The Five-Stage Transformation of the Austrian Housing Stock towards Net Zero and beyond

Abstract

The Austrian building sector accounts for approx. 9% of the national GHG emissions according to the national greenhouse gas inventory, where only operational carbon emissions are attributable to the sector. However, the share rises to 30%-40% if whole lifecycle carbon emissions are considered. Therefore, the transformation of the building stock is crucial for reaching net zero carbon emissions. Using the example of the Austrian housing stock with a focus on limited-profit housing, five stages of this transformation are distinguished: (1) Improving energy efficiency by thermal refurbishment (2) Decarbonisation of heating systems, (3) Expansion to the neighbourhood level (4) Decarbonisation in the whole life cycle (5) Moving beyond net zero through nature-based solutions and carbon storage. While stage (1) has passed its peak, stage (2) is the one with the highest carbon-saving effects today. However, stages (3), (4) and (5) will require further attention if international climate goals are to be met.