Steffen Schmuck Soldan, Ph.D., pursued American Studies at the University of Massachusetts as a Fulbright grantee in 1997-98. Steffen volunteers as Regional Coordinator of the Fulbright Alumni in Berlin and works for co2online, a German non-profit limited liability company that is campaigning for a reduction in emissions of the environmentally harmful gas carbon dioxide (CO2).

co2online's central approach is: climate protection by means of energy saving through dialogue. With online advisers, communal heating consultants and a climate quiz, as well as portal partners from business, media and politics, co2online motivates private households, trade and commerce to become actively involved in climate protection - and to save money at the same time! co2online informs and motivates mainly in the area of technical modernisation measures for heating and thermal insulation in existing buildings and is the project sponsor for the "Climate Seeks Protection" campaign, which is backed by the German Federal Environment Ministry.

All "Online-Advisers" offer quick and specific advice on various aspects of residential heating, energy-saving modernisation, and subsidies. They help home owners and tenants to evaluate their residential energy consumption and to cut costs and CO2-emissions.
 
The Atlantic Review promotes the following Online Advisors:

1. The Cooling Check for energy saving fridges and freezers
The Cooling Check motivates households to replace old and inefficient fridges and freezers. The quick and straightforward adviser assists the user from the first idea through to the decision to buy a new appliance. The Cooling Check comprises two separate checking procedures, one for old and one for new appliances.

In just a few simple steps, the check for old appliances gives you the unique opportunity to compare your own fridge or freezer with suitable, efficient new appliances. The adviser accesses the data of all new appliances currently on the market and of 21,000 models that were available in Germany over the past 15 years. Drawings and tables clarify the different electricity consumption values and their associated costs and CO2 emissions. The market prices stored in the database enable the electricity costs of the old fridge or freezer to be compared with the full costs of new appliances. Thus, the user finds out which new appliance is the best value, or how quickly the replacement of the old appliance will have paid for itself. The database also stores the addresses of disposal companies in the user's area, listed according to postcode.

Whether you are looking for an efficient model of fridge or chest freezer, of an appliance with a worktop that can be under-built or of a freestanding appliance - in the Check for New Appliances you will find suggestions for suitable models in direct comparison. Customers, who already have an idea of which particular appliance they would choose, can check how it compares to other similar appliances. The Check for New Appliances can be deactivated if required.
 
 
2. The “HeatingCheck”
The “HeatingCheck” compares the heating costs and the heating energy consumption of a house to that of similar houses or apart-ments in the region. If action appears necessary, it names useful references like the local tenant or consumer association or addresses specialised local builders or energy consultants.

 
3. The “PumpCheck”
Pumps for heating and warm water very often waste energy and money. The “PumpCheck” helps to adjust pumps to efficient operation and calculates whether replacement of old pumps pays off.


More Online Advisors and general information on co2online's German Website and English Website.