As at: October 2006

Please note: an updated version of this text is available in German. The English translation is in process and will be available here shortly.

Buildings

The greatest improvements in energy efficiency can be made with heating, hot water, and larger domestic appliances. Apart from petrol or diesel for vehicles, almost 90 percent of domestic energy consumption in Germany goes on heating and hot water. Space heating accounts for the major share by far – i.e. around three-quarters of domestic energy consumption, with much of this being lost through walls, windows, the roof, doors or floors. Old boilers and oversized, incorrectly set and inefficient circulating pumps also send electricity and heating consumption soaring.

So better insulation for existing buildings and innovative concepts for new builds offer the greatest potential for energy saving – after all, who wants to heat the street instead of the home? In existing buildings, there is scope to reduce the energy requirement by as much as 90 percent in some cases, with the average saving amounting to around 50 percent.

Further information:

• Questions and Answers: Energy Efficiency Tips for Buildings and Heating