Energy savings at the federal level
- Today, some 40% of the cost of real estate use derive from heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electricity. The use of modern technology is not just beneficial for the environment but also offers an enormous economic potential to reduce the cost of energy-optimised buildings. Given this background, alternative energy sources have long since gained in importance. The fundamental attitude and behaviour of the users are essential since people as well as the environment profit from low energy costs during the life cycle of a building.
- Historical buildings constitute a challenge when developing energy-saving concepts. In view of monument protection laws, the shell of the building allows only a limited scope for improvement. Nevertheless, the federal agencies endeavour to live up to their energy-saving objectives. Wherever possible, “light thermal insulation works” (improving the thermal insulation of windows and insulating the uppermost ceiling) and the use of energy-efficient heating/cooling systems as well as alternative technologies can substantially reduce energy consumption.
- Federal energy consultants have been at work for over 30 years to optimise energy consumption in federal offices. They have achieved much: heating energy consumption could be cut in half between 1979 and 2016. Once again, the federal agencies show the way when it comes to energy efficiency and climate protection, and through cutting down on energy consumption make a significant contribution to achieving the EU target (in Austria for 2020: a 16 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emission in terms of 2005).
Contact
Ing. Gerhard Banovics: gerhard.banovics@bmaw.gv.at