To save energy, all public buildings except “hospitals and social facilities” are affected.
Germany, which fears gas shortages, will lower the heating in all public buildings with a thermostat not to exceed 19 degrees this winter, the economy minister announced on Friday, August 12.
Ecologist Robert Habeck, also Minister for Climate Protection, had already presented measures to save energy in July. “In addition (to these measures), public buildings no longer have to be heated above 19 degrees, with the exception, of course, of hospitals and social facilities,” he said in an interview with the daily newspaper “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. “We will issue decrees in this direction,” he added, according to an excerpt of that interview, due to be published on Saturday.
Also readAmendment budget: Government and Senate approve subsidies for oil heating
SEE ALSO – For Olaf Scholz, saving fossil fuels makes Germany safer
In addition, historical buildings and monuments no longer have to be illuminated at night, a measure that some German cities such as Berlin have already decided to do. “More savings have to be made in the world of work,” said Robert Habeck, who ensured that talks were held with the Ministry of Labor and the social partners. For several weeks, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has been calling for a nationwide mobilization to save energy, the prices of which have exploded and the supply of which could deteriorate this winter due to the war in Ukraine. Autumn and winter promise to be daunting in Europe’s main economy due to the energy crisis “which the economy is yet to face”, according to earlier statements by the economy minister, who foresees “a difficult winter”.
A campaign has been launched targeting professionals and individuals to promote specific practices such as B. reducing air conditioning in buildings, favoring public transport or even buying a shower head that costs less water. Many cities have already lowered the water temperature of swimming pools or city lights. The municipality of Augsburg in Bavaria is even considering switching off some traffic lights. As of early June, Germany was 35% dependent on Russian gas for its imports, up from 55% before the war in Ukraine. More than 50% of fireplace heating is always provided by gas.
SEE ALSO – “We could turn off electricity for private individuals this winter”