Eisenberg/Jena, 06.03.2026. The Saale-Holzland-Kreis has become the first district in all of Germany to be awarded the premium certificate for municipal energy management (Kom.EMS). Through the efficient control of heating and electrical technology in public buildings, the district has saved over one million euros in recent years.
- Award: Kom.EMS certificate in the “Premium” quality level
- Award winner: Saale-Holzland-Kreis (SHK)
- Financial savings: Around 1.1 million euros in energy costs since 2017
- Savings (heating): Decrease of about 12 percent in district-owned buildings (between 2021 and 2023)
Systematic optimization of properties
Since 2018, the district has been using a central system to manage its public buildings. These include schools, administrative buildings, and sports halls. A specially established energy team regularly records detailed consumption data. Through constant monitoring, the operation of technical systems can be continuously optimized. Idle times and inefficient heating settings can thus be effectively avoided.
Climate protection and cost reduction combined
The Kom.EMS (Municipal Energy Management System) quality management system was specifically developed to support cities, municipalities, and districts in the energy transition. The main goal is to noticeably lower energy consumption, reduce harmful emissions, and operate installed building technology as efficiently as possible. By receiving the nationwide unique premium level, the Saale-Holzland-Kreis proves that this path offers both ecological and enormous economic advantages.
Background: The Saale-Holzland-Kreis and the region
The Saale-Holzland-Kreis (SHK) almost completely surrounds the independent city of Jena and is closely intertwined with the “City of Light.” The seat of the district administration is located in neighboring Eisenberg. Numerous commuters travel daily between Jena and the district municipalities. Energy-saving measures and energetic renovation of public infrastructure in the SHK often also have positive economic effects for craft and service businesses from the entire East Thuringian region. Investments in climate protection measures at schools and gymnasiums also improve local learning and training conditions in the long term.
Source:
Saale-Holzland-Kreis receives first nationwide premium award
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.