The German government is to make a 'quantum leap' in energy efficiency, according to environment minister Sigmar Gabriel. Subsidies to install energy saving measures in buildings will increase to 2.6 billion euros a year from 2008.

This doubles the amount being spent currently, reveals EuroACE’s press release. The measures to be funded include the replacement of windows and heating systems, plus extra thicknesses of insulation. Also available will be improvement of the accuracy of consumption meters, and the phasing out of night storage heaters.

The Environment Ministry has issued a 49 page document focussed upon energy conservation, as a key part of a package designed to improve energy efficiency by 3% annually. As under European law all that is required is an annual 1% improvement, these measures will make Germany 'one of the most energy efficient regions in the world', claims economics minister Michael Glos. 

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