Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3.4.3 Information and Motivation: National Information
and Communication Programs
One of the most important steps to promote the energetic refurbishment of
buildings is the dissemination of information both for the users and for the pro-
fessionals. The 'House of the Future' campaign and CO
2
building refurbishment
programme are launched by the BMVBS and are part of the German support
strategy. The main objectives are the motivation and information of consumers/
owners, tenants, professionals of the building sector and the construction industry
regarding energy efficient solutions and renewable energy alternatives (Bigalke
et al.
2012
; Schimschar et al.
2013b
).
The 'Climate Seeks Protection' campaign is carried out by co2online GmbH
and is cofunded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. The
objective of the campaign is to motivate consumers (private households, trade and
commerce) to get informed and to invest in energy efficiency heating and cooling
systems and energy-related building refurbishments. The main components are
online advises, prize competitions and media campaigns (co2online
2012
).
3.4.4 Market Transparency and Quality Assurance
An important quality assurance instrument has been implemented with the EnEV
2009 amendment. Thus, a written declaration of the construction company has to
be provided that certificates that all changes in the building and installed systems
and equipment meet the requirements of the EnEV (Bigalke et al.
2012
).
For the motivation of the households and building owners, it is also important to
get access to professional advice assuring the selection of the best and most cost-
effective refurbishment options. Thus, a list of energy efficiency experts for federal
funding programmes was implemented in 2011. Qualified professionals can reg-
ister in this database for the programmes 'on-site energy advice' from the BAFA
(see
Sect. 3.3.3
)
and KfW programme 431 'Energy Efficient Refurbishment—
Refurbishment supervision'. Companies or private users can then search for a
qualified professional according to the location and specialisation (Bigalke et al.
2012
).
Another list of energy-related services is offered by the 'Federal Office for
Energy Efficiency' (BfEE). This is a list of providers/suppliers of energy services,
energy audits and different energy efficiency measures.
3.4.5 Research and Pilot Projects
It is very important to assess the energy efficiency potential in the building sector
and therefore allowing the appropriate promotion of innovative, reliable and
affordable solutions and ensuring their entry into the market. For this purpose, the
German Ministries implemented many programmes related to applied investigation.
A selection is presented here.
