- Criticism of budget cuts for energy consultancy
Reduced funding for energy consultations could significantly hinder the energy-efficient renovation of residential buildings, according to industry opinion. "The already poor renovation rate of 0.7 percent will further drift away from the target of two percent, and climate goals will also recede," warned the Federal Association of Energy-Efficient Building Envelopes. The Ministry of Economics had previously announced that due to the tense federal budget situation, the funding rates would have to be reduced from the current 80 percent to 50 percent of the eligible consultation fee as of August 7.
The energy consultation has been very successful in Germany, the association explained. It supports, for example, property owners who are now very uncertain due to the debate surrounding the Heating Law. "The federal government should urgently reconsider the reduction in funding and examine whether unused funds can be transferred elsewhere," the association demanded. A weakening of energy consultation would threaten climate protection.
According to the ministry, energy consultations are currently in higher demand than ever. Therefore, the funding rates need to be adjusted. The maximum grant amount will also be halved. "Through the reduction, as many interested parties as possible will continue to be able to receive a subsidized energy consultation in the future, and the programs can be maintained at a good level," it said. In addition, it will remain the case that window replacement or external wall insulation will be more strongly subsidized if an individual renovation plan has been created with the help of energy consultation.
The reduction in funding for energy consultations may impede the progress of energy-efficient renovations, thereby negatively affecting climate protection. The association strongly advocates for the government to reconsider this decision and explore the possibility of redirecting unused funds, recognizing the threat to climate protection posed by a weakening of energy consultation.
