Current Political Requirements
National Energy-Saving Measures
The German government has adopted a package of measures aimed at significantly reducing energy consumption in Germany in the short term. The public sector, and therefore also RWTH, has been assigned a role model function in this context. The two ordinances specifically contain energy-saving measures (gas and electricity) for the coming heating period and the one after that. However, the regulations are initially in force for a limited period until February 28, 2023.
Press release of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (DE)
Binding regulations for University operations
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Measures to save energy in public buildings
Rooms in which people do not regularly spend time, such as corridors and large halls, foyers and technical rooms, are no longer to be heated. This does not apply to rooms for which there are technical or safety reasons for heating (for example, for reasons of building physics or usage). -
19 degrees in workplaces in public buildings
In public buildings, offices may not be heated above a maximum air temperature limit of 19 degrees for the time being. The previously recommended minimum temperature for offices was 20 degrees. A corresponding reduction in the heating temperature also applies to other work rooms in public buildings, depending on the degree of physical exertion associated with the activity in these rooms. -
Drinking water heating systems in public buildings
In public buildings, decentralized drinking water heating systems, in particular instantaneous water heaters and decentralized hot water storage tanks, are to be switched off if their operation is intended primarily for hand washing and if hygiene regulations do not conflict with this. -
Lighting of buildings or monuments
The illumination of buildings or monuments from the outside with the exception of security and emergency lighting is prohibited. Exceptions are short-term lighting during cultural events and, in general, all cases in which lighting is necessary to maintain traffic safety or to avert other dangers and where it cannot be replaced by other measures at short notice.