7 effective tips on energy efficiency and funding opportunities in the DACH region: A guide to a sustainable future
Welcome to the future of sustainable energy efficiency! If you are looking for ways to protect the environment and reduce your energy costs at the same time, then you have come to the right place. In this article you will find seven practical tips to help you create an environmentally friendly and cost-saving future.
We understand that sustainability is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. We would like to inspire you to take action and do your bit to conserve our resources.
From small changes in everyday life to large investments in renewable energies – we have put together a variety of tips and advice to help you optimise your energy efficiency and minimise your environmental impact at the same time.
Stay tuned and find out how you can not only save the environment but also reduce your energy costs by switching to sustainable energy and using resources efficiently. A more sustainable future is within reach – let’s get there together.
The importance of sustainable energy efficiency
Climate change is becoming ever more present, there’s no denying that. We should therefore take measures to reduce our energy consumption and find sustainable solutions. Sustainable energy efficiency refers to the efficient use of energy in order to minimise our impact on the environment and save costs at the same time.
One of the main causes of climate change is the consumption of fossil fuels for energy production. However, by increasing energy efficiency, we can reduce our demand for fossil fuels and switch to renewable energies instead. This not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also helps us to be less dependent on fluctuating energy prices.
The significance of the different energy efficiency classes
Before we look at specific tips for improving energy efficiency, it is important to understand the different energy efficiency classes. Energy efficiency classes are used to assess and compare the energy consumption of appliances and buildings. The higher the energy efficiency class, the more energy-efficient the appliance or building is.
Choosing the right energy efficiency class
The energy efficiency classes range from A (very energy efficient) to G (less energy efficient). When buying new appliances, you should always pay attention to the energy efficiency class to ensure that you choose energy-efficient appliances. So when buying a fridge or washing machine, pay attention to the energy labels.
Energy label - past and present
Energy labels have evolved over time to provide consumers with clearer and more precise information about the energy efficiency of products. In the past, energy labels were mainly labelled with classes A to G, with A being the highest efficiency class. Over time, however, the requirements for energy efficiency became stricter and additional classes such as A+, A++ and A+++ were created.
New energy labels for better orientation
In order to respond to the ongoing development of technology and higher energy efficiency standards, the energy labels in the EU were revised in 2021. The new labels now range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and dispense with the plus classes. This change should make it easier for consumers to understand the efficiency of products at a glance and make more efficient purchasing decisions.
Energy labelling in Switzerland: alignment with EU standards
Switzerland has also adapted to the EU standard and uses the updated energy labels. Although Switzerland is not part of the European Union, it follows EU directives in many areas, particularly in trade and product standards, in order to simplify trade and provide consumers with consistent information. The new labels make it easier to identify energy-efficient appliances in Switzerland and promote awareness of energy consumption and the environmental impact of products.
Importance of energy labels for consumers - Conscious decisions for a sustainable future
These labels are an important signpost for consumers. They help to make conscious decisions for the energy transition and thus a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Not only are energy consumption and operating costs reduced, but it also actively contributes to environmental protection. When comparing appliances, the relationship between the price, the energy efficiency class and the long-term money savings (due to the appliance’s lower energy consumption) should therefore be a decisive factor for a sustainable purchasing decision.
The role of government incentives and measures
Government incentives and measures are an important part of promoting energy efficiency and environmental protection. They not only provide financial support, but also set important framework conditions that facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy supply.
Governments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland support private households and companies with subsidy programmes, laws and campaigns. The aim is to utilise energy-efficient technologies and reduce CO2 emissions. These measures make a major contribution to achieving national and international climate targets and shaping a sustainable future.
Germany - The German government's contribution to climate protection
The revised funding guideline for efficient buildings came into force in Germany on 1 January 2024. At the same time, the Renewable Heating Act is ushering in the energy revolution in the property sector. Switching to renewable energies when installing new heating systems is now mandatory. This is aimed at a climate-friendly heat supply that is predictable, cost-effective and stable in the medium to long term. The federal subsidy for efficient buildings – individual measures (BEG EM) supports the use of new heating systems and measures on the building envelope, among other things.
