LehB:KlimafitDemo2+1 - Living in existing buildings today: climate-friendly renovations in existing buildings within the framework of the common good housing law

The LehB:KlimafitDemo2+1 project examines innovative renovation solutions for the climate-fit modernization of non-profit residential buildings without placing a financial burden on tenants. By implementing a flexible modular system and involving the residents, economic, technical and social aspects of the renovation are optimized. The aim is to make an important contribution to achieving climate neutrality by 2040 through adapted measures and comprehensive monitoring.

Short Description

Starting point / motivation

In Austria, the renovation rate has dropped to a historic low, while the need for comprehensive decarbonization of the existing building stock is continually increasing. To meet the government's climate targets, the renovation rate must more than double. Non-profit residential buildings, which manage around one million homes, play a crucial role in this effort. Despite their significance, the renovation rate of non-profit residential buildings is lagging, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Contents and goals

The project "Living today in existing buildings" aims to develop and test climate-fit and socially acceptable renovation solutions for non-profit housing construction. The focus is on developing a flexible modular system that can be adapted to different existing structures. The renovation is intended to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve climate neutrality by 2040 without placing a financial burden on tenants. In addition, insights should be gained about the residents' acceptance and motivation regarding the renovations.

Location of the three demo objects in the urban space. (Source: wohnbund:consult)

Methodological approach

The project includes the detailed examination of three different demo objects in order to test the developed renovation strategy in practice. This includes:

  • Demo 1: Complete renovation with a high level of technical implementation depth and intensive tenant communication.
  • Demo 2: Development of a step-by-step renovation plan with a focus on energy renewal and raising awareness among tenants.
  • Demo 3: Implementation of cost-effective low-tech measures in buildings without sufficient reserves.

Comprehensive monitoring before, during and after the renovations is intended to assess the technical, economic and social effects of the measures. The involvement of residents is ensured through qualitative and quantitative surveys.

Expected results

The project aims to show that climate-friendly renovations in non-profit housing are possible without placing a financial burden on tenants. Expected results include:

  • Transferable building blocks for climate-friendly renovations to a broader property portfolio.
  • Evaluation of the most economical and effective remediation steps to minimize the greenhouse effect.
  • Development of a software-supported building analysis tool to link key energy indicators, thermal-energetic measures and financial reserves.
  • Demonstration of practical climate neutrality models with ongoing reference to urban and national climate goals.
  • Further development of a guideline for climate-friendly renovation with a focus on tenant communication and participation.

Through these measures, the project makes a significant contribution to decarbonizing the Austrian building stock and achieving climate neutrality by 2040, while at the same time taking social and economic aspects into account.

Project Partners

Project management

wohnbund:consult eG

Project or cooperation partners

  • IBO - Österreichisches Institut für Baubiologie und -Ökologie
  • Fachhochschule Technikum Wien
  • Käferhaus GmbH
  • ÖSW - Österreichisches Siedlungswerk Gemeinnützige Wohnungsaktiengesellschaft
  • immo 360 grad gmbh
  • RENOWAVE.AT
  • UIV Urban Innovation Vienna GmbH
  • IIBW - Institut für Immobilien, Bauen und Wohnen GmbH

Contact Address

wohnbund:consult eG
Lenaugasse 19
A-1080 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (1) 522 01 19
E-mail: office@wohnbund.at
Web: www.wohnbund.at