Social aspects such as a lack of affordability and financial viability represent a key challenge for the heat transition, as they can jeopardize the acceptance of climate protection measures. Social challenges exist both for owner-occupied building owners, who have to finance investments, and for tenants, who are affected by rent increases due to the apportionment of modernization costs. 

The calculations of the authors of the article show that energy-efficient refurbishments can be advantageous for both groups – owner-occupiers and tenants – if the measures are carried out using subsidies. This also protects households from the risks of rising energy and CO₂ prices in the future. At the same time, there is a risk that vulnerable groups in particular will not be able to finance the investments or will be particularly affected by rent increases. It is therefore important that social aspects are taken into account in the national framework as well as in municipal heating planning and that vulnerable groups are protected.

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