Germany, which fears a shortage of gas, will lower the heating this winter in all public buildings with a thermostat which cannot exceed 19 degrees, the Minister of the Economy announced on Friday August 12.
Environmentalist Robert Habeck, also Minister for Climate Protection, had already presented measures to save energy in July.
"
In addition (to these measures), it will no longer be necessary to heat above 19 degrees in public buildings, with the exception of course of hospitals and social institutions
", he said in an interview with the daily
Süddeutsche .
Zeitung
.
“
We are going to take decrees
” in this direction, he added, according to an extract from this interview to be published on Saturday.
Read alsoAmending budget: government and Senate approve aid for oil heating
In addition, historic buildings and monuments will no longer have to be lit at night, a measure that some German cities such as Berlin have already adopted.
"
In the world of work, more savings are needed
," said Robert Habeck, ensuring that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Labor and the social partners.
For several weeks, the government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for national mobilization to save energy, the prices of which have exploded and while the supply could deteriorate this winter due to the war in Ukraine.
Autumn and winter are shaping up to be daunting in Europe's main economy as the energy crisis '
yet to come for the economy '
“, according to previous statements by the Minister of the Economy who foresees “
a difficult winter
”.
A campaign has been launched, aimed at professionals and individuals, to promote certain practices, such as lowering the air conditioning of 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 urban lighting.
The municipality of Augsburg in Bavaria is even considering shutting down some traffic lights.
Germany depended at the beginning of June to 35% on Russian gas for its imports, against 55% before the war in Ukraine.
More than 50% of the heating of the fireplaces is always ensured with gas.
SEE ALSO -
For Olaf Scholz, saving fossil fuels will strengthen Germany's security