The revised funding guideline for efficient buildings came into force on 1 January 2024. This subsidy supports measures for the renovation of buildings that save energy costs in the long term and thus protect the climate. Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) here.
The Energy Efficiency Act in Germany
Another important aspect in Germany is the Energy Efficiency Act. This law sets clear framework conditions and targets for improving energy efficiency in various areas. It covers both the private and commercial sectors and includes guidelines for the use of energy in buildings, industry and transport.
The Energy Efficiency Act encourages companies and consumers to monitor and reduce their energy consumption. This contributes to an overall reduction in energy requirements and CO2 emissions. The Federal Government’s measures are intended to support the achievement of climate targets. And they motivate citizens and companies to invest in sustainable solutions.
Austria - Progress and initiatives in the field of energy efficiency
In Austria, the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) is supporting thermal building refurbishments as part of the 2023/2024 refurbishment campaign. A total of 940 million euros is available for the “out of oil and gas” subsidy programme and the renovation campaign. The aim of these campaigns is to reduce heating requirements and promote climate-neutral solutions. The subsidies apply to private individuals, businesses, associations and religious organisations and cover various measures such as the insulation of exterior walls, roofs and windows. Additional details and information on how to apply can be found at www.umweltfoerderung.at.
The Climate and Energy Fund is entering 2024 with an extensive budget to support innovative projects and initiatives in the areas of energy and mobility transition, climate change and awareness raising. The aim of the fund is to develop a CO2-free economy and society, strengthen the innovative power of domestic companies and utilise regional resources sustainably.
The fund programmes link politics, business and science. They bring innovations directly to the people in cities and communities. More information on current projects and funding can be found at www.klimafonds.gv.at. These programmes and initiatives support Austria’s goal of being climate-neutral by 2040.
Switzerland - Strategies for achieving the energy efficiency targets
Switzerland promotes energy efficiency through its building programme. This programme aims to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This programme is partly financed by the proceeds of the CO2 levy on fuels. There are also tax incentives for energy-efficient building renovations, where investments can be deducted from income tax. In addition, emission regulations for vehicles are being tightened in order to reduce overall energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
On the website energiefranken.ch you will find a comprehensive list of all the funding programmes in Switzerland for energy and mobility. This online tool provides a central information platform that is supported by SwissEnergy, a federal action programme to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies.
7 tips for reducing energy consumption at home
There are many simple steps you can take as a consumer to reduce energy consumption in your home. Here are some tips that can help you:
- Lighting: Use energy-efficient LED lamps instead of conventional light bulbs. These consume less energy and have a longer service life.
- Heating and cooling: You should make sure that your home is well insulated. This minimises heat loss in winter and heat ingress in summer. Use programmable thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature and save energy.
- Standby mode: Switch off electronic devices completely instead of leaving them in standby mode. They still consume energy in standby mode.
- Insulate your home: Good insulation can help reduce energy use by minimising heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Check the insulation in your home and add additional insulation if necessary. This reduces the energy consumption for heating and cooling.
- Invest in energy-efficient household appliances: When buying new household appliances, it is worth choosing energy-efficient models. Pay attention to the energy label. Such appliances save energy and protect the environment.
- Intelligent energy management: Use smart home systems to efficiently control and monitor your energy consumption. These systems help you to optimise the energy consumption of your appliances and save energy wherever possible.
- Correct ventilation: Regular airing instead of permanently tilting the windows ensures fresh air without unnecessarily wasting energy. This is a simple but effective method of saving energy, especially in winter.
Energy efficiency in the company
In times of the energy transition, companies play a central role. They have the opportunity to rethink and adapt their operating processes and practices in order to increase more than just their own energy efficiency. They can also make a major contribution to achieving energy-saving targets! Saving energy and achieving economic goals can go hand in hand.
