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ELIGIBLE ENERGY CONSULTATION

In order to acquire funding from the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) with respect to energy-related building consultation, modernisers must turn to energy consultants who have received corresponding approval from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). To date, engineers, architects and craft firms playing only a consulting role have had a significant presence on the list of those who have received such approval.

FROM CONSULTATION TO IMPLEMENTATION

WITH THE SAME PARTNER

This meant that, in order to acquire funding, modernisers were unable to obtain the relevant consultation and implementation services from a single source. A certified ‘master’ sanitation, heating and air conditioning specialist who had received corresponding further training as an energy consultant had previously been unable to obtain a listing as an approved energy consultant with the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). The approval requirements for energy consultants have been amended as of 1 December 2017, heralding a new era in which certified specialists from all sectors can act as consultants if they meet the eligibility requirements. One aspect that remains constant is the obligation to provide neutral consultation, which is signed by the specialist company as part of every funding application.

To find approved and certified energy consultants, visit www.energie-effizienz-experten.de.

ADAPTED GUIDELINES

FOR ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Two consultation programmes were amended in the process:

  • For home owners: ‘Energy consultation for residential buildings (on-site consultation,customised renovation schedule)’ and
  • For small-medium enterprises: ‘Energy consultation for small-medium enterprises’

Given the increased scope of the energy consultant approval guidelines, there is now a greater number of certified energy consultants to choose from. The energy consultants are required to provide information on possible efficiency measures in an objective and neutral manner. They are tasked with identifying and demonstrating any potential for saving money by means of suitable measures. The customised renovation schedule (known as the ‘iSFP’) is recognised as a depiction of the results of the energy consultation that complies with the applicable guidelines.

STATE FUNDING

FOR CONSULTATION SERVICES

Within the scope of the ‘Energy consultation for residential buildings’ programme, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) assumes 60% of the eligible costs – up to a maximum of € 800 for detached and semi-detached houses, or  a maximum of €1,100 for a block of flats. The ‘Energy consultation for small-medium enterprises’ programme provides for a subsidy of up to 80% (with a maximum subsidy of € 6,000). The precise level of funding is based on the energy costs of the company in question.

DETAILS ON ENERGY CONSULTATION

BAFA PROVIDES

Further information on energy consultation services is issued by the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). In addition to the full legal framework, BAFA also provides downloadable publications on specific topics and corresponding application forms.