An objective of 30% energy savings for Europe?s pioneer

Although Germany has already managed to reach 20% of renewable energy in its energy mix (18% in 2009 according to Enerdata),  the nation distinguishes itself from its European neighbors with a particularly ambitious energy savings goal. By setting a 30% objective for the reduction of energy demand, Germany intends to surpass the other EU member states.

Is it too soon to proclaim the ?German miracle? of energy savings? Germany?s model remains rather anonymous, despite having obtained very tangible results since its 2006 inception.

The three pillars of Germany?s energy efficiency initiative

The German approach is based on three pillars, progressively put into place since 2002, whose cornerstone legislation is the Energy Conservation Act of 2002.

The three pillars:

• Reduce the energy demand through a binding legal framework that imposes energy performance improvement obligations on buildings and an increased use of renewable energy sources by electricity suppliers.




• Propose financial incentives via subsidies and loans to reduce buildings? energy consumption at all administrative levels – federal, regional and municipal. At the federal rung, these incentives are offered by the public investment bank, with strong financial backing from the German government.

• Create awareness to change energy behaviors by working at the regional and local levels, not only developing applicable standards through Energu Performance Certificates, but also supporting pilot projects all over the country.
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