4 specific projects awaiting implementation

According to the Warendorf district authority, the projects in question are a community solar advisory service, a network to promote corporate mobility management, the KLIMA.PROFIT project and participation in a land-unsealing competition.

Michael Ottmann, Head of the Environment Department for the Warendorf district, emphasised the importance of the next step: “Now that the committee was established last year and has drawn up a strategic framework, we can finally get down to work on jointly implementing specific projects. “With this alliance comprising the district, local authorities, municipal utilities, the skilled trades, business development, nature conservation, agriculture and waste management, we have the opportunity to involve and reach a wide range of stakeholders.”

What lies behind these projects?

As part of the community solar advisory service, trained local residents provide information to homeowners within their local area about the possibilities for installing solar panels on private residential properties. They offer free advice on technical options, cost-effectiveness, self-consumption, storage solutions and the process of installing a system. By providing impartial information and personalised advice, the aim is to bridge knowledge gaps, facilitate investment and support regional climate protection targets.

The promotion of corporate mobility management aims to foster close cooperation between companies, local business development agencies and other stakeholders, with a view to jointly developing sustainable mobility solutions for employees. This involves analysing employees’ places of residence and use of transport, business travel and company vehicle fleets. Measures will then be derived from this analysis, such as initiatives to promote cycling, car-sharing, the use of public transport, charging infrastructure, etc.

Taking part in the de-sealing competition is intended to encourage towns and local authorities to seek out opportunities to de-seal areas that are currently asphalted or paved. To this end, creative solutions are being developed to transform sealed surfaces into permeable, green or other climate-positive uses. Advisory services, a front garden competition or similar initiatives can complement the competition.

KLIMA.PROFIT is a consultancy process in which companies work with qualified consultants to analyse climate-related risks at their sites – such as those posed by heat, heavy rain, flooding or other climate impacts – and to develop tailored action plans for adapting to climate change.

The KlimaTisch will oversee the implementation of the measures and involve further partners in the projects. In addition to the four ‘launch projects’, further measures may be initiated and implemented by the alliance over time. To ensure transparent monitoring of progress, the district administration is also developing a publicly accessible climate dashboard, which will highlight future progress in climate protection and adaptation.