for new builds

For new builds and larger commercial existing buildings, obligations for installation of charging infrastructure apply from 2026/2027. This does not directly affect the energy certificate but is another requirement that owners must observe.

Renovation roadmaps become mandatory

Renovation roadmaps become mandatory for existing buildings. These plans show which renovation measures are necessary to achieve certain energy efficiency classes. They complement the energy certificate and help owners in long-term planning.

Practical example: An owner receives a renovation roadmap that shows they can go from Class E to Class B with facade insulation and a heating replacement. This helps in planning and in applying for funding.

Infrastructure Future Act: Digital building application

The federal cabinet adopted the draft law for the Infrastructure Future Act (IZG) on 17 December 2025. The digital building application is expected to become mandatory nationwide from mid-2026. This does not directly affect the energy certificate but is part of the comprehensive digitalisation in construction.

Takeaway: In addition to the energy certificate changes, there are further relevant changes that owners must observe – especially for new builds and larger buildings.

Funding: What changes in 2026 for BEG

The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) is being adjusted in 2026. Here are the most important changes:

BEG budget: From €15.3 to €12.1 billion

According to the budget draft, the total budget of the BEG falls from around €15.3 billion (2025) to about €12.1 billion (2026).

Important: The cut mainly affects funds for complete renovations (KfW 261), while the pots for individual measures remain stable or are to be slightly increased.

Practical impact: If you are planning a complete renovation, you should apply for funding early, as the budget is limited. Individual measures such as heating replacement or insulation continue to be well funded.

Efficiency House 55 is reintroduced (temporary)

The funding for Efficiency House 55, discontinued in 2022, is being temporarily reintroduced.

Important: This only applies to building projects that already have a building permit but have not yet started. The prerequisite is that the heat supply is fully based on renewable energies.

Practical example: A developer who received a building permit for an Efficiency House 55 in 2024 but has not yet started construction can apply for funding in 2026 – provided the heat supply is fully based on renewable energies.

New requirements for heat pump funding

To receive funding for air-to-water heat pumps, their outdoor units must be significantly quieter from 2026: The noise emissions must be at least 10 dB below the limits of the EU Ecodesign Regulation.

Practical example: A heat pump that was previously 50 dB loud must be at least 40 dB loud in future to receive funding. This is important for owners who want to install a heat pump in residential areas.

Climate speed bonus continues to be reduced

The climate speed bonus is being further reduced as planned: In 2024 it was 25%, in 2025 20%.

KfW programme 458: Up to 70% funding remains

The KfW programme 458, which offers grants for replacing old fossil heating systems with heating systems based on renewable energies, remains the core of funding. The high grants of up to 70% remain.

Practical example: An owner replaces an old oil heating system with a heat pump. The total costs are €30,000. With the KfW programme 458 they can receive up to €21,000 (70%) funding. This makes the investment significantly more attractive.

What does this mean for renovation planning?

The changes in BEG funding have direct impacts on renovation planning:

1. Apply early: For complete renovations you should apply for funding in good time, as the budget is being cut
2. Prefer individual measures: Individual measures continue to be well funded
3. Heat pump selection: Pay attention to noise emissions for air-to-water heat pumps to receive funding
4. Energy consultation: Use energy consultation to develop the best funding strategy

Takeaway: Funding remains attractive, especially for individual measures. Plan early and use energy consultation for the optimal funding strategy.

Timeline and next steps: What comes when?

Here is the current timeline for the GEG reform and EPBD implementation:

What does this mean for you? By end of January 2026 the first concrete information on the planned changes will be available. Then many of the still open questions will be answered.

What owners can do now

Even if not all details are known yet, owners can already become active:

1. Inform: Stay up to date on the latest developments
2. Energy consultation: Consult an energy expert for an assessment
3. Renovation planning: Develop a long-term renovation strategy
4. Check funding: Inform yourself about current funding and apply for it in good time

Takeaway: The timeline is tight. From May 2026 the new regulations come into force. Prepare now.

Recommendations for property owners

Based on the known changes, we have compiled concrete recommendations for you:

Assessment: Check current energy condition

Act now: Have the current energy condition of your property checked by a certified energy expert. This gives you a clear starting point for all further decisions.

Advantages:

• You know exactly where your property stands
• You can plan renovation measures specifically
• You can estimate which energy efficiency class you can achieve with which measures

Practical example: An energy expert finds that your property is currently classified in Class E (old scale). With facade insulation and a heating replacement it could come to Class B (new scale). This helps in planning.

Renovation planning: Plan step-by-step implementation

Act now: Develop a long-term renovation roadmap for your property. Prioritise measures according to:

• Cost-benefit ratio
• Availability of funding
• Urgency (e.g. heating replacement for old heating)

Advantages:

• You can use funding optimally
• You avoid expensive wrong decisions
• You gradually increase the value of your property

Practical example: An owner plans various renovation measures over five years: Year 1: Heating replacement (highest priority, old heating), Year 2: Facade insulation, Year 3: Roof insulation, Year 4: Window replacement, Year 5: New energy certificate issuance. This way they can use funding optimally and gradually increase value.

Funding: Inform and apply in good time

Act now: Inform yourself about current funding and apply for it in good time. Particularly important:

• KfW programme 458 for heating replacement (up to 70% funding)
• BEG funding for individual measures (budget remains stable)
• Energy consultation is funded

Important: For complete renovations you should apply for funding early, as the budget is being cut in 2026.

Expert consultation: Consult energy expert

Act now: Consult a certified energy expert to:

• Assess the current condition of your property
• Develop an individual renovation strategy
• Use funding optimally
• Determine the right time for energy certificate issuance

Advantages:

• Professional consultation protects against wrong decisions
• Energy experts know all current regulations and funding
• Individual strategy for your property

Proactive action: Advantages of early measures

Why act now?

1. Reduce operating costs long-term: Energy-efficient buildings have lower heating costs
2. Increase property value: Energy-efficient buildings have a higher market value
3. Meet legal requirements: You are prepared when the new regulations come into force
4. Use funding optimally: Current funding is attractive – use it while it is available

Strategic considerations:

• Heating replacement before energy certificate issuance? If you are planning a heating replacement anyway, it might make sense to carry this out before issuing the new energy certificate to achieve a better rating
• Prioritise renovation measures: Which measures bring the greatest improvement in energy efficiency class?
• Plan timing for new energy certificates: If you are planning a transaction, have a new energy certificate issued in good time

Takeaway: Proactive action pays off. Use the time until May 2026 to prepare and use current funding optimally.

Conclusion

The year 2026 brings fundamental changes for energy certificates in Germany. The new harmonised scale A to G, extended presentation duties, the calculation of greenhouse potential over the lifecycle and the digital database will sustainably change the property industry.

While not all details are known yet, it is already clear: Proactive action pays off. Owners who inform themselves early, upgrade their property energetically and use current funding will benefit from the changes – both financially and in terms of property value.

The changes in 2026 are far-reaching but manageable with the right preparation. Consult an energy expert, get advice early and develop an individual strategy for your property. Proactive action pays off – both financially and in terms of property value.

We keep you informed: We regularly inform you about the latest developments in the GEG and energy certificates. The key points for the new Building Modernisation Act will be available by end of January 2026 – then many of the still open questions will be answered.

If you want to inform yourself about two particularly important sub-questions, you will find in-depth articles here: Will energy certificates be invalid from May 2026? and Will energy certificates become more comparable with the new A to G scale from May 2026?. If you already need an energy certificate now: Create energy certificate online.