Germany approves limits on heating public buildings to save energy

Measures will initially remain in place for six months as country aims to reduce its dependence on Russian gas

Germany's government has approved a bylaw restricting the heating of public buildings and banning illuminated advertising hoardings, in an effort to save energy and tackle soaring energy costs.

The legislation, which will come into force in just over a week's time and will initially remain in place for six months, will mean that public buildings ranging from town halls to railway waiting rooms may not be heated to warmer than 19C (66.2F), and that radiators in corridors, foyers, entranceways and technical rooms must be turned off.