The symbolic photo shows insulation measures on a property. | Photo: via dts news agency
Heidelberg | More than every second homeowner in Germany feels disadvantaged by the energy transition.
This is the result of a survey by the market research institute Innofact on behalf of the comparison portal Verivox, which the Funke media group’s newspapers report on in their Sunday editions. 53 percent of the homeowners surveyed said they felt somewhat or very disadvantaged by the energy transition. When it comes to tenants, only 39 percent of those surveyed saw it that way.
Homeowners in particular are apparently worried about the high additional costs of switching to renewable energies. 69.1 percent of the homeowners surveyed expressed this concern, while the figure for apartment owners was 56.5 percent. 45 percent of tenants also feared higher rent as a result of switching to renewable energies. Around one in three apartment owners (34.8 percent) also stated that their own influence was limited because, for example, they were dependent on the homeowners’ association. This was stated by 71.6 percent of those surveyed for apartment tenants. Apartment owners and tenants in particular find the possibility of charging infrastructure for electric mobility problematic. 26.1 percent of apartment owners said that they had no private parking or charging options, while 30.9 percent of tenants said.
Around every second tenant surveyed is calling for more government funding specifically for tenants (49.7 percent) in order to be able to participate more in the advantages of the energy transition. But the payment of climate money and a stronger obligation for landlords to switch to renewable energy (39.7 each) were also addressed as demands. Owners also called for more state funding specifically for owners (58.0), but also greater reliability in state regulation, for example when it comes to subsidies and deadlines (43.1). 42 percent of those surveyed were in favor of climate money.
The practical design of the energy transition was viewed critically by all respondents. 55.1 percent of those surveyed feel patronized by the current climate policy. 45.4 percent expressed the fear that the energy transition would cost more than it would provide. On the other hand, 50.3 percent “somewhat” or “completely” agreed with the statement that they were fundamentally supporters of the energy transition.
For the survey, Innofact interviewed 1,018 people between the ages of 19 and 79 online in September.
**What are some concrete examples of policies or initiatives that can empower tenants to have a voice in decisions about energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption in their rental properties?**
## Interview: Homeowners and Tenants: Navigating the Energy Transition
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re diving into a topic central to the future of our societies: the energy transition. A recent survey by Innofact revealed striking concerns among homeowners and tenants in Germany regarding their role in this transition. To unpack these concerns, we’re joined by [Guest 1 Name], [Guest 1 Title/Expertise], and [Guest 2 Name], [Guest 2 Title/Expertise].
**Section 1: The Impact on Homeowners and Tenants**
* **Question for Guest 1:** The survey shows that more than half of homeowners feel disadvantaged by the energy transition. Can you elaborate on what factors contribute to this feeling of disadvantage? What specific challenges do homeowners face?
* **Question for Guest 2:** While homeowners seem more concerned, tenants also express apprehension.
Losing control and higher rents are cited as worries. How do you see the transition impacting tenants, and what measures can ensure fairer access to its benefits for renters?
**Section 2: The Role of Financial Support and Incentives**
* **Question for Guest 1:** The survey highlights a desire for more government funding to facilitate the transition. What are your thoughts on the adequacy of existing funding mechanisms, like subsidies and tax breaks, and what improvements could be made to ensure they reach those who need them most?
* **Question for Guest 2:** From the tenant’s perspective, what kind of policy changes would encourage landlords to invest in renewable energies and energy efficiency for rental properties? What role should tenants play in driving this progress?
**Section 3: Balancing Support for the Transition with Affordability Concerns**
* **Question for both Guests:** The survey also reveals that a significant portion of respondents feel patronized by current climate policies and fear costs exceeding benefits. How can we create a more inclusive energy transition that addresses both environmental goals and the economic realities faced by individuals?
* **Question for Guest 1:** Do you think policies such as climate money effectively address affordability concerns, or are there alternative approaches that might be more impactful?
* **Question for Guest 2:** Should there be a more targeted approach to subsidies and incentives, perhaps focusing on low-income households or vulnerable communities to ensure equitable participation in the energy transition?
**Section 4: Fostering Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement**
* **Question for Guest 1:** What role do you see homeowners playing in shaping the future of the energy transition? What opportunities exist for homeowners to contribute beyond simply absorbing costs?
* **Question for Guest 2:** How can we empower tenants to be active participants in the transition, rather than passive recipients of its impacts? What mechanisms could allow for tenant input in decisions impacting their living environments?
**Conclusion:**
The energy transition undoubtedly presents both challenges and opportunities. By engaging in open dialog, understanding diverse perspectives, and implementing thoughtful policies, we can strive for a future where this transition benefits all members of society.
Thank you, [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name], for sharing your insights today.
