Energy efficiency

Chinese researchers from Wuhan University and Northeastern University in China have developed a new method for recycling end-of-life solar modules. It is a method that is both energy efficient and takes into account the increasing demand for sustainable recycling methods. The innovative process is based on the use of a molten mixture of sodium and sodium carbonate to...

The energy efficiency class of a building is decisive for its energy consumption and therefore influences both the environmental impact and the running costs. These classes range from A+ for very efficient buildings to H for the most energy-intensive. Classes A+ to B indicate new buildings with high standards such as passive houses. They are shown in green in the energy certificate, which indicates their...

Many balcony solar systems lose a lot of power in the shade. This is shown by a recent study by Stiftung Warentest. Of eight systems tested, none generated electricity when partially covered. Only one system achieved an overall rating of "good". There were problems not only with the performance under suboptimal conditions, but also with the inclination of the panels and the stability...

Turning waste into ecological cement and thus making production more environmentally friendly - this is what Trier University and several partners are researching. The project aims to use mining waste and industrial raw materials as a substitute for conventional Portland cement. This could significantly reduce CO₂ emissions during cement production. The...

To develop strategies against the challenges of climate change in urban areas, the Technische Universität Braunschweig has launched two new "Climate Future Labs" - the "Urban Climate Future Lab" and the future lab "Open Planning Cultures. Design Principles for Transformative Spaces". These future labs will develop innovative solutions for climate-friendly urban...

Heat pumps are gaining popularity as sustainable heating systems. They can often both heat and cool. However, Peter Kafke from the consumer advice center emphasizes that the heating function is often more important for the energy balance and costs than the cooling function. A high annual coefficient of performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat generated to electricity required, should therefore be aimed for.

Sebastian Herkel from the Fraunhofer Institute ISE advises owners of apartment buildings to invest early in an efficient heating system. They should not wait until their heating system breaks down, but should find out about their options as soon as possible. The reason for this is that properties built in the 1960s may initially require other investments, which then have to be...

In 2023, 64.6 percent of new residential buildings in Germany were equipped with heat pumps as their primary heating source. This proportion has more than doubled since 2014. The use of heat pumps is particularly widespread in detached and semi-detached houses at 68.9 percent, while 41.1 percent of multi-family houses use this technology. This is according to a statement from the Statistical...

Photovoltaic systems with connected battery storage offer the decisive advantage of increasing independence from the public power grid. Users can cover most of their electricity needs themselves by storing solar power generated during the day and using it as required. This not only significantly reduces energy costs, but also improves the energy efficiency of the home.

Civil engineer Ronald Meyer has developed a refurbishment sprint that quickly makes old buildings climate-neutral. In just four weeks, a semi-detached house in Hamburg built in 1963 was completely refurbished in this way to become a KfW Efficiency House 70. This speed is possible thanks to optimized planning and parallel work by different tradesmen. Ronald Meyer's method could increase the refurbishment rate...