Contracting is already used in approximately 20.000 to 30.000 single-family homes. In case house owners decide to use this innovative instrument the investment into an efficient heating system is carried out not by the home owner but by e.g. a regional utility.

The modernization rate and quality of modernizations has to increase significantly to reach climate policy goals. Hence, "mini-contracting" is a welcome instrument. However, advancements are necessary to tap the full potential of mini-contracting and increase its contribution to climate protection. As foundation for the advancement the Bremer Energie Institut conducted an extensive investigation. In the process interviews were conducted with i.a. contracting-providers, participating tradesman and different groups of single-family home-owners. Drawing on the interviews, the Bremer Energie Institut proposed improvements to mini-contracting for example with regard to efficiency improvements and the integration of renewable energies. Contracting-providers and those that want to become one can now draw on a science-based foundation for the advancement of their services.

The project was funded by "Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) im Bundesamt für Bauwesen und Raumordnung (BBR)" and "VdZ Forum für Energieeffizienz in der Gebäudetechnik e.V.". Further cooperation partners were "EWE ENERGIE AG" and "Zentralverband Sanitär Heizung Klima".

The report (German only) can be downloaded here.