District presents climate and energy report
The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg has set itself the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2035 - and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 95 per cent. The latest climate and energy report shows that there is still a lot to do, but the district is on the right track - and can already show promising results.
Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 2,250 tonnes of CO₂
The report provides an in-depth insight into the progress made in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions - and shows how the district is actively pursuing the path to climate neutrality by 2035: For example, it has been able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from over 13,000 tonnes of CO₂ to around 10,750 tonnes per year since 2021. By comparison, this corresponds to the annual emissions of 1,500 households, 500 cars or the amount of CO₂ that 100,000 trees bind each year.
Reduction in energy consumption
This reduction is primarily due to the consistent reduction in energy consumption, in particular through a significant decrease in natural gas consumption from around 38,000 MWh to around 25,000 MWh. This was largely made possible by technical optimisation and energy efficiency measures, such as the installation of modern heating systems in the properties. But also through the energy-efficient refurbishment of buildings, the expansion of photovoltaic systems and improved building management, as well as the use of management systems that further minimise energy consumption through better planning and control of heating times and temperatures.
Photovoltaics reduce electricity consumption and emissions
The installation of photovoltaic systems on district-owned properties is another way of reducing grid-related electricity consumption. The use of self-generated solar power on site reduces the need for electricity from the national grid. This also reduces emissions. In addition, a further reduction in emissions can be achieved in the future by electrifying the vehicle fleet.
"The successes we have achieved so far are remarkable, but we still have a long way to go to achieve our climate targets in the long term," emphasises District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst. "The switch to renewable energies is and will remain a central component of this." The report makes it clear that, despite the successes to date, the measures need to be consistently continued and intensified.
Keywords:
Environmental and climate protection Climate protection Climate adaptation