Germany introduces far-reaching measures on buildings’ energy efficiency 02-05-2007 At the end of 2007, the German federal government will introduce mandatory
energy certificates for existing buildings. This was announced by Mr Wolfgang
Tiefensee, the federal minister of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, at the
EU/G8 conference ‘Energy efficiency – Shaping tomorrow’s world’. “The
certificate will give tenants and purchasers a clear overview of the heating and
hot water costs they can expect, creating the necessary transparency on the
property market”, said Mr Tiefensee.
Besides the introduction of the energy certificate, Germany has also set
ambitious goals with regard to buildings’ energy efficiency standards. The
energy balance of new buildings will have to be improved by up to 30 per cent.
The same is to apply to existing buildings if they are extensively modernised.
Mr Tiefensee explained Germany’s commitment to improved energy efficiency of
buildings: “Climate change and the efficient use of energy are closely
interlinked. Enhancing energy efficiency benefits the purse and the environment.
Buildings account for around 20 per cent of CO2 emissions in Germany. With the
right energy efficiency measures, home owners and tenants could save around 40
billion euros in heating costs between now and 2020.”
Source: Germany 2007 – Presidency of the European Union back |
| ||
 | ||
| ||
| | |
