Berlin

What is different in Berlin

In Berlin, the nationwide rules for energy advisers and funding apply. In addition, there are Berlin authorities, the Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB)’s own state programmes and a free initial consultation from Verbraucherzentrale Berlin.

This page describes the Berlin-specific features. You can find the basics on BAFA, KfW, iSFP and the expert list in the Germany document.

See also: Federal programmes. BAFA EBW (Energieberatung für Wohngebäude), BEG construction supervision, the iSFP bonus and KfW 458 apply in Berlin without restriction. Berlin state programmes operate in addition.

Authorities and contact points in Berlin

Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung, Bauen und Wohnen

The Senatsverwaltung implements the Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG) in Berlin. It is the contact point for interpretation questions, spot checks and administrative offences.

• Address: Württembergische Straße 6, 10707 Berlin
• Contact person: Maria-Theresia Erat
• Telephone: (030) 90173-4350

GEG implementation in Berlin
GEG responsibilities

Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB)

IBB is Berlin’s state development bank. It supplements KfW loans with interest-rate reductions and offers its own state programmes for energy-efficient building refurbishment.

• Address: Bundesallee 210, 10719 Berlin
• Telephone, property and urban development: 030 2125-2662
• Email: immobilien@ibb.de

IBB Energetische Gebäudesanierung Effizienzhaus
IBB ENEO Energieberatung
IBB overview: energy and environment

Verbraucherzentrale Berlin: energy advice

Verbraucherzentrale provides federally funded, free initial advice. It is independent of providers. However, BAFA or KfW funding applications with iSFP require an adviser from the Energieeffizienz-Experten-Liste.

• Address: Ordensmeisterstraße 15-16, 12099 Berlin
• Appointment hotline: 0800 809 802 400, free of charge
• Opening hours: Mon to Thu 08:00 to 18:00, Fri 08:00 to 16:00

Verbraucherzentrale Berlin energy advice
Make an appointment

Schornsteinfeger-Innung Berlin

Many Berlin chimney sweeps are also Gebäudeenergieberater HWK and listed with BAFA. The Innung directs you to the responsible district chimney sweep.

• Address: Westfälische Straße 87, 10709 Berlin
• Telephone: 030 860 98 20

Find a district chimney sweep

Berlin state funding (IBB)

See also: Federal programmes. IBB loans supplement KfW programmes. Combine BAFA advice and the KfW repayment grant first, before taking out an IBB loan.

IBB offers two active loan programmes and two paused grant programmes. An energy adviser can help with the application and combining them with federal programmes.

The loan programme "IBB Energetische Gebäudesanierung: Effizienzhaus" supplements KfW 261/262. The loan programme "IBB Energetische Gebäudesanierung: Einzelmaßnahmen" operates independently. The ENEO energy advice grant is not currently accepting applications. Effiziente GebäudePLUS has been paused since 19 December 2023, because SIWA funds have been discontinued. A successor arrangement is not yet foreseeable. The Senatsverwaltung für Wirtschaft, Energie und Betriebe will provide information on new funding opportunities as soon as these are confirmed.

Typical costs in Berlin

In a nationwide comparison, Berlin is in the upper third for adviser prices. Listed older buildings and complex multi-family buildings increase costs further.

See also: federal programmes. Funding rates and maximum grants are the same nationwide. In Berlin, personal contributions are higher because gross prices are at the upper end.

Process in Berlin

1. Obtain free initial guidance from Verbraucherzentrale Berlin.
2. Search the experts list for advisers with a Berlin postcode.
3. Submit the BAFA application and, if planned, the KfW application before commissioning.
4. Check whether an IBB loan can supplement the financing.
5. Implement the iSFP and use the iSFP bonus for later individual measures.

Frequently asked questions (Berlin)

Are Berlin energy advisers more expensive than elsewhere?

Yes, usually slightly. The hourly rate is 100 to 150 EUR excluding VAT. However, the funding rates are the same. In Berlin, the personal contribution is at the upper end of the nationwide range.

Are there additional grants for energy advice in Berlin?

The IBB grant programme ENEO for advice is currently suspended. Until it is relaunched, use nationwide EBW funding through BAFA.

Who checks the energy performance certificate in Berlin?

The Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung, Bauen und Wohnen carries out random checks. Breaches of energy performance certificate obligations can result in fines of up to 10.000 EUR under § 108 GEG.

When is Verbraucherzentrale useful, and when is a private adviser?

Verbraucherzentrale is suitable for an initial overview and questions about heating or service charges. For funding applications and an iSFP, you need an adviser from the BAFA experts list.

Can I combine an IBB loan and a KfW grant?

Yes. IBB reduces the interest rate for supplementary loans. Basic funding continues through KfW. The energy adviser plans the sequence.

Note on currency

IBB programmes and Berlin responsibilities change more frequently than federal programmes. Before applying, check the current programme page of IBB.