This strategic alliance aims to enhance collaboration among various trades to effectively address the challenges of Germany's energy transition (Energiewende). By consolidating their representation, these associations seek to increase public visibility and strengthen their influence in policy discussions.
The taskforce comprises the following associations:
- Central Association of Sanitation, Heating, and Air Conditioning (ZVSHK)
- Central Association of German Electrical and Information Technology Trades (ZVEH)
- Federal Guild Association of the German Refrigeration Plant Construction Trade (BIV)
- Federal Association of Chimney Sweeps (ZIV)
- Central Association of the German Roofing Trade (ZVDH)
- Federal Metal Association (BVM) (permanent guest)
The taskforce aims to intensify inter-trade cooperation to effectively fulfill their pivotal role in Germany's energy transition. By presenting a unified front, the participating trades intend to enhance their public profile and exert greater influence in political dialogues.
Key Demands
In its inaugural position paper, the taskforce outlines several critical demands:
- Stable Regulatory Frameworks: Providing long-term planning security for investors through consistent guidelines and market-oriented pricing signals.
- Sustainable Funding Programs: Implementing reliable funding strategies to prevent abrupt stops and cuts, thereby bolstering consumer confidence.
- Affordable Electricity Prices: Reducing electricity costs to promote electric-based heating solutions, such as heat pumps.
- Simplified Approval Processes: Reducing bureaucratic obstacles to expedite construction projects.
- Promotion of Decentralized Solutions: Encouraging a free heat market that prioritizes decentralized systems and maintains competitiveness in district heating.
- Enhancement of Building Automation: Advocating for intelligent building technology to optimize energy consumption and integrate renewable energies.
- Sector Coupling: Facilitating exchange between various energy sectors to improve efficiency.
- Empowering the Skilled Trades: Leveraging the potential of specialized companies and their close customer relationships in advisory processes, municipal heat planning, and digital approval procedures.
- Comprehensive Qualification Strategies: Ensuring the availability of skilled labor through holistic educational strategies and the promotion of dual vocational training.
Significance of ISH 2025 as the Launch Platform
The taskforce's launch during ISH 2025 is strategically significant. As the world's leading trade fair for HVAC and water, ISH serves as a central meeting point for professionals in the sanitation, heating, and air conditioning (SHK) industry. Under the theme "Solutions for a Sustainable Future," ISH 2025 focuses on key topics such as modern bathroom design, sustainable heating and air-conditioning technology, and intelligent home systems. This setting provides an ideal platform to introduce the taskforce to a broad professional audience and foster synergies within the industry.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, the taskforce plans to actively participate in political discussions to effectively represent the interests of the building technology climate trades. Their concerted efforts aim to drive Germany's energy transition forward, ensuring that the skilled trades play a central role in shaping a sustainable future.
