Modernising the heating systems in listed buildings requires a careful balance between energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and the preservation of the historic fabric of the building. Limited scope for intervention in the façade, roof or interior spaces, as well as stringent requirements regarding moisture control and building protection, often present particular challenges. Furthermore, existing heating systems are often designed for high flow temperatures, which can complicate the use of modern heat generators.
Suitable solutions include a tailored analysis of the building, optimising the building envelope in accordance with heritage conservation regulations, and adapting the heat distribution system. Depending on the property, heat pumps, biomass systems, district heating or hybrid heating concepts can represent cost-effective and heritage-friendly alternatives. Early consultation with the heritage conservation authority and holistic energy planning are crucial for reducing energy consumption, operating costs and CO₂ emissions in the long term.
To tackle these solutions step by step, we recommend that you first check whether your building or neighbourhood actually has listed status. You can see this, for example, on the thematic city map of the state capital, Dresden.
Denkmalgeschütztes Mehrfamilienhaus mit Biomasseheizung
Denkmalgeschütztes Mehrfamilienhaus mit Biomasseheizung
The Heritage Protection Authority of the State Capital of Dresden is available to offer advice on your projects and to answer any questions you may have. Further information on the services and topics covered can be found here.
You can find the relevant contacts at the Heritage Protection Authority for each district here.
To find an energy consultant specialising in listed buildings, please click on the link to the list of energy efficiency experts, enter your postcode, and then filter the results list (“Filter results”) by clicking on the field "Listed buildings and structures of special conservation value (includes KfW Efficiency Houses and individual measures)".
You can find examples of how potential solutions might look in practice in our ‘Practical Examples’ section. If you know of any other well-implemented practical examples or have implemented one yourself, we would be interested to hear about them and would appreciate a brief message to waermeplanung@dresden.de. Thank you in advance.