SRH University calls for structural energy efficiency rather than mere restraint on Energy Saving Day

Whether in the living room or on the factory floor, energy is consumed everywhere. And everywhere there is potential to use it more efficiently. Although public debate often focuses on consumption in private households, industry and households are similarly significant: according to statistics from the German Umweltbundesamt, both sectors – alongside transport and commerce, trade and services – each account for just over a quarter of Germany’s final energy consumption.

“It is remarkable that these shares have hardly changed over the past 30 years,” explains Prof. Dr. habil. Heike Zimmermann-Timm, Professor of Climate Protection and Sustainability at SRH University. While efficiency gains and structural change have reduced energy demand per unit, production, consumption and comfort levels have risen at the same time. “We are seeing a dynamic equilibrium: efficiency lowers demand, while growth and rebound effects – for example when more efficient heating is offset by larger living spaces – stabilise overall consumption.”

Households: Heat as the decisive factor

In private households, the largest share of energy consumption is used for heating and hot water. “Around 60 to 70 per cent is used for space heating, and a further 10 to 15 per cent for hot water,” says Prof. Dr. habil. Heike Zimmermann-Timm. Electricity for appliances and lighting accounts for a significantly smaller proportion.

Accordingly, the greatest savings potential lies in the building sector. “Well-insulated buildings can reduce heating energy consumption by 30 to 50 per cent.” Modern heating technology, heat pumps and solar thermal systems also significantly increase efficiency. In the short term, conscious behaviour also has an impact: “Reducing the room temperature by just one degree can save around six per cent of energy.”

At the same time, individual saving reaches its limits. “Even very conscious behaviour cannot compensate for fundamental losses in poorly insulated buildings. In the long term, we need structural measures such as refurbishment and renewable energy.”

Industry: High impact, complex processes

In industry, energy use is closely tied to technical, physical and chemical processes. “Unlike in households, consumption here can hardly be controlled at an individual level. Interruptions or reductions can cause production disruptions,” explains Prof. Dr. habil. Heike Zimmermann-Timm. In addition, there is a wide range of energy sources and varying efficiency levels among industrial facilities.

The greatest potential lies in technological modernisation: waste heat recovery, digitalisation, process optimisation, electrification and highly efficient machinery. “Compared to older processes, modern facilities can save up to 40 per cent of energy.”

While households can reduce consumption by ten to 15 per cent in the short term, industrial efficiency gains require long-term investment – but have a far greater impact. “In public debate, the contribution of households is often overestimated. Industrial transformation is central to achieving climate targets and safeguarding competitiveness.”

Three key levers for the coming years

For the next decade, Prof. Dr. habil. Heike Zimmermann-Timm identifies three central levers: technological modernisation, effective political frameworks and conscious action. CO₂ pricing, funding programmes and binding standards create investment incentives, while innovations such as waste heat recovery and renewable energy unlock structural savings potential.

“Only the interaction of individual behaviour, technological innovation and political frameworks will ensure that energy consumption is permanently reduced,” emphasises the Professor of Climate Protection and Sustainability.

With her expertise, Prof. Dr. habil. Heike Zimmermann-Timm supports this transformation at SRH University in both research and practice, including in the Bachelor’s programme Climate Change Management & Engineering and the Master’s programme International Business & Engineering.