The energy crisis caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine, which started on February 24, grows with the arrival of winter. Germany, which meets the majority of its natural gas needs from Russia, is going through hard times due to the embargoes it imposes on Russia. In Germany, which has started to implement energy saving measures in every possible area with the arrival of the winter season, public buildings, universities, churches and even the federal parliament can be heated up to a maximum of 19 degrees according to the decisions taken. In some institutions, this temperature may be even lower.
HOT WATER IS NOT FLOWING IN THE PARLIAMENT
According to the Federal Energy Savings Regulation, the room temperature in public spaces in Germany is limited to 19 degrees. Until now, the recommended minimum temperature for these areas was 20 degrees. The German Bundestag (Bundestag) was also among the points where energy saving was implemented. There is no longer hot water in the offices of members of the Bundestag. 1,800 electric kettles in the parliamentary chambers were turned off. Hot water is only available in the toilets and communal tea/coffee areas.
CHURCHES DISTRIBUTE BLANKETS TO THE CONCERN
In churches, especially in the first weeks of December, which is very cold, blankets are distributed to the congregation attending the service. In some churches, electric heaters were placed under the pews, which were only turned on shortly before the service. It was announced that the temperature decreased to 15-16 degrees in some churches during the rituals, while in others it dropped to 5 degrees. Again, in many places, university students have to attend classes with their scarves and coats. Some students also bring hot water bags to classes. In laboratories, unused devices are turned off.
RAILWAYS ARE ALSO SAVING
The German State Railways company Deutsche Bahn (DB) also joined the austerity measures. Machinists learned how to save up to 10 percent energy in training courses. With the driving suggestions of the system and the environment-friendly driving style of the mechanics, energy consumption was reduced by an average of 10 percent. For example, on the journey between Munich and Hamburg, it was announced that mechanics could save 1,300 kilowatt-hours of electricity in long-distance transportation by high-speed train. this number GermanyThis corresponds to the amount of energy consumed by an average household in a year. Suburban trains operating in the capital Berlin also reduced the number of evening services and wagons.
CHRISTMAS MARKET LIGHTING REDUCED
energy The crisis also affected thousands of Christmas markets set up across the country by the end of December. Christmas markets have had to conserve energy this year. Many organizers and vendors at Christmas markets put on less lighting. Most of the lamps used in the market places have been replaced with energy saving LED bulbs. Again, the Christmas market lights now open an hour late and turn off an hour early. Especially in Ku’damm, the traditional street lighting problem has been somewhat resolved with the money collected from the shopkeepers and the sponsors found. But now Ku’damm is also illuminated for short periods of time with less light. In the capital Berlin, the Senate announced that it will not allocate a budget for street lighting at Christmas this year. Green Party deputy Renate Künast recently shared on her social media account, “I am sitting in the office with a coat and a glass of hot water to warm my hands. I doubt the room is 19 degrees. I will come with a blanket, hot water bottle and a hat next week.”