Energy saving – where do we need to go?
Renewable energies, energy use or climate protection concepts – what is the solution?
Reducing energy consumption protects the climate and cuts costs. There are two essential questions here: Is the energy use efficient and is it necessary for the purpose?
In addition to the possibilities of switching to renewable energies, we are examining the use of energy use and climate protection concepts. We have recently worked on such approaches for the communities of Maisach and Aurachtal, for example. Another possibility is the supply of cooling, which we analysed for the medical campus of the University of Augsburg and the district of Ostallgäu.
Refurbishment and building automation
The starting point for structured savings in existing buildings and facilities is a sufficiently detailed recording of energy consumption. Efficiency in the building sector can be achieved through renovation. Building automation offers further potential. Is full heating of public buildings like schools or clubhalls on public holidays required just because cannot be programmed according to calendar days? Our clients from municipalities and districts can then take action in their own decision-making areas. In this way, awareness can be raised for energy savings in public buildings.
Energy optimisation versus consumer behaviour
So-called rebound effects can easily cause savings to evaporate: Heating a square metre of living space has become more efficient, but the living space per inhabitant is increasing. Having one‘s own PV system on the roof gives one the feeling that one is entitled to use more electrical appliances. Last but not least, money saved through energy optimisation is spent elsewhere on activities that are sometimes even more harmful to the climate. Consumption and growth pressure are causes for high energy consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Where do we need to go? Is efficiency everything?
Above all, our behaviour patterns must be time and again and questioned. It is not about total renunciation, superfluous and excessive consumption must be curtailed. Even the switch to renewable energy must not encourage energy waste.