No transparency when it comes to funding: are we being slowed down?

No transparency when it comes to funding: are we being slowed down?

The current cuts in the renovation offensive and the planned reduction in funding intensity illustrate the lack of reliable framework conditions. According to renowave.at, four principles must be adhered to at all costs: continuity and plannability, better coordination between the federal and state governments, an eye on market effects and integration with legal reforms.

Where exactly does the renovation and renovation industry suffer the greatest damage here?

Susanne Formanek:The greatest damage comes from a lack of planning security as a result of short-term funding cuts and stops. Renovations require long lead times - if incentives suddenly disappear, projects are stopped, investments are prevented and the confidence of the industry is shaken. Without stable framework conditions, the renovation and renovation industry loses dynamism, economic calculation bases and innovative strength.

What are the biggest pivotal points?

Effective renovations require stable, predictable funding, better coordination between the federal and state governments, market-oriented instruments to reduce costs and close integration with legal reforms. Only when these factors work together can investments be mobilized, innovations driven forward and climate targets in existing buildings achieved.

Renowave.at says important projects are being slowed down. What are these, for example?

Large-scale renovation projects with long lead times are particularly slowed down: thermal-energetic building renovations, comprehensive top-class renovations in apartment buildings as well as demonstration buildings and districts. These projects in particular are considered important pilot and model examples for climate-neutral renovation and need reliable funding frameworks.

Can Austria's climate goals still be achieved if these projects stall?

If central renovation projects come to a halt, achieving climate goals in the building sector becomes much more difficult. Since existing buildings are the biggest lever for energy savings and CO₂ reduction, delays in renovations lead to longer payback periods, lower investments and increasing emissions. Without a stable funding framework, the heat transition – and with it the Austrian climate target – will become a long way off.

"Renovation must be affordable and reliable for everyone. It increases living comfort, reduces energy costs and makes a decisive contribution to climate protection. With stable framework conditions, households, companies and society benefit equally - and the heating transition can be successfully implemented."

Susanne Formanek

Where and how would you start so that all of this would still have a reasonable framework?

The starting points are a stable, multi-year funding framework that creates planning security, close coordination between the federal and state governments, market-oriented instruments to reduce costs and accompanying legal reforms. This creates trust and momentum for the heating transition.

What would you advise both companies that are renovating and clients wanting to restructure to do in the current uncertain situation?

Despite uncertainty, companies should strategically prepare their projects and focus on efficiency and innovation in order to be able to get started quickly as soon as stable funding is available. It is advisable for owners and clients who want to renovate to plan projects in detail, obtain advice and constantly keep an eye on funding options in order to be able to take advantage of opportunities flexibly.

What is your prognosis? Could renovation, an important component of climate goals, become a luxury again?

The danger is real: If subsidies are reduced or stopped at short notice, renovation risks becoming a luxury again. Comprehensive thermal and energy renovations in particular are cost-intensive and unaffordable for many households without financial support. Subsidies shorten payback periods, provide investment security and make renovations possible even for households with medium or lower incomes. If these funds become unsafe or too small, only those who can afford the renovation will ultimately benefit - the general public will be left out. This would not only stall the climate change, but also weaken an important engine for innovation, employment and value creation. Renovations must not become a niche for the wealthy, but must be seen as a task for society as a whole. Only with a stable, transparent and plannable funding framework can it be ensured that renovation remains broadly effective, affordable and attractive. If this is successful, renovation will not remain a luxury good, but rather a central lever for achieving climate goals while improving living quality, energy costs and future security for everyone.