Action plan for energy savings

The climate crisis alone should actually be enough to establish more efficient energy-saving measures as an urgent field of action for public institutions, companies and private households. However, since the acute threat to the energy situation posed by the war in Ukraine and the associated sanctions against Russia, the pressure on all stakeholders is now increasing.

Saving energy harbours opportunities

Every kilowatt hour saved helps to reduce our dependence on Russian gas. And: every kilowatt hour saved is the most effective method of reducing costs and CO₂ emissions. If energy saving is also accompanied by measures to use energy more efficiently or even to promote the use of environmentally friendly, renewable energy sources, all the better. For the climate.
The list is not static and is constantly evolving.

What does the legislation say?

Since September 2022, the legislator has been calling on stakeholders to introduce effective efficiency and energy-saving measures in the short and medium term by way of ordinance. Public institutions, companies and private households should all work together to avoid energy shortages and the resulting emergency situations, especially a potential gas shortage in winter.
The „Ordinance on Medium-Term Measures to Secure the Energy Supply“ adopted by the legislator currently applies. It is still in force until 30 September 2024.

Municipalities act as role models - smart solutions instead of bans

Local authorities have a special role model function here. In an "inspiration list", which goes beyond the legally prescribed energy-saving measures, the DGNB initiative "Climate-positive cities and municipalities" offers further suggestions and potential savings for cities and municipalities with the help of the participating municipalities. Measures that could lead to social/societal problems have been deliberately avoided. The list available for download at the beginning of the text also favours smart solutions rather than bans.