Did you know almost every building in Germany is built without an air conditioning system? No forced cool air. No swamp coolers. No floor gadgets plugged into the wall outlet. No air cooling system at all.
When it comes to building standards, Germany has long been recognized for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. This reputation extends to metal roofing and wall cladding, where German-trained experts have honed their craft to deliver unmatched permanence and durability. Curiously, while the majority of American buildings rely heavily on air conditioning systems, the need for such cooling measures is virtually non-existent in Germany. We’re going to delve into the reasons behind this disparity, exploring the key factors that have shaped building practices on both sides of the Atlantic and what we, on this side of the pond can become aware of and improve upon.
German building standards prioritize energy efficiency and sustainable design. We talk often about how, in this instance, they are decades ahead of the U.S. Germany has long recognized the importance of reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact. Consequently, German buildings are constructed with a focus on insulation, airtightness, and passive cooling techniques. This emphasis on energy-efficient design virtually eliminates the need for artificial cooling, resulting in buildings that naturally maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
This goes for new buildings. This goes for old buildings. Old buildings come with walls sometimes several feet thick and were built during a time where the materials they used fully sealed the building. New buildings are built in a new way with new materials, obviously, but to a same or even better standard with regard to insulation values.
New buildings are subject to pressurization tests where air is blown in, then 24 hours later, a reading is taken to verify the structure held in all that air. No gaps or leaks are tolerated. The building simply won’t pass inspection.
While climate variations between the United States and Germany play a role as many regions in the U.S. experience hot and humid summers while in contrast, Germany benefits from a more temperate climate with milder summers and cooler evenings, a properly insulated house transcends environments. Would a house in northern Germany flown over and planted in El Paso, Texas be sufficient? Probably not. But it’s nothing the proper amount of insulation couldn’t fix.
The disparity in building standards and education between the U.S. and Germany also contributes to the widespread use of air conditioning in American buildings. While the U.S. has its own set of building codes, they often prioritize minimum requirements rather than comprehensive energy efficiency. Conversely, Germany’s rigorous building codes promote higher insulation values, airtightness, and energy-saving measures, resulting in buildings that naturally regulate temperature and minimize the need for cooling systems.
Perhaps the most maddening issue is waste. There’s a chasm of price difference between energy costs in the U.S. And those in Germany. U.S. energy is cheap. Why build well, then, right?
While it may be tempting to prioritize short-term cost savings by neglecting building quality in the face of cheap energy in the United States, this approach is flawed on multiple levels. Beyond the immediate financial considerations, there are profound ethical, environmental, social, and economic implications associated with the excessive consumption of energy, including increased carbon emissions, sustainability concerns, energy waste, and the potential loss of human lives during power grid failures.
Cheap energy may seem cost-effective in the short term, but it fails to consider the long-term financial benefits of energy-efficient buildings. High-quality construction reduces energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and long-term cost saving. An initial investment of proper insulation saves an exceeding amount over time. It’s not even comparable. Additionally, as energy costs rise as they certainly will, and environmental regulations become stricter, buildings that meet higher efficiency standards will be better positioned to adapt and avoid costly retrofits or upgrades.
We like the air circulating part of an air conditioning system. Just running the fan in my house, for example, cuts way down on dust. Germans have a good relationship with their Swiffers. Do Germans buy individual plugged in air purifiers? They don’t buy anything that costs extra to run. But regardless, forced air isn’t doing anyone any favors for the most part.
Natural air is superior to air-conditioned air due to its freshness, quality, and balanced humidity levels. Incorporating natural ventilation and passive cooling techniques in building design can create comfortable and healthier indoor environments.
The prevalence of air conditioning in American buildings can be attributed to a combination of factors including building codes, and design philosophies. However, the German approach to building standards sets a high bar for energy efficiency and sustainability, resulting in structures that require minimal artificial cooling.
We’re metal roofing and wall cladding systems manufacturers. Why the heck do we care, and what does this have to do with our aspect of the building? Plenty.
First, this really is a microcosm of American building practices on the whole. It’s sometimes easier to show people the disparities and dysfunctions of what they are dealing with in a manner easier to understand regarding something ubiquitous than trying to explain highly technical scenarios pertinent to skills in our niche trade.
Next, we’re one layer removed from an insulated envelope. For insulation, how, how much, why and what are things we need to know to ensure no adverse issues cross over into our lane. An example of many, will ice dams build up and cause issues with water displacement or snow abatement due to incorrect insulation amounts.
We are passionate about elevating building standards. Awareness is the first step. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it makes sense. Be cognizant of anchoring biases. If you’re a planner or an installer and this is all new to you, thanks for having an open mind. Thanks for being open to a better way. Whether you’d like consultation or in person technical instruction, we’ve got your back! We’re here to make your life better and if we work together, we can change the world for the better!
And by the way, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. We can calculate how much insulation any building in any area will need to eliminate any need for air heating and cooling. We know how to plan to avoid moisture build up and other technical pitfalls, too. If you are looking for a metal roof and or wall and elevating building standards with a mind toward cost effectiveness and sane building practices sounds good to you, you know on whom you can call to make this happen.