Prof. Wolfgang Feist: "We Can Still Do It!"
Darmstadt, Germany. Professor Wolfgang Feist opened with a clear message: “We can still halt the climate crisis. To do so, we need to make the right decisions now and then act upon them.” The founder of the Passive House Institute also highlighted the parallels between the COVID-19 and the climate crises. In addition, Feist explained how improved energy efficiency in buildings and a significant change in the areas of mobility and energy could limit the extent of dangerous climate change. “Business as usual is not an option.”
In his press conferences, organised by the Passive House Institute in cooperation with the International Passive House Association, Professor Feist addressed the international press and made it clear that climate change is a certainty: “The CO2 which will lead to increased temperatures in the next few decades was already emitted decades ago.” Just like the COVID-19 virus, the symptoms of the climate crisis only become apparent after some time. However, unlike the Corona crisis in which “just” four or five percent of the population are seriously affected, the climate crisis will negatively affect more than 60 percent of the population and put the entire human civilization at risk, Feist explained.
“Avoid the most disastrous effects!”
“We cannot change the past, but we can change the future! That is why we must act nowso that the most disastrous effects can still be avoided. It will be hard work, but we can still do it!” Feist noted the fact that the primary energy demand has decreased in Germany where there has been significant growth in the economic output since 1990, even though there has been a considerable increase in air travel and total kilometres travelled. “This is primarily the result of improved efficiency, and this must be communicated.”
Expansion of renewable energy use
Feist considers energy efficient buildings and renewable energy generation a perfect combination. “If the buildings consume very little energy, then this low energy demand can easily be met through renewable energy.” Feist supported the strengthening of this positive development, among other things with more widespread use of renewable energy. The largest share of energy is used for heating buildings and for transport. “For this reason, switching from combustion motors to electric traction and energy efficient buildings is a crucial part of solutions for more climate protection.” He was also supportive of the EU’s European Green Deal “Obviously the EU understands that there is also a huge economic potential in climate protection and the change towards a sustainable society. This is a great opportunity for Europe!” said Feist.
Five principles guide efficient construction
Using the example of the world’s first Passive House building in Darmstadt-Kranichstein, Germany, the physicist showed how drastically the demand for heating energy decreases in a Passive House building. Guided by the five principles – excellent insulation, high-quality windows, an airtight building envelope that avoids thermal bridges and a ventilation system with heat recovery – a Passive House building needs only very little energy for heating in winter.
