Evaluation HZO

Since August 2016, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy subsidises the replacement of old heating system circulators and warm water circulation pumps with highly efficient pumps as well as the hydraulic optimisation of heating systems with a one-off subsidy of 30 per cent of the net investment costs (max. 25,000 euro). The overall aim of the programme is to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions in the buildings sector. The programme thus supports the achievement of the Germany's target of an almost climate neutral building stock by 2050. Arepo Consult and Wuppertal Institut have been engaged by the Federal Office for Energy Efficiency (BfEE) to carry out a formative and summative ex-post evaluation of the directive according to the requirements of the Federal Budget Code (BHO §7) for the programme years 2016 to 2020. The evaluation aims to scrutinise the programme with regard to

• target achievement,
• effectiveness and
• cost-effectiveness.

To this end, a programme theory was developed to identify suitable indicators and to guide the data collection. In addition to programme-specific evaluation questions, the project also aims to identify technology-specific trends through market and stakeholder analysis. Within the project a range of services are provided to the client. Wuppertal Institut is particularly responsible for assessing the target achievement, carrying out a market analysis, preparation and analysis of programme statistics over time, stakeholder interviews, and the formulation of recommendations for programme improvement with regard to its implementation.