G8 Environmental Futures Forum 2000

Summary of Best Practices
Germany
1. Ecotax-Reform ----- Detail
The ecological tax reform and state pension contributions represents a key element of climate change policy in Germany. In order to ease the burden of employment as a production factor and to increase the burden on energy consumption the Ecotax provides a link between the project "energy change" and the creation of new jobs.

2. Economic incentives ----- Detail
Economic incentives are used to encourage energy saving in buildings beyond provisions requiring reduced energy consumption. Grants and loans are provided to influence investment in renewable energy technologies with the aim to lower their manufacturing cost through economies of scale.

3. Voluntary Commitments - German trade and industry takes part in precautionary climate protection measures ----- Detail
German trade and industry declares in 1995/1996 that it will voluntarily make special efforts to reduce their specific CO2 emissions or specific energy consumption by 20 % compared to 1990 levels. The second monitoring report prepared by an independent institute of economics shows that the companies continued endeavours to achieve a rational use of energy and a reduction in CO2 emissions. Since 1990, a wide number of measures has allowed CO2 emissions from industry to be reduced by 45 million tonnes, and those from the electricity supply by 30 million tonnes. In percentage terms, German industry's C02-emissions have therefore been reduced by 27 % and those of the public electricity supply by 17 % between 1990 and the end of 1998.

4. Increasing use of renewables ----- Detail
The German Government has already intensified its activities aimed at placing renewables as alternatives to the present energy supply, and at considerably increasing their market share. Important measures are the "Act on the Sale of Electricity to the Grid", a "100.000 roofs solar power programme" and an new assistance programme for close to the market renewable energies.
During the last ten years Germany becomes a leader in wind power with approximately 4.000 MW of installed capacity and approximately 15.000 - 20.000 directly and indirectly connected jobs.

5. Rational and sparing use of energy in buildings and households ----- Detail
The Energy Conservation Act, currently being prepared, includes requirements for a reduced energy consumption especially in existing buildings. Buildings are given a full evaluation, with integrated consideration of both the building shell and the system with the aim to implement the so-called "low-energy building standard".


Summary of Best Practices - Germany
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