German authorities have agreed on new measures to save energy in winter, Handelsblatt reports. According to the government decree the temperature of offices and public institutions in Germany from September will not exceed 19 degrees Celsius, and corridors, foyers and technical rooms will not be heated at all. In addition, the lighting of buildings and monuments will be turned off at night, and illuminated outdoor advertising will be banned.
In order to save energy, the heating temperature in offices and public institutions in Germany will not exceed 19 degrees Celsius from September. The German government passed a regulation to this effect on Wednesday, Handelsblatt reports.
Until now, the recommended minimum temperature for public buildings has been 20 degrees Celsius. Corridors, foyers and technical rooms will no longer be heated at all. The new rules will be valid for six months,
In addition, the lighting of buildings and monuments will be turned off from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Illuminated outdoor advertisements will also be banned at night. Not only institutions will be affected by the restrictions: the use of electricity or natural gas for heating swimming pools in private residences will also be stopped.
It is also planned to suspend the provisions concerning minimum temperatures in rental contracts. Not later than the start of the heating season, gas suppliers and owners of large residential buildings will be obliged to inform customers or tenants about expected energy consumption figures, future costs and potential savings.
“The federal government has consistently pursued a policy of overcoming its dependence on energy supplies from Russia,” Economy Minister Robert Habeck said. He said it is crucial to save considerably more gas – in public administration, at companies and in as many private households as possible. “We have a nationwide effort to make, and this requires close cooperation between government, business and society, between the federal government, the states, municipalities, social partners, trade unions, retailers and associations as well as civil society. Everyone’s contribution is important,” he stressed.
The government passed another regulation on Wednesday, but it has yet to be approved by the Bundesrat. It provides for mandatory annual heating inspections for buildings equipped with gas systems, Handelsblatt says.
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