Energy Transition in Europe | www.energy-cities.eu

The state parliament of Berlin passed a law that imposes an obligation on private owners of all new buildings and of those that undergo significant roof renovation to install photovoltaic systems. The rule comes into force at the beginning of 2023.

After many months of discussions, the House of Representatives in Berlin adopted the regulation that paves the way for the German city-state to reach a share of solar power in its electricity consumption of 25% as soon as possible. Photovoltaic systems will have to cover at least 30% of the roof area of all new buildings with a usable area of more than 50 square meters, starting from 2023.

The local law applies to all major roof refurbishments as well. The local authorities are also pushing for a phaseout of hard coal by 2030. Lignite was abandoned in 2017.

Solar power is the path to the future, according to local authorities in Berlin who have submitted a draft Solar Act to the city’s legislature. According to the act, should it be adopted, all new buildings that are built in the German capital will have to be equipped with solar panels. Such a mandate would substantially bolster the city’s anti-climate change efforts and would actively encourage its sustainable development.

The high-rise mixed-use building that Berlin is planning to construct in the city’s Kreuzberg district is unusual for a few reasons.

The 322 foot (98 meter) tower, whose construction was confirmed on Jan. 29 by sustainable developer UTB, the state of Berlin and the borough of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg the will be made largely of wood. Costing 90 million euros ($109 million) to build, the tower will be constructed from the engineered wood known as cross-laminated timber, which allows builders to erect tall towers that use far less steel and concrete than traditional skyscrapers. Called WoHo and designed by Norway’s Mad Arkitekter, the 29-story building promises to be Europe’s highest wooden building to date, using reinforced concrete solely for its core and basement.