FBI Welcomes Renovation Bonus 2026 - A Boost for Construction Industry and Property Owners
October 3, 2025 - The Austrian Research Association of the Construction Materials Industry (FBI) has expressed strong support for the newly announced funding initiative aimed at thermally and energetically renovating buildings, marking a significant opportunity for the construction sector, employment rates, local economic growth, and the achievement of climate objectives.
The FBI has applauded the renovation offensive introduced by Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig, particularly the revival of the renovation bonus. Given the current tight budgetary conditions, the association views this initiative as a positive development. Approximately half of the buildings in Austria are reported to require substantial renovations. The new funding measures are expected to create incentives for essential thermal renovations, provide businesses with planning security, and bolster the economy, regional value creation, employment, and environmental efforts. The FBI considers these measures crucial for transitioning to more efficient, climate-resilient buildings.
According to Georg Bursik, the chairman of the FBI, thermal renovations not only enhance local economic contributions and job security but also improve the quality of living and working environments. He emphasized that the renovation bonus for 2026 is a strategic move by the government during challenging economic times. Despite budget constraints, the initiative has managed to compile an appealing package for renovations. He encouraged property owners to take advantage of this opportunity, stating that thermal renovation is an effective way to reduce energy costs and ensure long-term property value retention.
Moreover, a scientific study conducted by University Professor Friedrich Schneider and Martin Reindl, commissioned by Baumit, underscores the necessity and effectiveness of funding for thermal renovations. The analysis focused on the state funding of measures for the renovation of external walls and revealed that such initiatives could increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by a factor of approximately 3.80, while the income growth factor stands at around 1.73. This indicates that the economic benefits generated by the funding far exceed the costs involved.
The FBI has been uniting leading construction material manufacturers since 1989, acting as a collaborative platform for innovation and advocacy. The association promotes interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and networking to facilitate resource-efficient, effective construction practices and to develop future-ready living and working spaces. It also offers a comprehensive educational program aimed at the training and development of educators and professionals, particularly in technical educational institutions, universities, the construction industry, and member companies. Key members include Baumit, BMI, Doka, Domoferm, Helopal, Internorm, Saint-Gobain, Roto Frank DST, Schiedel, and Wienerberger.
For further inquiries, please contact:
FBI - Research Association of the Austrian Construction Industry
Katharina Sigl, MAS, MSc., MBA, MA
Managing Director
Phone: +43 676 31 72 901
Email: office@fbi-forschungsverband.at