Schools and public sector buildings

Market reality: Energy efficiency determines budget flexibility

For many municipalities and public authorities, a significant share of annual budgets is absorbed by energy and operating costs. Every decision related to energy retrofits therefore has a direct impact on public finances – often for decades. At the same time, it is frequently unclear which measures deliver the greatest effect and in what sequence investments should be made.

This is where Metabuild creates clarity. Simulation-based analysis and precise cost models reveal how different measures affect energy demand, operating costs and investment requirements. Budgets can be directed to where they measurably relieve financial pressure – rather than being tied up in isolated actions with uncertain impact.

Our approach: Data-driven investment decisions instead of isolated measures

Metabuild provides transparency where it is most urgently needed: the economic impact of energy-related measures.
Through simulation-based analysis and robust cost modelling, we identify which investments in existing buildings truly reduce budget pressure – and which do not.

This makes it clear:

• which measures deliver measurable reductions in energy consumption,
• how operating costs evolve over time,
• which investment sequence achieves the greatest overall effect.

The result is not a list of measures, but a solid decision basis for efficient use of public funds.

Structured retrofit roadmaps instead of costly individual actions

Rather than reactive, isolated interventions, Metabuild develops optimised retrofit roadmaps. We consider remaining service lives of components and systems, prioritise investments by impact and avoid redundant work. This ensures budgets are used efficiently, prevents multi-million losses and makes modernisation predictable over the long term.

Maintenance and data management under control

Schools and other public buildings often suffer from fragmented data: spreadsheet chaos, missing interfaces and disconnected studies. Metabuild creates digital twins that consolidate all building data centrally – including age, condition, remaining service life, costs and ESG-related data points. The data model is scalable and tailored precisely to the needs of operators or public owners. Fragmented information becomes a reliable control basis for maintenance, modernisation and cost planning.

Indoor comfort considered across the entire lifecycle

In schools and public buildings, energy efficiency must never come at the expense of usability. Indoor temperatures, air quality and daylight directly affect concentration, performance and wellbeing of students, teachers and staff. Poor comfort leads to acceptance issues, higher absenteeism and, over time, reduced usability.

Future-ready public buildings therefore combine economic operation with high-quality indoor environments.

Scientifically robust, proven in practice

Our methodology builds on more than eight years of experience and has been developed in multiple EU research projects. All variants are simulated using the internationally leading calculation engine EnergyPlus and enriched with precise quantity take-offs and cost assessments. For regulatory compliance, we work in line with DIN 18599. The result is decision-grade output trusted by public owners, operators and financing institutions alike.