Minimally invasive, decentralized, and high-quality renovation solutions with net-zero emissions and a performance guarantee - that is the promise of GAP solution GmbH. "We keep what we promise," emphasizes Dipl. Ing. Mag. Johann Aschauer, Managing Director and Founder. "We can create a really great plus energy house."

Energy revolution from Dimbach

The story of GAP solution GmbH began in 1992, when Johann Aschauer, as the founder of Austria's first independent energy consulting institute, became involved with the topic of transparent thermal insulation, which was originally developed by the Fraunhofer Institute.

Following the reconditioning and presentation of the GAP solar honeycomb as a clean solution for large-volume building renovations, the energy revolution began from Dimbach in Upper Austria.

There, the company manufactures key products such as honeycomb panels and concrete collector elements. Other competencies, for example timber construction, are organized by GAP solution within the framework of projects in networks. The portfolio includes the glass facade GAP:skin, which, together with the ventilation solution GAP:air and the hot water supply GAP:water, ensures a comfortable and sustainable living climate.

"Our patented facade enables a unique building envelope, free from any heat loss," explains the managing director. "Buildings from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s are thus transformed into energy-optimized buildings. We had to work the market as a lone fighter for 20 years, but with the Net-Zero campaign, things got easier for us. In the last few years, over 250,000 m2 have been installed, achieving CO2 savings of approximately 1.25 GWh. In 2022, we were even awarded the Business Award Berlin."

Today, GAP is firmly established in the renovation sector and takes over the entire management from the concept to the supervision of construction. As a total provider of Net-Zero solutions, the company now develops and realizes multi-family homes up to eight stories. For the housing association WWS Herford, the company has renovated four residential buildings with 24 housing units and created real plus-energy houses. Another large project with 112 housing units is currently being implemented with Vonovia.

Creating new regulations

Renovating complete residential quarters is the goal of GAP solution GmbH in the future, to stop climate change. The company has created the necessary foundation to scale up its activities within a very short time without any difficulties.

"For this purpose, the first cooperation agreements with major industrial partners are currently being prepared," says Johann Aschauer. "Moreover, we need to establish financing solutions to achieve independence from volatile markets. The energetic transformation of the housing sector should be offered as a service. If we renovate properly once, then we have peace for 40 to 50 years and are truly sustainable. That's why we advocate for renovation according to new building standards. In construction, we must consider the life cycle costs over the entire usage space. If we invest just 10% more in construction costs, we will see significant savings in the long run. It would be a great wish if politics would create the appropriate regulations. It is important that the energy savings can be passed on. Therefore, a transition from net rent to gross rent and/or an adaptation of the refinancing of the renovation measures to the useful life of the objects is necessary."