Ripe fruits sometimes hang low
Saxony-Anhalt’s State Energy Agency wants to dispel fears of the unknown - efficiency and the protection of resources are not the devil’s work
Marko Mühlstein likes illustrative comparisons. The manager of the Saxony-Anhalt State Energy Agency (LENA) likes to talk about a toolbox he and his employees open up to support companies, the public sector and the average consumer. There are not any magic formulas in it but lots of possibilities for building bridges to save energy, which is essential for an area with low population destiny like Saxony-Anhalt, he says. LENA has been dealing with efficiency, sustainability and the protection of resources since it was founded two years ago.
There is not a lack of successful examples during this short time. Mühlstein shows computer images of a building. The Evangelical Secondary School Haldensleben is just undergoing an extensive facelift, where the classic polytechnic secondary school type building from GDR times are whipped into shape in terms of energy, among other things. Solar panels and other measures help save energy costs and create a modern zero-energy building. 36 ventilation units with heat recovery that regulate the room air are installed. Other details, including a rooftop terrace where astronomy lessons are possible as well as a dining hall and library with reading room, make the building a real showpiece. Roughly EUR 4.7 million are invested in this renovation. Just under a third is provided by the Johannes-Schulstiftung foundation as sponsor. 70 percent of the money comes from the EU funded STARK III programme, which has become a successful project in Saxony-Anhalt. Since 2012, viable day-care centres and schools in Saxony-Anhalt have been in the process of being renovated in general and energy terms. “Efficiency and the protection of resources are not the devil’s work but do require clear strategies,” says Mühlstein. The STARK III package, which amounts to roughly EUR 600 million, is being continued until 2020.
LENA is providing advice in the process, contributing with its expertise, knowledge and networking opportunities.
The state sector knows all about the need for action. Programmes like STARK III allow for long overdue investment in the energy efficiency of municipal buildings. They also act as an incentive and door-opener for regional added value, as orders are generated in regional and local SMEs with the many millions of euros. Municipalities recognise that energy costs are exploding and straining budgets which are tight anyway. Whether it be town halls, libraries or swimming pools, it is becoming increasingly important to renovate buildings in terms of energy. “LENA supports and accompanies projects on behalf of the state,” affirms Marko Mühlstein. It identifies gaps in supply and shortfall on the market for energy services, assists stakeholders in closing these gaps and prompting an economic boost. He mentions the training of municipal energy officers as an example. There are plenty of reserves, he says and refers to street lighting. Dimmable lights and LED lights are increasingly gaining acceptance. Thanks to these modern options, the regional capital has put its “urban motorway” in a favourable light once again, after this route had lain in darkness for many years for cost reasons.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) between Arendsee and Zeitz need support and assistance, reckons Mühlstein. “They often don’t have the professional competence on their staff to act. The potential is there, it just has to be discovered.” Simple measures can often be taken very quickly, as “ripe fruits sometimes hang low”. This starts with the correct sealing of cold storage, extends to the insulation of heating pipes and ends with appropriate lighting for factory workshops. A separate department at LENA imparts knowledge about energy management and audits, makes valuable suggestions for instruments such as certification and provides additional support services, for example an energy management manual or benchmark analysis.
"It’s all about dispelling the fear of the unknown" - continue reading here, how this succeeds.
Contact:
Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt
The economic development agency of the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt
Tanja Rüdinger
Project Manager International Press & PR
Tel.: 49 391 5689976
Fax: 49 391 5689950
E-Mail: tanja.ruedinger@img-sachsen-anhalt
Internet: www.invest-in-saxony-anhalt.com
Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt (IMG)
IMG is the economic development agency of the German federal state Saxony-Anhalt. IMG staff provides all services related to new business sites. In addition, we are marketing Saxony-Anhalt both nationally and internationally and developing tourism concepts.
We search our site and property database with 250 industrial and trade estates for a location tailored to your needs. We provide competent and individual advice for greenfield and brownfield sites, office properties or production halls. First site information provided within 24 hours. Arrangement of site visits take place following your preliminary selection. We can advise you on public grant programmes for investments, identify potential partners and arrange meetings with them. We identify a point of contact for you with the public authorities, coordinate and carry out negotiations for you on a federal state, state district and municipal level as well as with official bodies and institutions. We were assigned by the Ministry for Science and Economic Affairs of Saxony-Anhalt to guide you as a one-stop agency through the investment process.
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