In the current market environment, which has shown a preference for properties with high ESG ratings since the interest rate turnaround and the increasing demand for renewable energies in the real estate sector, the energy-efficient transformation of buildings is gaining importance. While properties with positive ESG ratings experience value appreciation, those with poor ratings tend to suffer value losses. It is in this context that the Berlin-based company Fuchs & Eule, a specialist in energy and refurbishment consulting, positions itself.
A funding round of EUR 10 million was concluded under the leadership of GET Fund as the main investor. Other capital providers include new investors PI Impact and WaVe-X, as well as existing investors SET Ventures, Picus Capital, and Realyze Ventures. The acquired funds are to be strategically invested in expanding the digital business model, particularly in AI technologies, intelligent screening procedures, data-based analyses, and individual refurbishment consultations. The objective is to comprehensively transform real estate portfolios to be energy-efficient and to enable precise, data-driven refurbishment decisions that promote value appreciation of the assets.
Range of Services and Market Relevance
Fuchs & Eule offers professional portfolio holders a data-based service portfolio. The process begins with AI-supported portfolio screening, which identifies buildings with the highest refurbishment and value appreciation potential. Based on this, experts create detailed building analyses and digital twins, from which economically viable refurbishment measures are derived. The offering is complemented by grant and funding advice and support, assisting clients from programme selection to application submission. This method addresses the heterogeneity of the building stock in Germany, as a universal refurbishment solution for residential and commercial properties does not exist. Specific expertise is a crucial success factor for the sustainable retrofitting of properties here.
An evaluation of Fuchs & Eule's completed projects demonstrates an average CO₂ saving of 21.6 tonnes per building per year. This underscores the effectiveness of the technologies used. Dr. Tobias Frese, Co-CEO of Fuchs & Eule, noted that the biggest challenge is not the willingness to refurbish, but the complexity of the decisions, which are made manageable by AI-supported analyses and recommendations for action. Dr. Isabelle Canu, Partner at GET Fund, highlighted that Fuchs & Eule translates building physics insights into tailored, energetically and economically sensible refurbishment measures. This individual approach convinced the investors.
Regulatory Requirements and Future Prospects
The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive sets high standards for energy refurbishment. This directive mandates that by 2030, 16 per cent, and by 2033, 26 per cent of non-residential buildings with the worst energy performance across the EU must be refurbished. Without specific expertise, these timelines cannot be met. Dr. Till Stenzel, Partner at SET Ventures, emphasised that Fuchs & Eule addresses one of the most relevant decarbonisation levers in Europe. Lotte Stoltenborgh, Investment Manager at PI Impact, added that Fuchs & Eule's model combines highly detailed data, powerful AI-supported calculations, and profound specialist knowledge to support informed decisions.
