Climate change has touched public awareness. This is shown by the results of a Bosch Thermotechnik-commissioned survey carried out by IFAK (Institute for Market and Social Research) which questioned more than 1,000 people in the third quarter of 2006.

The figures speak for themselves: more than 90 per cent of those questioned have already heard of climate change, and 88.6 per cent believe that the warming of the earth’s atmosphere can be objectively measured. Almost the same high percentage sees a danger in this situation, as 69.9 per cent are "concerned", and over 20 per cent even "very concerned". Only 29.3 per cent of those asked are unperturbed.

Energy saving is "in"

There is a widespread readiness to doing something personally to counteract the effects of climate change. Three-quarters of those polled state that they are always careful in their use of energy. A further 20 per cent do so at least sporadically. There are hardly any, meanwhile, who regard themselves as being wasteful in energy use.
However, the survey also reveals that the sensitivity to this issue varies with age group: among the over-60s, almost twice as many are cautious with their energy consumption as in the age group under 30.

There are a couple of motives behind the energy-saving ethos. For 44.9 per cent cost savings and environmental protection are of equal importance. Otherwise, money is the prime consideration: more than 40 per cent – particularly men, younger people and those on low incomes – are driven primarily by the financial benefit. Environmental protection only takes priority with 13.1 per cent.
Practically everyone, however, is seen to be affected by the high energy prices. Almost 60 per cent are "very" affected by the price increase, 35 per cent "at least to some extent", while only 5 per cent felt it has had no impact on them.

Energy saving is "in", whether for financial or environmental pro-tection reasons. More than half of those surveyed lowered the room temperature in the past heating period, cut their hot water consumption and used their cars less. Those on higher inco-mes are less thrifty with their hot water use. Those in the 45-59 age category and the more environmentally conscious, on the other hand, are all the more likely to cut their consumption.
Yet the survey reveals that over half (53.9 per cent) of younger people seem averse to making energy savings, with reference to both hot water consumption and car use.

Great willingness to replace heating system

It is a well known fact that modern technology opens the way for major potential energy savings for heating and hot water provi-sion. According to the survey, over 80 per cent of the population use gas or oil for heating, although only 8 per cent so far also use solar energy for heating domestic hot water. More than half of all heating systems in Germany are over 10 years old, while about 15 per cent of them are even 20 or more years old. This indicates a significant replacement demand.
In view of the rise in energy prices there is a clearly expressed readiness among owner occupiers to invest: almost 18 per cent intend upgrading their heating system. Among the high-income group, one in four plans investing in a new system – over 28 per cent within twelve months, and one-third within 24 months.

Approval for energy certificate

40 per cent of those questioned have already heard of the plan-ned Energy Performance Certificate which is intended to rate the overall energy efficiency of buildings in future. Almost two thirds of owners of residential properties regard it as sensible. Those on higher incomes and those with a higher level of education in particular are convinced of the value of the certificate.
Nonetheless, only 15.1 percent intend applying for such a cer-tificate in the foreseeable future. This confirms something of the uncertainty which is probably associated with the pending legis-lation relating to the Energy Performance Certificate.