Student
Projekt
energyECO
The Knowledge Foundation is committed to sustainable solutions and applicable knowledge. That is why we are delighted to support the measurement project run by Berlin-based schoolchildren's joint-stock company energyECO, which systematically records indoor air temperatures in Berlin schools during the heating season with the aim of making building operations more energy-efficient.
Who is energyECO?
energyECO is a student company at the Robert-Havemann-Gymnasium in Berlin-Karow, consisting of seven committed students and led by several former students who are now at university. Without a supervising teacher, Germany's youngest energy consultants organise themselves independently and develop innovative concepts for energy saving. They now also offer their consulting services to other schools, carry out particulate matter measurements and energy analyses at schools, organise ventilation competitions and have published their own energy consulting handbook. Their work has already been presented at the IdeenEXPO 2024 in Hanover and was awarded the audience prize of the KlimaSchutzPartner Berlin network in 2025.
The project idea
In spring 2024, a short study conducted by energyECO showed that in several Berlin schools, the room temperature was kept at a constant 20 degrees or higher during the heating period – even on weekends and during holidays. This indicates a high degree of unnecessary energy waste. According to the responsible district councillor, the causes lie, among other things, in outdated and worn-out heating systems. In order to generate representative measurement data and use it to derive effective energy-saving measures, energyECO is calling for a comprehensive measurement campaign in numerous school buildings of different ages and types. The aim is to optimise energy consumption, apply sustainable energy management in a practical manner and raise awareness of energy consumption.
Implementation and cooperation
Thanks to cooperation with DGNB and pre-financing by Wissensstiftung, 50 high-quality temperature sensors were purchased. Measurements will begin in the winter half-year 2025/2026. Data will be collected both during school hours and during the holidays in order to comprehensively analyse building operations.
During a visit in July 2025, we were able to get an idea of the technical equipment and the first test measurements, which already provided valuable insights. The Pankow district office has approved the measurements in eleven selected schools.
Next steps:
• Evaluation of test results by the end of November 2025
• Detailed planning of measurements by the end of December 2025
• Informing school administrators about the procedure and scope of the measurements
• Carrying out the measurements in the winter semester of 2025/2026
• Ongoing communication and support from the Knowledge Foundation
Why we support this project:
• The project is an important step towards greater energy efficiency in Berlin's educational buildings.
• It provides valid data and reliable findings as a basis for meaningful improvements.
• The project is being implemented independently by committed school pupils and is being scientifically monitored.
• It raises awareness of the considerable backlog in the energy modernisation of schools.
• It impressively demonstrates how young people are actively contributing to climate protection.
• energyECO imparts practical, sustainable knowledge and raises awareness of energy consumption.
• The knowledge foundation sees itself as a multiplier and promoter of practical, sustainable solutions – especially among the younger generation.
We are proud to accompany energyECO on this journey and look forward to the next steps in this exciting project.
Interim report 27 January 2026
In December 2025, 50 temperature sensors were prepared for use. Three defective devices were replaced. All sensors were then configured uniformly. The devices were fully equipped with mounting brackets and brief information sheets for teachers and packed in two cases to ensure smooth installation on site.
In mid-December, two teams installed the sensors at ten schools in the Pankow district. The focus was on the Buch and Karow neighbourhoods, with additional locations in the central and southern parts of the district. Contrary to the original plan, which called for the sensors to be distributed among the schools, approximately three sensors were installed per school building.
Over the holidays, around 45 sensors reliably recorded data. In addition, four sensors were installed at the same location to determine the typical deviation of the measurements under identical conditions and to better classify the measurement uncertainty.
The sensors were collected again in the second week of January. All data was successfully read and processed in a structured manner. Initial qualitative observations indicate that approximately half of the schools did not reduce their heating sufficiently, including one of the newest school buildings in Pankow.
The data will be systematically evaluated in the coming weeks. At the same time, additional information on the buildings, the heating systems and possible use during the holidays will be collected. On this basis, a report will be prepared, which is expected to be presented to political decision-makers at the end of February/beginning of March and made public through a press release.