An important step in this process is understanding and applying the Energy Efficiency Act as well as relevant EU Commission directives and similar national regulations. Legislation sets standards and requirements that help companies to reduce their energy consumption and operate in a more environmentally friendly way.
Another important part is the optimisation of operating processes. The aim here is to analyse existing processes and improve them by using energy-efficient devices and technologies. These measures not only help to reduce energy consumption, but can also increase the company’s overall efficiency.
In addition, regular energy audits and advice from experts are crucial for identifying potential savings. Audits offer companies the opportunity to develop and implement efficient solutions. This can lead to a significant reduction in energy consumption.
Sustainable energy efficiency in commercial buildings
There are also significant steps that can be taken to increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings. One key element here is the modernisation of the lighting systems. Replacing old lighting systems with modern, energy-saving LED lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the quality of lighting at the same time.
The optimisation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC systems) also plays a major role in saving energy. Modern, energy-efficient HVAC systems help to significantly reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. This requires not only investment in new systems, but also proper maintenance and optimisation of existing systems.
And we should not forget the use of intelligent energy management systems. These systems make it possible to monitor and control energy consumption in commercial buildings. They offer the opportunity to implement targeted energy efficiency measures, optimise energy consumption and thus save costs.
Energy-efficient appliances and technologies
You should definitely include renewable energy sources in your energy plan. Here are three ways you can do this:
-
Installation of solar systems: Solar energy is one of the best known and most frequently used renewable energy sources. By installing solar panels on your roof, you can generate your own clean electricity and reduce your energy consumption from the grid. Solar energy is not only environmentally friendly, but can also lead to considerable savings in energy costs in the long term.
-
Utilisation of wind energy: If your location is suitable, you should also consider installing small wind turbines to harness wind energy. These turbines can generate electricity to help meet your energy needs. Wind energy has proven to be an effective solution, especially in areas with high wind speeds.
-
Geothermal heating: Geothermal energy utilises the natural heat of the earth to heat buildings. By installing a geothermal heating system, you reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and cut your CO2 emissions. Geothermal systems are particularly efficient as they supply constant heat regardless of the outside temperature.
Small measures with a big impact on energy consumption
However, not everyone can afford such large investments. In addition to these major investments, however, there are also smaller but effective measures to increase energy efficiency:
-
Energy-efficient lighting: Switching to LED lighting is a simple and cost-effective way to save energy. LED lamps consume significantly less energy than conventional light bulbs and have a longer service life!
-
Intelligent thermostats and heating systems: Modern, programmable thermostats and intelligent heating systems enable more precise control of room temperatures and help to reduce energy consumption!
-
Save water: By installing water-saving shower heads and taps and by using water consciously, you can reduce the amount of energy required to heat water!
These measures offer you the opportunity to actively contribute to the energy transition, both through major projects and everyday changes. Every step in the direction of sustainable energy sources and efficient technologies is an important contribution to protecting the environment and reducing your energy costs.
The future of sustainable energy efficiency
Sustainable energy efficiency has a promising future. But how to drive forward development in this area? The following trends and technologies form the basis for future-proof, sustainable energy efficiency that both protects the environment and offers economic benefits.
Progress in energy storage
The development of efficient energy storage technologies will make it possible to utilise renewable energies more effectively and provide energy in times of high demand. Innovative solutions such as battery storage, thermal storage and hydrogen storage technologies are becoming increasingly important. These advances enable a more flexible and reliable energy supply. Especially when it comes to integrating renewable energy sources into the electricity grid.
Smart grids - the intelligent electricity suppliers
Smart grids are intelligent electricity networks that make it possible to monitor and control energy consumption and electricity generation in real time. By implementing smart grids, energy suppliers can better balance energy consumption and optimise the use of renewable energies. These grids also promote the decentralisation of the energy supply by integrating smaller renewable energy sources and prosumers (producers and consumers).
