The challenge of improving energy efficiency in the building sector: Taking an in-depth look at decision-making on investments in energy-efficient refurbishments

Even though energy efficiency (EE) measures are a central lever to achieving the aim of a climate-neutral building stock, the investment rate in EE refurbishments in Germany is stagnating at a low level. This chapter presents an empirically based decision-making process model of energy efficiency refurbishment investments, which compares the decision process of investors in residential and in nonresidential buildings. It also highlights the impact of intermediaries and their role in renovation decisions concerning (non)-residential buildings. Recommendations are derived about how to promote the diffusion of low-carbon energy efficiency refurbishment measures in the building sector.