One in five Czechs has applied for subsidies for energy-efficient renovations

About one-fifth of the population has applied at some point for a subsidy for energy-efficient renovations, and a further 15 percent are considering doing so. This is according to a survey by the Institute for European Policy (EUROPEUM) and the STEM agency, which the authors presented to journalists today. Although most Czechs consider climate change a serious problem, the survey found that they have yet to feel its effects very much. When it comes to housing and energy savings, people prefer measures they see as effective, but distrust in the system and a lack of information about available support undermine confidence in the value of subsidies.

„The debate about whether to renovate or not is not at all an environmental one, but an economic one. People are most concerned about finances, which are also the biggest barrier to green building renovations. Distrust in the system and a lack of knowledge are also major barriers,“ Rebeka Hengálová of EUROPEUM told the Czech News Agency (ČTK).

The data show that 56 percent of respondents are interested in climate change and its impact on society, 67 percent consider climate change a serious problem, and two-thirds believe that human activity needs to change to address it. Looking ahead, however, their greatest concerns are not related to the climate, but rather to a possible economic decline in Europe.

Seventy-seven percent of respondents rate the condition of their building or home as generally good; 28 percent said it was new and in excellent condition, while almost half said minor improvements were needed. The most common energy-saving measure they had implemented was replacing windows. Some people lack the money for most other improvements, such as insulation or installing energy-efficient technologies, even though these could deliver long-term savings.

One-fifth of Czechs have applied for subsidies. Yet as many as half of people think they would not receive support, reflecting distrust and a lack of specific information. Property owners generally view subsidy programs as beneficial, however. Personal experience shared by people in their immediate circle is most persuasive to Czechs. „The greatest added value comes from the experience of people around us, such as a colleague or family member. Information centres under the Ministry of the Environment, which are working to communicate the benefits of these renovations, should focus on showcasing successful examples,“ Hengálová said.

The survey results show that Czechs are willing to invest in energy-saving measures if they bring clear economic benefits or greater comfort. The survey was conducted for the Just Green project and also took place in the other countries of the so-called Visegrád Four: Slovakia, Poland and Hungary.

Czech subsidy programs that can support energy-efficient renovations include New Green Savings and New Green Savings Light. They offer financial support for measures to improve energy efficiency, such as insulation, replacing windows and doors, and installing photovoltaics, heat pumps and other environmentally friendly technologies. The subsidies are available to owners of both single-family and apartment buildings and are intended to help reduce household energy costs and carbon footprints.