This week, as a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), I had the opportunity to receive a compact update on ESG topics. The commercial law firm GvW Graf von Westphalen, together with ULI, had invited to their Frankfurt office in the Westend First office building. The two lawyers, Dr. Sebastian Rohrer and Alina Sturm explained the legal implementation of ESG obligations and their challenges in tenancy and energy law. The main topic of the evening was the switch to green energy. New legal regulations were introduced at the turn of the year.
Solar obligation for photovoltaic systems (PV systems)
There is no nationwide obligation to install solar systems on or at specific properties. Each federal state has its regulations. From January 1, 2025, several federal states have extended the solar obligation. However, no legal provisions exist for a solar obligation in the federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
Building Electromobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG)
The GEIG implements EU requirements to promote electric mobility and has brought about the following changes since the turn of 2025:
Existing buildings: non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces must provide at least one charging point for electric vehicles.
New buildings: In new non-residential buildings with more than six parking spaces, every third parking space must have the wiring infrastructure for electric mobility, and at least one charging point must be installed.
Carbon Dioxide Cost Allocation Act (CO2KostAufG)
The CO2KostAufG regulates the allocation of CO₂ costs between landlords and tenants. As of 01.01.2025, the price for a tonne of CO₂ was further increased from €45 to €55. This will lead to higher costs for fossil fuels such as heating oil and natural gas.
My sincere thanks to the organizers for an informative event and the hospitality of the commercial law firm GvW Graf von Westphalen with a great view of the Frankfurt skyline.





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