In order to reduce energy consumption in Berlin, the lighting in parks and green spaces is also to be reduced. The Senate decided on Tuesday.
According to the Senate Chancellery, the lighting by lanterns can be reduced in areas of the facilities that are not regularly used for necessary paths. However, a careful examination of security aspects by the police is necessary beforehand.
The measure is part of the energy saving plan presented by Economics Senator Stephan Schwarz (non-party, for SPD) on Tuesday. As reported, the target temperature in offices in public buildings and state companies is also to be reduced to 20 degrees. In future, 16 degrees should be sufficient in corridors. In addition, the hot water should be turned off.
The only exceptions to the rules are hospitals and care facilities, daycare centers, primary schools, canteens and prisons. There will also continue to be hot water in showers in swimming pools and sports halls.
With these and other measures, electricity and gas consumption in public administration should be reduced by “at least ten percent” from autumn.
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In view of the threat of supply bottlenecks in winter, the Senate, under the leadership of Schwarz, investigated how the country could significantly reduce its energy consumption. After several weeks of voting, the plan was agreed in the State Secretaries’ Conference on Monday, and the final details were discussed in the Senate on Tuesday.
The measures will initially apply until the end of March 2023. The requirements also apply to institutions under public law such as the Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR) or the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).
