Energy-efficient construction and renovation has positive impact on climate, economy and public coffers

Frankfurt (ots) -

- Jülich research institute estimates up to EUR 4.3 billion in
additional net revenues for public budgets in the positive
scenario
- Programmes combine economic stimulus with energy efficiency and
climate protection
- EUR 18.6 billion in investment encouraged in 2011
- Energy savings of over 1,500 gigawatt hours

The KfW promotional programmes for energy-efficient construction
and rehabilitation generate savings of up to EUR 4.3 billion in
public coffers. On the revenues side the taxes and levies from
businesses and employees associated with construction increase by an
estimated EUR 4 billion. In addition, in the ideal case public
expenditures can be expected to decline by up to EUR 1.3 billion due
to lower unemployment. In comparison, last year the German Federal
Government provided KfW with about EUR 1 billion in budget funds to
subsidise these programmes. For every one of these invested
"promotional euros", public budgets get back four to five euros. That
is a finding of the new study carried out by the Jülich research
institute on behalf of KfW Bankengruppe.

Through its extensive promotion of energy-efficient construction
and rehabilitation totalling EUR 6.6 billion in 2011, KfW supported
investments amounting to EUR 18.6 billion. The investment activity
benefited regional craftsmen and building contractors in particular.
Overall more than 250,000 jobs were secured or created for one year.
The investments in 2011 helped save over 1,500 gigawatt hours of
energy and 540,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

"KfW's promotion of energy efficiency in the building sector has
both ecological as well as economic benefits, which is what makes the
programme so special: In addition to energy savings there are
positive impulses for the local economy. Ultimately the state always
benefits as well," said Dr Jörg Zeuner, Chief Economist of KfW
Bankengruppe.

From 2012 to 2014 the German Federal Government is committing EUR
1.5 billion in funding each year for the KfW programmes to reduce CO2
and heating costs in buildings. Furthermore, the Federal Cabinet
decided on 19 December 2012 to provide an additional EUR 300 million
annually from 2013 to 2020 for further improving the KfW programmes.
This increases the planning certainty of property owners. In
particular private builders and owners as well as housing companies
can attain reduced-interest loans at their regular bank, often in
combination with repayment bonuses, or investment grants directly
from KfW from the energy-efficient construction and refurbishment
programmes supported by the Ministry of Construction. Through the
Energy-efficient Refurbishment Programme builders can currently
attain loans at an effective interest rate of 1.0 % p.a. and
repayment bonuses of up to 12.5 %.

The study is available online at www.kfw.de under the area
"Research/Evaluations" (only in german Language).

Information on the promotional opportunities can be obtained under
www.kfw.de or at the Infocenter of KfW Bankengruppe by calling the
telephone number 0800 539 9002.

KfW is modernising. A photo of the new logo can be downloaded
under www.kfw.de/logo.

Further information on the KfW brand relaunch is available under
www.bank-aus-verantwortung.de.

Contact:
KfW, Palmengartenstraße 5-9, 60325 Frankfurt
Kommunikation (KOM), Dr. Charis Pöthig,
Tel. 069 7431 4683, Fax: 069 7431 3266,
E-Mail: presse@kfw.de, Internet: www.kfw.de/newsroom