Press Release from 2016-06-21 / Group, Domestic Promotion

From the building to the district: fifth anniversary of the KfW “Energy-efficient Urban Rehabilitation” programme

  • Energy-efficient rehabilitation implemented in over 550 districts
  • Integrated approaches generating impetus for more energy efficiency in municipalities
  • Funding approach attracting international attention

According to the Federal Minister for Building Barbara Hendricks, a key aspect of the energy turnaround entails efforts to improve the energy efficiency of entire districts in towns and cities. “Our integrated “From the building to the district” approach offers great potential for the future. In this way, we are creating the basis for improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings, while simultaneously encouraging affordable housing and age-appropriate conversion,” Hendricks said today, looking back on the KfW “Energy-efficient Urban Rehabilitation” programme established in conjunction with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety. Over the past five years, municipalities aiming to improve the energy efficiency of entire districts have been receiving grants under this programme. In the process, additional potential for municipal energy transition is being unlocked alongside individual buildings.

The programme has generated impetus across Germany and is also attracting international interest. To date, energy-efficient rehabilitation programmes have been implemented and individual solutions developed in more than 550 districts, ranging from inner urban regions with established buildings to large residential estates and rural settlements composed of fully detached homes. By drawing on KfW’s grant programme, municipalities are able to develop integrated approaches comprising harmonised measures for rehabilitating districts and to commission rehabilitation managers to drive forward the implementation of these activities.

“For us, energy-efficient urban rehabilitation is an important catalyst in the implementation of the energy turnaround. With the assistance of the grants, municipalities are able to lay key foundations for intelligent, harmonised and socially acceptable investments in energy efficiency. In this way, it is possible to improve people’s quality of life in their immediate neighbourhood,” said Dr Hengster, Member of KfW’s Executive Board.

Detailed information on the funding programme (in German only) is available at www.kfw.de/energetische-stadtsanierung and www.energetische-stadtsanierung.info.

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Portrait von Sonja Höpfner

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Sonja Höpfner

Press Office KfW Capital