The energy crisis, climate goals, soil sealing—the construction industry in Austria is at a turning point. Instead of continuing to seal off new areas, more and more property owners are turning to sustainable renovation existing residential buildings. But is that really the better choice? And what do you need to keep in mind when starting a renovation project?
We’ll show you why sustainable renovations are not only environmentally sound but also economically attractive—and provide you with a checklist for putting them into practice.
Renovate Instead of Build New: A Clear Trend in Austria
According to the Federal Environment Agency, approximately 1.7 million buildings in Austria are considered in need of renovation. At the same time, construction costs are rising steadily and building lots are becoming increasingly scarce. It’s no wonder, then, that according to surveys, three-quarters of Austrians now opt for renovation rather than new construction.
Main reasons for this change:
- A sharp rise in construction costs
- Shortage of land
- Awareness of Climate Protection and Soil Sealing
Cf. More Information on Soil Sealing
Sustainable Renovation: What Does That Mean, Specifically?
Sustainable renovation goes far beyond cosmetic measures. The goal is to bring a building up to the latest energy efficiency standards while conserving resources:
- Full thermal insulation on the exterior walls, roof, and basement
- Replacing old windows with Triple-glazed models
- Renewal of the Heating Technology (e.g., switching to a heat pump)
- Integration of renewable energy sources such as Photovoltaics
- Use of sustainable building materials (e.g., wood fiber, cellulose)
Tip: A comprehensive renovation can reduce heating energy consumption by up to 80 %.
Renovation vs. New Construction: A Cost Comparison
Whether a sustainable renovation is economically viable depends on the condition of the property. If the house is structurally sound, renovating it is almost always more worthwhile than tearing it down and rebuilding—not least because of Federal and State Grants
| Aspect | Renovation | New Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Expenditures | Low (if the building is in good condition) | Higher |
| Environmental Footprint | Significantly better (material savings) | Poor (high resource consumption) |
| Funding Opportunities | Diverse (Renovation Check, State Grants) | Limited |
| Time required | Often shorter for partial renovations | Long planning and construction period |
Note: The renovation can also be carried out in phases—this way, the property remains habitable during the process.
Checklist: Planning a Sustainable Renovation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Building Analysis | Assess the condition of the building structure, energy consumption, and potential |
| 2. Energy Consulting | Have the thermal quality analyzed (e.g., by Climate Alliance partners) |
| 3. Develop a restructuring plan | Work with an architect or builder to establish a schedule and plan of action |
| 4. Secure Funding | Renovation Voucher, State Housing Assistance, Climate Action Programs |
| 5. Choose sustainable materials | e.g., wood fiber, cellulose, recycled materials |
| 6. Professional Implementation | Work with certified remediation companies |
For more information, visit: klimaaktiv.at
What Property Owners Should Pay Particular Attention To
- No half-measures: Only a comprehensive renovation can ensure low operating costs in the long term.
- Value-added features include: Homes that have been renovated with sustainability in mind fetch higher selling prices.
- Take Advantage of Tax Benefits: Special expenses for energy-efficient renovations can be claimed.
You'd like to market your property: How to Sell Your Property the Right Way
Key Takeaways
- Sustainable Renovation saves CO2, energy, and money in the long run
- Subsidies make renovations economically attractive
- Buildings remain habitable, when renovation is done in phases
- Internal Links Benefits: Sub-management and marketing support during implementation
- Energy Consulting & Planning are the first step
Conclusion: Sustainability is the better path
Instead of using up more and more land, the future lies in renovating existing buildings. A sustainable renovation brings older buildings up to climate standards, improves living comfort, and lowers operating costs. At the same time, you’re making an active contribution to climate protection.
Get advice now: We'll guide you every step of the way, from planning to funding: Contact us
What is sustainable renovation?
Sustainable renovation involves energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and resource-conserving measures to modernize existing buildings. The goal is to permanently reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions while improving living comfort.
When is a sustainable renovation a better option than a new construction?
If the building's structure is in good condition and, above all, the insulation, windows, and heating system need to be modernized, renovation is almost always more cost-effective and environmentally sound than building a new structure.
What types of grants are available for sustainable renovations in Austria?
There is the nationwide renovation voucher, as well as state subsidies and "klimaaktiv" programs. Tax benefits, such as special deductions for energy-efficiency measures, are also available.
Can I continue to live in the house during the renovation?
Yes, many sustainable renovations can be carried out in phases. This allows the property to remain habitable during the work—a clear advantage over new construction.
How much energy does a sustainable renovation save?
A comprehensive renovation („super-renovation“) can reduce heating demand by up to 80 %—depending on the building’s initial condition.
Which materials are considered sustainable?
Wood fiber boards, cellulose, hemp, or recyclable insulation materials are particularly recommended. Avoiding synthetic plastics also contributes to sustainability.
Does sustainable renovation increase a property's value?
Yes—energy-efficient homes are in higher demand, fetch higher selling prices, and are easier to market. In addition, operating costs for buyers or renters are noticeably lower.
Are there tax benefits for sustainable renovations?
Yes, such as special deductions for income tax purposes or tax credits for certain investments—depending on the state and the specific measure.
