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Former Mercedes-Benz Engineer Launches Unocconi to Tackle Shower Water Heat Recovery

Meet Unocconi, the startup turning shower water into a heat source. Despite regulatory hurdles, this innovative approach could significantly improve Germany's energy efficiency.

In the image we can see this is a basin, water tap, mirror, lamp, window, door, western toilet,...
In the image we can see this is a basin, water tap, mirror, lamp, window, door, western toilet, stool, chair, bathing tub and a carpet. This is a page of a book and this is a printed text.

Former Mercedes-Benz Engineer Launches Unocconi to Tackle Shower Water Heat Recovery

A former Mercedes-Benz employee, Steffen Nittbaur, has launched Unocconi, a startup focusing on a novel energy-saving technology: recovering energy from shower water. Despite its efficiency, this method is little-known in Germany due to regulatory hurdles.

Nittbaur, who holds a master's degree in environmental sciences, left his 25-year career at Mercedes-Benz to pursue this venture. He co-founded Unocconi GmbH in Filderstadt with his son Valentin, who joined full-time in 2025 after earning a dual business administration degree.

The company initially found success in Germany's water treatment systems sector before regulatory changes in drinking water certification. Now, they aim to tackle decentralized energy recovery from shower water, one of the most efficient energy-saving measures in the building sector. This method has remained largely untapped due to regulatory barriers, but Unocconi is determined to overcome these obstacles.

As energy prices soar and the European emissions trading system gains traction, energy efficiency has become a pressing concern. Nittbaur's innovative approach could significantly contribute to this effort.

Unocconi, led by Steffen and Valentin Nittbaur, is poised to revolutionize shower water heat recovery in Germany. Despite regulatory challenges, the company's success in water treatment systems and the growing importance of energy efficiency bode well for its future. As it continues to innovate and adapt to changing regulations, Unocconi could play a significant role in enhancing Germany's energy efficiency.

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