Energy efficiency

The Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has removed around a third of the 550 questions previously included in its energy monitoring. One of the reasons for this is a "reduction in bureaucracy". There are deletions in each of the ten questionnaires. The "Energy and Construction" team of the German Federation of Consumer Advice Centres and Consumer Associations (vzbv) criticizes this development because it...

People with a regular income may also be able to claim social benefits for high heating costs. On the one hand, this assistance is possible if an independent contract has been concluded with a gas supplier. On the other hand, they can also be applied for if the costs are settled with the landlord through the utility bill. The consumer advice center points this out...

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) is receiving funding of around 4.3 million euros from the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg. This budget is earmarked for measures to increase energy efficiency and to secure research operations under the current energy challenges. The funding will be used for structural...

Renewable energies achieved a record share of 59.7% (260.68 terawatt hours) of net public electricity generation in Germany in 2023. Electricity generation from fossil fuels amounted to 38.8 percent (169.38 TWh) and 1.5 percent (6.72 TWh) of the electricity generated came from nuclear energy. This is according to a publication by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems...

The increase in CO2 prices from 2027 would mean an additional burden for 18.6 million households in Germany. This would be the case even if a so-called climate money were to be introduced. This is the result of a study by the IMK of the Hans Böckler Foundation. Among those affected are middle-income owners who own older properties in rural areas. The reason for this is that...

KfW offers subsidies for the installation of climate-friendly heating systems in private residential properties. Interested parties can find out about the requirements and details on the KfW website and register in the customer portal from Thursday, February 1, in order to submit funding applications. From the end of February (probably Tuesday, February 27), owners of single-family homes will be able to apply for...

From 2024, the Building Energy Act (GEG) will require the use of renewable energies for new heating systems, with hydrogen being considered as a possible alternative to natural gas. Despite the compatibility of hydrogen with existing heating technologies and gas networks, there are currently no heating systems that can be operated exclusively with hydrogen. The energy consultancy of the...

The "Energetic Neighborhood Quarter Fliegerhorst Oldenburg" (ENaQ) has won the ODH-Quartier Award 2023 in the "Integration" category. The project, led by the Oldenburg information technology institute OFFIS, has been recognized for its progressive energy concept in the Helleheide residential district.ENaQ is characterized by modern technologies such as PV systems, heat pumps and electrical and...

From 2024, changes in the area of energy saving will come into force. The energy advice service of the consumer advice center points this out. One major change is the amendment to the Building Energy Act (GEG). From January 1, 2024, new buildings in new development areas must install heating systems that use at least 65% renewable energy. For existing buildings outside of...

Properties with high energy efficiency will achieve up to 33 percent higher market prices in 2023 compared to properties with low efficiency. This applies to both new builds and energy-efficient refurbished homes. These are the findings of a study conducted by ImmobilienScout24 on behalf of the German Energy Efficient Building Envelope Association (BuVEG). The average value advantage of...