Promotion of Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency in Companies, Public Institutions, and Cultural Organizations (Guideline "Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency")

The funding program of the State of Lower Saxony aims to advance climate-friendly measures in companies, public institutions, and cultural establishments. The focus is on reducing energy consumption as well as lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Funding is provided, among other things, for the energy-efficient renovation of non-residential buildings, investments in energy-efficient or greenhouse gas-reducing production processes, and the establishment of modern heating networks. Additionally, operational energy efficiency and climate protection networks are supported, in which several small and medium-sized enterprises jointly formulate and implement ambitious environmental goals. The funding is granted as a non-repayable grant ranging from 30% to 70% of eligible expenses, with a maximum funding amount of up to EUR 2,000,000. A prerequisite is that the eligible facilities or buildings are owned by the applicants and that the investment location is in Lower Saxony.

The measure offers an attractive opportunity to sustainably modernize existing operational and building structures while integrating new technologies. In addition to energy-efficient renovation, the innovative approach in the area of greenhouse gas-reducing procedures plays a major role, with the use of renewable energies being indispensable. The funding supports such investments with a grant financed from ERDF funds and supplementary state funds, contributing to strengthening competitiveness and improving the environmental balance. Key criteria in project evaluation include, among others, the level of innovation, sustainability aspects, and the expected energy savings effect, expressed as savings per euro invested.

Potential applicants must submit their funding application before the project begins and provide extensive documentation. Required documents include, among others, a detailed project description, a financing plan, and a forecast of the expected energy savings and CO2 reductions, which must be certified by a qualified energy efficiency expert. Applications are accepted on fixed deadlines – March 1 and September 1 each year – ensuring transparent and structured processing. By utilizing this funding, not only is a significant contribution made to climate protection and energy efficiency, but the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the funded institutions in Lower Saxony are also sustainably strengthened.