Continuation of the Building Sector Dialogue

Cooperation and Coordination: More Vital Than Ever

At the invitation of ING and the "Made in Germany 2030" initiative, representatives from the banking sector (including ING, Deutsche Bank, DKB, Commerzbank, KfW, BVR, DSGV), the housing industry (Nassauische Heimstätte, ZIA), as well as building technology providers (Vaillant, Fuchs & Eule) and the DGNB focused on two central questions.

First, the discussion delved into constructive impulses to create positive momentum for the decarbonization of Germany's building stock. This included identifying which barriers must be prioritized and which areas for action can be addressed directly through private initiatives. The second focus was the practical realization of a permanent "Transformation Partnership for Residential Real Estate"—an interdisciplinary alliance to shape and implement these impulses.

Reflecting Pragmatism and Efficiency in Immediate Action

Participants confirmed the thematic framework (implementation roadmap, financial feasibility and provision, the fundamental importance of data management, and a communication-led, benefit-focused approach) and outlined its concrete elements. The sheer scope of starting points and required actions quickly highlighted the need for a structured classification:

1. Existing barriers and immediate obstacles: These range from a lack of fundamental recognition of the importance of financing (which would dictate a significantly different approach) to a lack of coherence in procedural steps and alignment with European regulations. Furthermore, participants noted high perceived complexity and a near-total lack of integration with parallel fields, such as banking regulation and management.

2. Actionable design options for stakeholders: Even without waiting for new political mandates, stakeholders—particularly on the financing side—see significant potential in offering standardized solutions to customers through coordinated and structured approaches. This covers everything from data collection and process structuring to the final financing offer.

Following the meeting, participants prioritized these points to serve as the foundation for the next stage of discussions.

Institutionalization and Networking

The structure, public presence, and working methods of such a partnership were briefly touched upon and set as the primary focus for the next session.

The upcoming meeting, scheduled for late February or early March, aims to reach a fundamental agreement on the structure of this Transformation Partnership. The initiative seeks to involve further actors, such as energy suppliers and associations like Haus & Grund or the Heat Pump Association, to place the partnership on a broad foundation for a future-ready real estate location.