Startup Unocconi Tackles Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Unocconi GmbH, a startup founded by former Mercedes-Benz industrial engineer Steffen Nittbaur and his son Valentin, is tackling energy efficiency in the building sector. Their focus? Recovering heat from shower wastewater, a method not yet widespread in Germany due to regulatory hurdles.
Steffen, who holds a master's in environmental sciences, saw the potential in decentralized energy recovery systems. He noted that while regulations like the Heating Costs Ordinance aim to improve energy consumption transparency, they also create administrative and technical burdens. Key challenges include complex conformity and control requirements for ventilation and energy recovery devices, and ensuring correct operation under various pressure conditions.
Despite these hurdles, Unocconi GmbH believes that shower water energy recovery is one of the most efficient energy-saving measures in the building sector. They aim to simplify these processes and make the technology more accessible. Valentin, with his background in business administration, works full-time at the company to help drive this mission.
As energy prices rise and the European emissions trading system gains prominence, energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. Unocconi GmbH, with its innovative approach to energy recovery, is poised to contribute to this growing demand, despite the regulatory challenges in Germany.
