Nature Conservation Association Criticizes Planned Heating Law Reform - Germany weakens heating laws, sparking backlash over climate goals

Germany's federal government has announced plans to relax heating laws by removing the 65 percent renewable energy requirement for new systems. The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (Nabu), which warns the changes will undermine climate goals in the building sector.

Nabu argues that scrapping the rule will allow millions of properties to keep using fossil fuel heating, delaying progress toward climate neutrality.

The government's proposed reform of the Building Energy Act will eliminate the current mandate for at least 65 percent renewable energy in heating replacements. Instead, homeowners will face weaker quotas for green gas and green oil—measures Nabu calls ineffective.

According to the organisation, blending small amounts of non-fossil components into fossil fuels will do little to cut emissions. They also dismiss the new quotas as poor substitutes for the stricter renewable energy rule.

Nabu estimates that 8 to 10 million existing buildings could remain dependent on fossil heating due to the change. Regional differences are expected, with faster adoption of cleaner systems in states like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, where state funding supports upgrades. In contrast, eastern states such as Saxony and Thuringia may lag behind because of higher opposition and slower administrative processes.

The group highlights that the building sector has repeatedly missed its climate targets. They urge a shift to heat pumps, calling them the most cost-effective and climate-friendly option for consumers. Nabu insists that reliable policies are needed to ensure existing buildings meet climate neutrality goals.

The government's decision to relax heating rules removes a key climate protection measure for buildings. Without the 65 percent renewable energy requirement, millions of properties may continue using fossil fuel systems.

Nabu warns that the weakened quotas will fail to drive meaningful emissions reductions, leaving the sector further behind on its climate commitments.