Figure 17 shows the reduction in the demand for energy used for space heating in residential buildings in Germany. It was achieved in spite of the increase in residential floor space. Accordingly, the energy intensity of space heating fell from 151 kWh/m² to 136 kWh/m² between 2008 and 2015. 85 Figure 17: Final energy consumption and intensity for space heating - private household sector Since space heating accounts for a major share of final energy consumption by homes, increasing the energy efficiency of the building stock is an important tool for the energy transition.