(Improvement of the primary energy factor (PEF) / Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV))
The Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) is intended “to contribute to achieving the energy policy goals of the Federal Government, in particular an almost climate-neutral building stock by 2050”. In order to achieve this goal, standards are set for the energetic quality of building envelopes and for system technology in new buildings. The EnEV also applies with respect to the renovation of buildings. It is determined using the primary energy factor (PEF), which is necessary for calculating the primary energy demand of a building.
The primary energy demand summarizes how high the energy demand is – from the point of energy production through to transport and the expected consumption. Renewable energies, modern plant technology and a high standard of thermal insulation are considered positively during evaluation. Therefore, if renewable energy sources such as biomethane are used to generate energy and heat instead of fossil fuels (e.g. natural gas or crude oil), “plus points” are awarded to the “primary energy-demand account” (PEDA). For example, if a house is supplied with heating oil or natural gas, the PEDA is 1.1. If the heat comes from a cogeneration plant powered by biomethane, this is rewarded with a PEDA of 0.0. Since 1 January 2009, every owner of a new building has also been obliged under the Renewable Energies Heat Act (EEWärmeG) to partially cover their energy and heat requirements with renewable energies. Biomethane as an environmentally-friendly form of energy thus meets the criteria required by law.