Berlin’s Economics Senator Stephan Schwarz (57, non-party) turns the heating up again Photo: dpa/picture-alliance
By Michael Sauerbier
Target exceeded! The Senate wanted to save ten percent of energy with cooler sports halls, swimming pools and offices. Now the balance shows: It was even twelve percent.
Only 19 degrees in Berlin’s authorities, 26 degrees in swimming pools, the Red City Hall and the Brandenburg Gate are no longer illuminated. The austerity measures have paid off. “From October to December we saved 7.5 million euros in energy costs,” said Economics Senator Stephan Schwarz (57, independent), “that’s good news.”
The even better one: The Senate decided on Tuesday that all temperature reductions will expire in mid-April. However, public buildings remain dark at night, official corridors are sparsely lit, and office equipment that is not constantly required is missing.
The bad news: According to Schwarz, if the energy supply is tightened again next winter, more austerity measures may be necessary.