Free energy consulting is intended to support owners with renovations
The city council of Darmstadt has decided to continue the "Modernization Convoy" advisory service. Following a public tender, the free service for private property owners will be continued for another two years.
Since 2016, the city has been supporting homeowners and apartment owners with energy-efficient renovations. The program aims to make the existing building stock more climate-friendly and thus contribute to the city's climate protection goals and heat planning.
Individual on-site consultation
As part of the modernization convoy, an on-site inspection of the property is carried out first. This includes recording, among other things, the building's energy consumption, the existing heating technology, and the general state of renovation.
Based on this information, owners receive individual recommendations for possible renovation measures. These include suggestions for replacing heating systems, information on funding programs, and details on the use of solar energy, renewable building materials, and greening measures.
“I am pleased that we have been able to advise more than 2,500 citizens to date as part of the modernization convoy. By continuing this service, we are taking an important step towards achieving our climate protection goals,” explains Climate Protection Officer Michael Kolmer.
Positive results after ten years
In the summer of 2025, the consulting service was scientifically evaluated in cooperation with Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. 299 people participated in an online survey, including 213 former participants of the modernization convoy.
More than 89 percent rated the individual components of the service as neutral to very positive. Overall, 77 percent of respondents rated the consultation positively. 83 percent stated that they would recommend the service.
More than 10,000 tons of CO₂ saved
The evaluation also reveals concrete effects on the implementation of renovation measures. Following 52 percent of the consultations, energy efficiency measures or a replacement of the heating system have already been implemented or are currently underway.
According to the city, this has resulted in CO₂ savings of more than 10,000 tons since the program was introduced in 2016.
Contact for interested parties
Interested property owners can contact Effizienz:Klasse GmbH for more information. Their advice hotline is available weekdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM at +49 6151 360360. Inquiries can also be sent by email to modkonvoi@effizienz-klasse.de .
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
