Project Facts
Location
Austria
Waizenkirchen
Project Volume
100.000-500.000 EUR
Applied Financing Solutions
Grants, Concessional Loans, Private Equity
Project Dates
Start: 2014
In operation since/from: 2018
The Story
In Austria land consumption poses a significant challenge. Every day an area the size of approximately twenty football fields is being sealed. New buildings are being built left, right and center. Existing houses decay and stay abandoned, because it is a lot easier to build a new house instead of carrying out a complicated refurbishment.
Bernhard Scharinger took over an old farmhouse from his mother in November 2014 and started a full refurbishment of the building and the courtyard. The goal was not only to preserve the character of this building, but also to refurbish it in an ecologically efficient way. Additionally, it was possible to install 160 monocrystalline photovoltaic modules with an electric capacity of 49,6 kWp on the roof, which could generate enough green electricity for the whole village.
The materials for construction and insulation were purchased regionally and most of them are made from renewable material such as wooden fiber insulation plates or blown cellulose insulation. The building is heated by a thermal solar power plant and efficient woodchip heating system, whereby the biomass is obtained locally.
Success Factor | Hero Moment
This story shows how a private initiative can contribute to more sustainability in Austria and that everybody can be part of the solution. It is a role model case of how to refurbish an old building using ecological materials and installing renewable energy creating a high quality of life. In addition, this project has involved local companies in order to create regional added value by setting an example.
Submitter
Private project by Bernhard Scharinger, Austria
Contact Mail
scharinger.bj@gmx.net
