Simply explained

Electricity-only house

A key component of HOWOGE's sustainability strategy is the decarbonization pathway for its building stock. This aims to permanently reduce CO₂ emissions from building use – for example, from heating or hot water. HOWOGE intends to achieve a climate-neutral building stock (less than 3 kg CO₂e/m²/year) by 2045.
New construction projects can be planned sustainably from the outset. We aim to implement a building project as a so-called Efficiency House (EH) 40 – according to the principles of the "Climate-Friendly New Construction" (KFN) funding program. One of the solutions towards greater climate protection in the building sector is our "electric-only houses".

Solar roof Dolgenseestrasse © HOWOGE Dombrowsky

* This page has been translated via Google's Cloud Translation API. HOWOGE does not edit the content.

What does "electricity-only house" mean?

HOWOGE's "electric-only houses" are buildings that are powered exclusively by electricity to meet their energy needs. Whether for heating, showering, or operating the necessary building technology, no energy generated from fossil fuels such as oil, gas, or coal is used.

How does an "electric-only house" work?

Simply put, everything in HOWOGE's "electric-only house" runs on green electricity. To minimize electricity consumption and make optimal use of the energy used or generated, the building must be constructed to be highly energy-efficient or (in the case of existing buildings) retrofitted. Besides excellent insulation, this also requires, for example, well-insulated windows and the use of energy-efficient appliances.

Briefly explained – the most important components of a HOWOGE all-electric house

Power supply:

HOWOGE is also an electricity supplier. As on many of its residential buildings, the "electricity-only house" also generates green electricity on its roof using photovoltaic panels ("solar panels"). This electricity powers the building's technical systems.
Some buildings already use a battery storage system. This allows the house to be supplied with electricity even when it's dark or the sun isn't shining brightly enough. Excess electricity generated is fed into the public grid – because, of course, even the "electric-only house" is connected to the grid to ensure a reliable power supply under all circumstances. Crucially for HOWOGE, all electricity drawn from the grid is purchased exclusively as green energy.

Heat:

HOWOGE is using efficient underfloor heating in its new buildings. The heat energy for this is supplied by a heat pump, which, depending on the model, extracts heat from the ambient air or water and transfers it into the building, even in winter. Some new buildings also feature controlled ventilation with heat recovery, such as the HOWOGE new building project at Sewanstraße 256A-C.

Hot water:

Hot water is supplied to the apartments on a decentralized basis. Electric instantaneous water heaters or drinking water stations are used, which heat the cold water to 45°C only when needed. This eliminates the need to store and supply hot water unnecessarily around the clock (e.g., in boilers in the basement), which also contributes to energy savings.
In addition, HOWOGE supports its tenants in reducing water consumption – for example, by providing hand showers with a flow rate of only 8 liters per minute. Compared to the usual 12 to 13 liters, this represents a significant water saving.

Exemplary projects

Lichtenberg

Sewanstrasse 256 AC

HOWOGE is preparing to build 102 apartments on the over 14,070 square meter plot of land on Sewanstrasse.

Mehr erfahren

Friedrichsfelde

Huronseestraße 28-34

The new residential complex is being built on a former garage site in Berlin-Friedrichsfelde. New green spaces and attractive architecture offer sustainable living in a family-friendly environment with good infrastructure.

Mehr erfahren

Rummelsburg

Lückstraße

HOWOGE is building a total of 158 apartments on the site south of Lückstraße 33-37, just one street crossing away from the lively Weitlingkiez neighborhood.

Mehr erfahren

Spandau

Havelufer Quarter

The “Havelufer Quartier” is being built in the Spandau district of Hakenfelde, in a fantastic location along the Havel river.

Mehr erfahren

Lichtenberg

Rosenfelder Ring 88

HOWOGE is preparing the construction of 88 apartments on the more than 6,000 square meter plot of land at Birkenwäldchen.

Mehr erfahren

Visualisierung des Neubauprojekts auf dem Kirchsteig

Treptow-Köpenick

Kirchsteig 101

This residential construction project involves the acquisition of a development project in the north of the Bohnsdorf district, in the Treptow-Köpenick borough of Berlin. Three three-story buildings are being constructed here, blending perfectly into the small-scale, absolutely quiet surroundings.

Mehr erfahren

Visualisierung des Neubauprojekts auf der Schkeuditzer Straße 1-3

Hellersdorf-Nord

Schkeuditzer Straße 3 AC

The building at Hellersdorfer Theaterplatz, with a total of 167 rental apartments, is being built as a so-called "electricity-only house" with an energy supply via an air-to-water heat pump and a photovoltaic system.

Mehr erfahren

Weissensee

6 Indira Gandhi Street

The location between the urban waterway and the established neighborhood around Bizetstrasse, along with the excellent infrastructure, is ideal for young and old alike. HOWOGE's high living standards and the buildings' environmentally friendly, all-electric energy supply ensure a comfortable and sustainable home.

Mehr erfahren

Alt-Hohenschönhausen

Weißenseer Weg

Here, in place of the former, almost completely sealed bus parking lot of the BVG, a place for diverse uses is being created, which also mediates in terms of urban planning: The intersection of Weißenseer Weg with Hohenschönhauser Straße, which is currently unused at two corners, is perceived more strongly as part of the urban space.

Mehr erfahren

Electricity-only house

What does "electricity-only house" mean?

How does an "electric-only house" work?

Briefly explained – the most important components of a HOWOGE all-electric house

Power supply:

Heat:

Hot water:

Related topics