CO₂ emissions in Germany at the lowest level in 70 years – but climate protection is still lagging behind

A milestone, but not unrestricted joy: As reported in its latest report by the lobbying group Agora Energiewende, Germany reached the lowest level of CO2 emissions in 2023 since the 1950s. With 673 million tons, the emissions are a proud 46% below the reference year of 1990. A significant progress – however, this news is not necessarily positive for climate protection.

Climate protection remains a cause for concern

49 million tons of CO2: That’s how much Germany fell below the annual target of CO2 consumption of 722 million tons according to the Climate Protection Act in the past year. Nevertheless, the experts at Agora Energiewende remain cautiously optimistic. The low numbers are mainly attributed to an unexpected decrease in coal consumption and economic-related production declines in the industry, according to calculations.

Moreover, only about 15% of these savings are considered sustainable. And: A possible increase in emissions due to economic recoveries or the relocation of industrial production abroad could quickly undo the progress achieved.

Energy industry excels – Building sector falters

“2023 was the year of two speeds in climate protection in Germany,” says Simon Müller, Director of Agora Energiewende Germany. “The energy industry achieved a climate policy success with the historic high in renewable energies, bringing us closer to the 2030 goal.” However, he critically views the current weakness of the industry in the country and fears possible shifts in emissions – with further negative impacts on the climate.

The outlook is bleak for the transportation and building sectors: Despite the overall decline in CO2, both have once again missed their climate targets. The main reasons are the slow electrification of Germany’s roads with electric cars and heating in existing buildings. The building sector alone missed the legally prescribed annual target of 101 million tons with 109 million tons of CO2 again – for the fourth consecutive time. Müller emphasizes that after the political decisions with the new heating law and the law for municipal heat planning, a consistent implementation is now necessary to effectively reduce emissions in the building sector.

Smart tools reduce CO2 consumption

The report makes it clear that the relevance of sustainable office buildings is the need of the hour. Owners and users of new and existing buildings can seek intelligent assistance: Innovative tools like ReCoTech optimize area planning algorithmically, enabling efficient occupancy planning – for example, in office properties.

Advanced technology improves workflows and can be meaningfully expanded – including with smart workspace booking. This allows the available space to be conveniently and optimally used via an app, reducing CO2 emissions and bringing real progress in the building sector, especially with a focus on climate protection.