Evaluation of the “Mein Haus spart” [My House Saves] energy advisory scheme implemented by the consumer advice centre for North Rhine-Westphalia (Verbraucherzentrale NRW)

© Ingo Bartussek / Fotolia

The “Mein Haus spart” (MHS) energy advisory scheme run by the consumer advice centre for North Rhine-Westphalia provides advice on energy-related modernisation in the home of the consumer seeking advice. These initial face-to-face discussions relate primarily to the building envelope and heating, and are conducted by qualified independent advisors.

ifeu evaluated the effects of MHS on behalf of the consumer advice centre for North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The economic and energy-related effects were of particular interest, along with the consumer’s satisfaction with the advice and potential ways to optimise and develop the project.

Key elements of the evaluation were two rounds of telephone interviews in autumn 2010 and spring 2011, each conducted with 500 consumers who had received advice. The interviews were carried out by TNS Emnid. The data analysis was undertaken by ifeu. In addition to the actual on-site advice, the “Moisture Diagnosis” and “Solar Power Check” modules were also evaluated, in addition to energy advice provided during the thermography campaigns.