Energy efficiency

The Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv) is calling for more intensive financial support for low-income households in the heating transition. The vzbv criticizes the fact that the planned state funding for the replacement of outdated heating systems by the federal government is inadequate. This position is supported in an updated statement on the proposed amendment to the...

The Federal Cabinet has passed an amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). This is intended to drive forward the development of a hydrogen core network in Germany. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Robert Habeck emphasizes: "Our goal is to quickly ramp up the hydrogen market in order to further promote the decarbonization of economic sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions...

Quarter-axis wind turbines produced using a 3D printer are set to serve as a sustainable energy source for schools in the future. The Constructor University in Bremen-Nord is currently working on a corresponding research project together with the district of Friesland. The quarter-axis wind turbines are being produced using an industrial Delta 3D printer at the university. Afterwards...

An amendment to the law can significantly accelerate the spread of digital electricity meters - known as smart meters - in Germany. These advanced metering systems are to be used across the board in households and companies by 2032. The law ensures legal certainty for the rapid installation of smart meters, responds to criticism from the Federal Council and...

Thanks to the new version of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), operators of home photovoltaic systems have benefited from more favorable conditions since the beginning of the year. This is the opinion of the energy advice service of the consumer advice center. Funding has been extended, remuneration rates increased and bureaucratic obstacles and taxes reduced. These changes particularly affect systems with a...

At the second Photovoltaics Summit, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Robert Habeck presented a strategy to strengthen photovoltaics. The strategy includes action plans in eleven areas, ranging from energy policy and securing skilled workers to technology development. "Photovoltaics is one of the cheapest sources of energy and is one of the...

Sustainability is evolving from a marketing asset to a business necessity for companies. This is the conclusion of the Fraunhofer IPK trend report. Due to raw material shortages and rising energy prices, resource-efficient practices are becoming increasingly important. Using data-based methods and intelligent control technology, companies could find the most energy-efficient...

The Building Owners' Protection Association (BSB) criticizes the current draft of the law to amend the Building Energy Act (GEG) as being too narrowly defined and not sufficiently open to technology. In a statement submitted to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction (BMWSB), the BSB criticizes the neglect of...

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology FIT is looking for 30 test households for the "SAM Smart" research project. The research project aims to improve the data protection and security of smart home devices. To this end, practical, user-friendly solutions are to be developed that give users an overview of their stored data and how it is used.

How can water be saved in private households? Energy expert Stefan Materne from the consumer advice center gives advice. For example, consumers can save up to 70 percent water by turning off the tap while soaping their hands or brushing their teeth. Those who replace bathing with showering and use an energy-saving shower head can also save water. However, be...