How are energy consulting and investment funding related?

+++ Energy consulting blog series (part 1) +++ In an era when climate protection and sustainability are central social issues, energy consulting plays a crucial role. But how does investment funding fit into this picture? In this blog article, we explain how these two areas are interlinked and how they work together to drive the energy transition forward.

What is energy consulting?

• An evaluation of the energy efficiency of a company, a machine or even a building
• Recommendations for possible renovation measures
• Calculations of potential savings in energy and costs
• Information on funding programmes that are available for certain measures
  
  

What role does investment funding play?

Investment funding is an important tool for supporting sustainable energy projects. It helps to lower the financial hurdles for investments in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energies. Funding is offered in the form of grants, low-interest loans or tax incentives.

• Renovating building envelopes (e.g. insulation, windows)
• Installing modern heating systems (e.g. heat pumps, pellet heating systems)
• Investing in energy-efficient machines and plant components
• Resource-efficient process changes
• Data management for energy management systems
  
  

The link between energy consulting and investment funding

Energy consulting and investment funding are closely interrelated. Professional energy consulting often forms the basis for a successful application for funding. Why? Here are some important points:

1. Identification of measures: Energy consulting helps to identify the most sensible measures for your company. Many funding programmes require that the planned investments be based on a technically sound analysis.
2. Creating supporting documents: Detailed proof of energy savings is often required when applying for funding. For example, a savings plan is mandatory for BAFA Module 4 of the ‘Energy and Resource Efficiency in the Economy’ programme. These documents are created as part of the energy consultation and must be prepared by a listed energy efficiency expert.
3. Planning the financing: The energy consultancy advises not only on technical aspects, but also on the use of suitable funding programmes. This makes the implementation of projects more financially realistic.
4. Motivation for investment: Many companies are deterred by the high costs of energy optimisation. The combination of sound advice and knowledge of financial support can increase the willingness to invest.
   
   

Case study: investment in an industrial machine

We are currently helping a medium-sized company to obtain non-repayable grants of €300,000. This is for an investment project in highly efficient plant technology. The measure will enable energy costs to be reduced by more than 30%.

We also support companies in introducing the energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001, which also helps them to meet the legal requirements of the Energy Efficiency Act.

Conclusion

Energy consulting and investment funding go hand in hand. While energy consulting points the way to greater energy efficiency, investment funding makes it possible to implement it. Together, they make an important contribution to achieving climate targets – with tangible benefits for the environment and for your wallet. So if you are considering energy-related measures, you should definitely keep both topics in mind.

Our team of experts is at your side to develop tailored solutions that not only meet legal requirements but also enable real savings and efficiency gains. Take advantage of our energy consulting: Let us seize the opportunities that arise from combining investments and increasing energy efficiency.

 Text: Mathias Wendt