ERDF 2021–2027: CO₂ Reduction BENE II
Federal State of Berlin: ERDF-funded BENE II program for the reduction of CO₂ emissions through energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and nature conservation measures. Applications generally possible at any time, project calls with fixed deadlines.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of measures to reduce CO₂ emissions and adapt to climate change in the state of Berlin through investments in energy efficiency of public buildings and businesses, smart energy systems, climate adaptation, as well as biodiversity and green infrastructure.
Eligible expenses
- Investments in energy-efficient conversion and renovation
- Planning services (energy balance, technical building equipment planning)
- Feasibility studies and demonstration research
- Plant and network technology
- Storage systems
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Non-eligible expenses
- Residential buildings and residential accommodations
- Replacement lamps without retrofit requirements
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Compliance with the ERDF program and BENE II funding guidelines
- CO₂ reduction potential according to the action (at least 30%)
- Minimum investment volume per call (e.g., from €10,000 or €200,000)
- Submission electronically via the BENE 2 portal
Documents required for application
- Project outline
- Complete funding application via BENE 2 portal
- Energy balance/CO₂ balance
- Financing plan
- Technical planning documents
- Proof of own funds
Evaluation criteria
- Achieved CO₂ reduction potential
- Degree of innovation and efficiency improvement
- Contribution to cross-sectoral energy networking
- Sustainable land use and climate adaptation
- Compliance with ERDF objectives
Description
The ERDF program "CO₂ Reduction BENE II" of the State of Berlin supports public administrations, companies (especially SMEs), research institutions, as well as non-profit and church organizations in sustainably reducing CO₂ emissions and adapting the city to climate change. With a total budget of approximately EUR 191.5 million from ERDF funds (plus national co-financing of over EUR 478 million), the program promotes investments in energy-efficient modernization of public buildings and production processes, the development of intelligent energy systems, climate-resilient neighborhood development, as well as measures to preserve biodiversity and green infrastructure. Applications can generally be submitted electronically at any time via the BENE 2 portal; for certain focus areas (e.g., LED retrofitting, building renovation, refrigeration systems), fixed submission deadlines apply until the end of 2023/2024 or 2026. Funding rates range between 60% and 75% depending on the measure, and in individual cases up to 100% (e.g., heritage protection projects).
Selection criteria include the demonstrated CO₂ reduction potential (at least 30%), degree of innovation, efficiency gains, cross-sector networking, as well as contribution to green infrastructure and climate adaptation. In addition to investments in technology and equipment, planning services, feasibility studies, accompanying research, and consulting are also funded. Projects must comply with ERDF and BENE II funding guidelines and meet a minimum investment volume – depending on the action between EUR 10,000 and EUR 200,000. Applicants sign a declaration to comply with ERDF objectives and regional environmental and social standards. The program thus makes a significant contribution to achieving Berlin’s climate protection targets by 2029.
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