Wohnsuffizienz: das vergessene Potenzial der Energiewende? Thesen aus dem deutsch-französischen Dialog

In Germany and France, the average living space per capita has been increasing for decades. This nullifies a large part of the energy efficiency gains in the residential sector. At the same time, the distribution of living space is becoming increasingly unequal. Sufficiency - especially the more efficient use of existing housing stock - has the potential to avoid rebound effects in the building sector. At the same time, it can improve access to affordable housing. However, many local authorities lack the knowledge and experience of how they can make greater use of existing housing stock and avoid building housing on new land. Based on research in municipalities and a binational dialogue among experts, this discussion paper develops six propositions on the potential of sufficiency not only regarding the energy transition, but also in terms of improving quality of life, revitalising town centres and strengthening social cohesion.