At a glance
- The BAFA 5 module promotes the creation of transformation concepts for climate neutrality
- The funding program supports small, medium-sized and large companies in Germany with a grant of up to €90,000
- The BAFA 5 subsidy only covers consultancy costs
What is BAFA Module 5?
The BAFA 5 module is a funding concept of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) that supports companies in the development of strategic climate protection plans. As part of the federal funding for energy and resource efficiency in the economy (EEW), companies receive financial support for the professional creation of a transformation concept.
The special feature of BAFA Module 5 Transformation Concepts funding is that only the consulting services are funded, not the subsequent implementation of the measures developed. This enables companies to develop a well-founded ESG strategy with low financial risk.
Core objectives of the BAFA 5 transformation plan
The BAFA 5 transformation plan pursues clear objectives:
- Analysis of the company's current CO2 footprint
- Development of concrete measures to reduce greenhouse gases
- Creation of a roadmap to climate neutrality by 2045
- Anchoring climate targets in the corporate strategy
Who can apply for BAFA 5 funding?
BAFA Module 5 funding is open to all companies based in Germany , regardless of sector or size. This includes:
- Industrial companies of all sizes
- Service companies (IT, consulting, trade)
- Software companies and agencies
- Craft businesses
- Logistics company
Not eligible to apply:
- Companies with more than 50% federal share
- Cities and municipalities as public administration
- Pure agricultural and forestry enterprises
Special regulations for non-manufacturing companies
Non-manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises can use module BAFA 5 if at least one measure in the concept directly affects their core business. Pure building energy measures are not sufficient.
Examples of eligible measures for office operations:
- Conversion of the data center to green electricity
- Electrification of the vehicle fleet
- Optimization of server infrastructures
- Sustainable procurement strategies
Funding levels and financial support
The BAFA 5 subsidy is graduated according to company size and offers the following subsidies:
Standard funding rates:
- Small companies: 60% of the net consulting costs
- Medium-sized companies: 50% of the net consulting costs
- Large companies: 40% of net consulting costs
Maximum funding amounts:
- Standard funding: Up to €60,000 grant
- With network bonus: Up to 90,000 € subsidy
Network bonus for additional support
Companies that are members of the Initiative for Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Networks (IEEKN) receive a bonus of ten percentage points on their funding rate. This increases the maximum funding amount to €90,000.
Structure of the BAFA Module 5 transformation concept
BAFA Module 5 Transformation Concepts follows a structured four-step approach that covers all relevant aspects of climate transformation:
1. as-is analysis: recording the status quo
The as-is analysis forms the foundation of the BAFA 5 transformation plan:
- Location analysis: Recording of all German company locations
- Greenhouse gas balance: systematicCO2 balancing according to international standards
- Energy consumption analysis: detailed breakdown by Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
- Process analysis: Identification of emission-intensive business processes
- Data collection: measurements and data collection for precise balancing
2. target setting: Define clear climate targets
As part of the target-setting process, the company commits to specific, measurable targets:
- Long-term goal: greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045 at the latest
- Medium-term target: At least 40% GHG reduction within 10 years
- Scope definition: Clear delimitation of the emission areas under consideration
- Measurable key figures: Quantified emission reductions inCO2 equivalents
- Milestones: Intermediate goals for continuous success monitoring
3. action plan: Concrete decarbonization steps
The action plan contains the operational implementation strategy:
- Identification of climate protection measures with quantified savings potential
- Profitability assessment and cost-benefit analysis
- Prioritization according to effectiveness, feasibility and ROI
- Timing for the gradual implementation of individual measures
- Investment planning with detailed cost estimates
- Financing and funding options for implementation
- Risk analysis of alternative courses of action
4. anchoring: sustainability in the corporate structure
Anchoring ensures systematic implementation:
- Establish a climate protection management system
- Clearly define and assign responsibilities
- Monitoring systems for continuous progress measurement
- Reporting and regular monitoring of target achievement
- Continuous improvement by adapting the strategy
Application for BAFA Module 5
Applications for BAFA Module 5 funding can only be submitted online to the responsible project management organization, VDI/VDE Innovation & Technik GmbH.
Important basic rules of BAFA 5 Application:
Eligibility to apply: Only the company itself may submit the BAFA 5 application, not the consulting company. However, consulting companies may assist with the application. A consultant authorization enables direct communication between the consulting company and the project sponsor and can speed up the processing procedure.
The BAFA Module 5 application process in detail:
- Verification of eligibility to apply and preparation of all documents
- Online application via the easy-Online portal
- Obtain offers from at least one qualified consulting company
- Electronic signature or subsequent transmission within 14 days
- Processing time of up to 6 weeks by VDI/VDE-IT
- Grant notification as the starting signal for commissioning
Implementation and project duration
After receiving the grant notification, companies have 12 months to prepare the transformation concept. This period is binding and cannot be extended.
Advantages and benefits of BAFA Module 5
BAFA 5 funding offers companies numerous strategic advantages:
Planted supports companies with their BAFA 5 transformation plan
Planted accompanies companies through all four phases of BAFA Module 5:
As-is analysis: Planted provides specialized software that contains all the necessary functions for the systematic recording and evaluation of the currentCO2 footprint. The platform enables TÜV-certifiedCO2 balancing and site analysis.
Target setting: With proven "Convince your boss" strategies, Planted supports companies in defining realistic and ambitious climate targets and successfully anchoring them in management.
Action plan: The integrated ESG Strategy Hub in the Planted software provides a comprehensive platform for developing, evaluating and prioritizing specific climate protection measures with a detailed cost-benefit analysis.
Anchoring: The ESG Strategy Hub also provides the necessary tools and processes for the sustainable implementation of the sustainability strategy in order to systematically track and monitor climate targets.
BAFA Module 5 as a trailblazer for transformation
BAFA Module 5 offers companies of all sizes the opportunity to develop a professional ESG strategy with the help of government funding. Especially in times of increasing regulatory requirements, growing stakeholder expectations and volatile energy prices, a well-founded BAFA 5 transformation plan creates the necessary strategic basis for successful, cost-efficient climate management. Companies that act now and take advantage of BAFA Module 5 funding are optimally positioned for the climate-neutral transformation of the economy.
Planted supports your company with specialized software and proven strategies for the complete implementation of all four phases of BAFA Module 5. If you take action now, you are investing in the future viability and competitiveness of your company. Book a free consultation with our team of experts now.