Sustainable urban development for a sustainable future
Cities play an important role in promoting sustainable energy efficiency. By integrating renewable energies, intelligent energy management systems and energy-efficient buildings, cities can become pioneers in sustainability. Urban infrastructure projects that rely on green technologies and sustainable mobility solutions help to reduce energy consumption and improve quality of life.
Digitalisation and automation
By using digital technologies and automated systems, energy consumption can be monitored and controlled more precisely. This leads to more efficient use of energy in industry, commerce and private households. The integration of smart home systems in residential buildings makes it possible, for example, to intelligently control and optimise heating, lighting and other electrical appliances. These systems learn from user behaviour, as they automatically adjust settings to optimise energy-saving measures. However, without compromising convenience, such as device properties and their performance.
In industry, advanced automation technologies and the use of AI-supported systems are leading to a significant increase in efficiency. They enable more precise control of production processes and machines, which can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, modern sensor and IoT technologies help to identify and avoid energy losses.
Energy-efficient appliances and construction methods
Continuously improving the energy efficiency of household appliances, industrial equipment and building structures also helps to reduce overall energy consumption. Energy-efficient household appliances such as fridges, washing machines and dishwashers consume less electricity and water. This protects the environment and also leads to cost savings for consumers. Many of these appliances are now equipped with intelligent functions that further optimise their operation and reduce energy consumption.
In the construction industry, advanced technologies and materials lead to more energy-efficient buildings. These include, for example, improved insulation materials, energy-efficient windows and doors as well as innovative heating and cooling systems. Passive house designs that utilise natural energy sources such as sunlight and wind are also on the rise. These construction methods not only save energy, but also improve the indoor climate and quality of life for residents.
Consumer awareness and behaviour
Growing awareness and changing consumer behaviour play a decisive role in the future of energy. The demand for environmentally friendly products and services promotes the development and spread of sustainable technologies. This trend is particularly important as it shows how individual actions and decisions can influence the market and the industry.
Increasing awareness of issues such as climate change and resource conservation is leading consumers to shop more consciously and favour products that are both environmentally friendly and energy efficient. This ranges from regional products and goods to the selection of energy-efficient household and electrical appliances and investments in renewable energies for the home.
In addition, more and more consumers are becoming “prosumers” – in other words, they not only produce energy (e.g. through solar panels on their roofs), but also consume it themselves. This promotes decentralised energy generation systems and strengthens independence from conventional energy sources.
Greater awareness of the implementation of energy efficiency measures
Interest in energy audits and energy consultations is also increasing. Through professional advice and assessment of their homes and workplaces, consumers take targeted measures to improve their own energy efficiency.
In addition, the growing awareness of sustainability means that consumers are increasingly focussing on recycling and the use of products made from sustainable or recycled materials. Interest in sharing models and the circular economy is also increasing, which is helping to reduce the overall consumption of resources.
Overall, it is clear that consumer awareness and behaviour play a key role in the transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient society. Through conscious decisions and actions, consumers can make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable technologies.
Our conclusion
Promoting energy efficiency is a complex and crucial process that requires both individual and collective efforts. By implementing the measures discussed – from optimising energy efficiency in buildings and the use of renewable energies to conscious consumer behaviour – we can make significant progress towards a more sustainable future.
Government incentives and measures in countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland are making a significant contribution to the energy transition. They create the framework conditions for the efficient use of energy and drive the development and dissemination of environmentally friendly technologies. At the same time, it is important that we as consumers rethink our habits and make more environmentally conscious decisions.
Ultimately, the key to success lies in the combination of political measures, technological innovations and the commitment of each individual. By working together, we can not only protect our planet, but also benefit from a cleaner, safer and more efficient energy supply in the long term. Let’s take this path together with the aim of shaping a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Recommended articles:
