While European environmental and climate policies have helped to improve the state of the environment in recent decades, progress has been insufficient and the outlook for the environment over the next decade is bleak, according to the report "The Environment in Europe - State and Outlook 2020en (SOER 2020)" is not positive.
The SOER 2020 is the most comprehensive environmental assessment ever undertaken for Europe. It provides an unsparing snapshot of Europe's position in terms of achieving its 2020 and 2030 policy targets, as well as its longer-term 2050 goals and ambitions for a transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. The report points out that Europe has already made significant progress in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades. There are also signs of progress in other areas. Examples include the fight against air and water pollution, new strategies against plastic waste, progress in adapting to climate change and in the areas of circular economy and bioeconomy. In addition, the EU Sustainable Finance Initiative addresses for the first time the role of the financial sector in the necessary transition towards a sustainable future.
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Grenzach-Wyhlen, December 5, 2019. Hydrogen production in Grenzach-Wyhlen in Baden-Württemberg can start. Energiedienst received approval for the operation of the power-to-gas plant today. All technical proofs and official clarifications have now been fulfilled.
Energiedienst will produce hydrogen from self-generated green electricity using electrolysis in the state-of-the-art plant. The electricity comes from the company's own hydroelectric power plant on the same site. The environmentally friendly hydrogen will initially be used in nearby industry. There are also plans to use it in local public transport. A comprehensive concept also envisages that the waste heat generated during electrolysis will be used to heat a new residential area. By linking electricity, mobility and heat supply in this way - keyword: sector coupling - the plant should help to reduce CO2 emissions and support the energy transition.
Dynamic master plan for the Patrick Henry Village presented / Citizen participation from 9 December A central park with a lake in the centre, diversity in architecture and in the use of buildings, energy production directly in the neighbourhood, a ring road, large neighbourhood garages, the public space for it free of parking spaces - these are just a few aspects from [...]
Senate adopts concrete measures for the next ten years and sets new CO2-targets for 2030 and 2050
December 3, 2019. Today, the Senate has set two decisive courses to achieve Hamburg's climate goals with an update of its climate plan and a new climate protection law. CO2 emissions are to fall by 55 percent by 2030, and Hamburg is to become climate-neutral by 2050. The climate plan describes the responsibility and the respective CO2 reduction targets in the sectors "transport", "private households", "trade, services, commerce" and "industry". It contains a large number of concrete measures which are to lead to the necessary reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030. The draft of the new climate protection law creates a binding legal framework for this.
In 2020, the state of Baden-Württemberg intends to support various players in the field of building refurbishment with grants of 10 million as part of the "Climate Protection Plus" funding programme.
bring-together is a digital matching platform for collaborative housing projects and people looking for a community. The platform allows you a dynamic matching instead of a classic advertisement. In this way, needs are brought together. This makes it easier for you to find like-minded people and your own individual family of choice for communal living. The platform is for people who want to revolutionize community living and housing. "We believe that communities are the only sustainable way of living because sustainable, connected and responsible living is only possible in community."
1 trillion to be invested by the EU
According to the head of the EIB (European Investment Bank), Werner Hoyer, it is realistic to invest one trillion euros in climate protection within 10 years. In an interview with Der Spiegel, Hoyer said: "If we want to achieve our climate protection targets, we are no longer talking about billions, but trillions of euros" and "We can do it." EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had named the climate protection target when she took office. Hoyer assumes that 1 trillion euros in EU climate protection measures will trigger investments totalling 4 trillion euros.
Decentrally generated electricity from renewable energies can cover the demand for electrical energy in Bavaria both in balance and in perspective. This is the result of a joint study by the grid operators Bayernwerk Netz GmbH (Bayernwerk), LEW Verteilnetz GmbH (LVN) and Main-Donau Netzgesellschaft. The Bavarian power grid operators have analysed which development paths are possible for Bavaria with regard to renewable power generation and whether climate neutrality can be achieved in the power sector. The grid operators received scientific support from the Forschungsstelle für Energiewirtschaft e.V. (Research Centre for Energy Economics).
21.11.2019. Heute gründet das Bundesverkehrsministerium zusammen mit Ländern und Kommunen ein Bündnis für moderne Mobilität. Ziel ist, mehr Platz für umweltfreundliche Verkehrsmittel zu schaffen.
Dazu gehört auch der schnelle Ausbau des Radverkehrs gemäß Klimapaket der Bundesregierung. Der Fahrradclub ADFC ist mit einem Impulsvortrag vertreten. ADFC-Bundesgeschäftsführer Burkhard Stork sichert Bürgermeisterinnen und Bürgermeistern volle Unterstützung bei den zu erwartenden Flächenkonflikten zu.
ADFC-Bundesgeschäftsführer Burkhard Stork said in the run-up to the event: „From 2020, for the first time there will be real money from the federal government to finance high-quality cycle path networks, cycle bridges and cycle parking facilities in the municipalities. To make sure that this money gets to the roads quickly, mayors and their administrations must start planning now - and build really good cycle paths from 2021 at the latest. As everywhere else in the world, there will be conflicts when it comes to redistributing road space. This is where it is important to show attitude and leadership, dear mayors. The ADFC, with its more than 450 branches nationwide, will strengthen you in this!"
The project, initiated by the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschut
The BUND Yearbook Ecological Building & Renovation, published by BUND Deutschland (BUND), helps by making owners fit for discussions with the house bank, architect, energy consultant and craftsmen. The guidebook, which will be available from November, shows what can be done and how: Based on numerous house portraits, the annual compendium helps the reader to find out which measures, building materials and technologies are best suited to their own project.
Als "wichtiges Signal für den gesamten Finanzmarkt" begrüßt die Entwicklungs- und Umweltorganisation Germanwatch die Verabschiedung der neuen Energierichtlinie der Europäischen Investitionsbank. Sie legt den Ausstieg aus der Finanzierung fossiler Energieprojekte bis Ende 2021 fest. Der Ausstieg gelang auch dank einer am Ende gemeinsamen Linie der zuvor zerstrittenen Bundesministerien.
More than 30 mayors agreed on new strategic cornerstones for sustainability on Thursday, 14 November 2019. Among them is Bonn's Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan. The city leaders want to expand the cities' scope for action and call for sustainable development to be placed at the heart of political decision-making.
and new energy financing policy No new financing for fossil fuel projects after 2021 Financing to drive future clean energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy innovation EIB Group to mobilise €1 trillion of investment in climate action and environmental sustainability by 2030 All EIB Group financing activities will be geared towards the 2020 [...]
With the successful implementation of the state program "Area-wide Safety Charging Network for Electric Vehicles" (SAFE), Baden-Württemberg is the first state to have an area-wide charging network for electric cars in a 10-kilometer grid. The SAFE charging network consists of more than 450 charging stations.
The ecovillage Sieben Linden has existed near Berlin for 30 years. The documentary gives a detailed insight into life there and what the villagers have experienced so far. Available until 28.10.2024
The five northern German coastal states have joined forces to build a green hydrogen economy as a pillar of the energy and transport transition: At their autumn meeting in Lübeck, the ministers, senators and senators responsible for economy and transport today (7 November) adopted a joint "North German Hydrogen Strategy". At the same time the heads of department called on the federal government to support their initiative and to include it in the national hydrogen strategy announced by the federal government for the end of the year. "With our strategy we show a way how the hydrogen potentials can be raised especially in the field of industry and mobility.
The programme series plan b uses the example of Seestadt Aspern in Vienna to explain what a "circular economy" can look like in concrete terms. Seestadt is one of the largest urban development areas in Europe. By 2028, high-quality living space for more than 20,000 people and almost as many jobs will be created in several stages in the north-east of Vienna's 22nd district. The aim is to create a sustainable neighbourhood.
The German government is presenting striking figures for the 17 global SDG 2030 sustainability goals. The "Glorious 17" campaign launched at the beginning of December is intended to arouse curiosity and encourage participation. An animated peace dove, for example, promotes peace and justice. Other figures stand for the fight against hunger and the protection of life under water.
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On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Eurosolar, filmmaker Carl-A. Fechner has created a three-minute film about Hermann Scheer, the founder of Eurosolar.
(6:25 min.) published on 5.11.2019 The city of Eschweiler (North Rhine-Westphalia) has been awarded the "Climate Active Municipality 2019" climate protection prize by the Federal Ministry for the Environment in Category 1: "Resource and energy efficiency in the municipality". The city of Eschweiler is committed to more resource and climate protection with its Factor X construction areas. The prize is awarded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) as part of the National Climate Initiative (NKI), which is implemented by the German Institute of Urban Affairs gGmbh (Difu).
The call for proposals "City of the Future - Towards Plus-Energy Neighbourhoods" builds on previous experience from the research programme specific focus areas and R&D services. All stakeholders who are involved in research and development issues relating to buildings, neighbourhoods and cities and who want to tackle the new challenges of digitalisation in the construction industry, the realisation of plus-energy neighbourhoods and the development of innovative urban greening technologies can submit proposals. Around €8.3 million is available for the 7th call for proposals as part of the "City of the Future" programme. The call runs until 30 January 2020.
Kaum ein Thema war in den vergangenen Monaten so präsent wie der Klimaschutz. Ein großer Baustein im Aufhalten des menschengemachten Klimawandels ist die Umsetzung der Energiewende. „Erneuerbare Energien können sehr viel dazu beitragen, die Treibhausgasemissionen in Deutschland zu reduzieren, und zwar im Strom-, Verkehrs- und Wärmesektor“, sagt Dr. Robert Brandt, Geschäftsführer der Agentur für Erneuerbare Energien (AEE). „Die deutsche Bevölkerung weiß, wie wichtig Erneuerbare dafür sind. Unsere neue Akzeptanzumfrage zeigt, dass die Menschen die Energiewende wollen.“
In der aktuellen repräsentativen Umfrage der Agentur für Erneuerbare Energien (AEE), die durch das Meinungsforschungsinstitut YouGov* durchgeführt wurde, befürworten neun von zehn Bürger*innen (89 Prozent) eine stärkere Nutzung der Erneuerbaren Energien in Deutschland. 66 Prozent gaben sogar an, dass die stärkere Nutzung und der Ausbau der EE sehr und außerordentlich wichtig seien.
A subsidy programme for small electricity storage units with grants of up to 3000 euros was launched today in Brandenburg. The state Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy is supporting private homeowners in purchasing a battery storage unit if they generate the electricity themselves with a photovoltaic system on their own roof. The small-scale storage program is limited to an initial 500 grants. It [...]
Photovoltaic modules can generate climate-friendly electricity for decades Old modules must be disposed of properly New BSW information paper provides information on disposal points and gives important safety instructions One advantage of photovoltaics is that it can supply electricity for decades if it is installed and components are chosen properly. If photovoltaic modules are eventually no longer used for solar power generation due to damage or age [...]
24 October 2019 Strengthen energy refurbishment of buildings and demand responsibility from landlords. Housing policy must create supportive framework conditions and thus contribute to the reduction of living space. "For a necessary energy turnaround in the housing industry, conditions must be created that demonstrate tangible incentives for owners and users to consume less energy in the future," [...]
Refurbishments or energy-efficient new buildings Name: 10,000-Häuser-Programm - EnergieBonusBayern Type of support: Grant Amount of support: Up to EUR 18,000 per housing unit Provided by: Bavarian State Government Area of application: Bavaria With the EnergieBonusBayern, the Free State of Bavaria supports innovative homeowners and developers who carry out energy modernisation measures on existing residential buildings or construct new energy-efficient residential buildings. The subsidy applies to [...]
The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects a boom in photovoltaics over the next five years. Worldwide, installed solar power capacity is expected to grow by 720 gigawatts (GW). www.solarserver.de/...iea-erwartet-massives-wachstum-der-photovoltaik/
Dresden, 22.10.2019 Heliatek, the world's leading provider of organic solar energy solutions, announces that its award-winning technology has been certified by TÜV Rheinland as having a carbon footprint of less than 16 kg CO2e/m2 in a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). For a sustainable future in an ever more [...]
At the meeting of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder (KMK) in Berlin on 17 and 18 October, the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder adopted a joint declaration on the United Nations' Education 2030 Agenda (SDG 4).
Funding programme progres.nrw extended North Rhine-Westphalia has extended the progres.nrw programme until the end of 2016. The programme supplements and expands existing programmes such as the market incentive programme or KfW subsidies. Grants are available, among other things, for residential ventilation systems/appliances with heat recovery and solar thermal systems. For the latter, however, only if they are not required anyway in order to comply with the Renewable Heat [...] Act.
With the timber construction funding program, the city wants to promote concrete timber buildings, especially in residential construction Timber Construction Guide presents 29 realized and forward-looking timber construction projects in Freiburg More climate protection with the renewable raw material wood. Timber construction in Freiburg is an important instrument for climate protection and indispensable for achieving the city's ambitious climate protection goals. […]
Cooperation between Stadtwerke and berlinovo for largest German tenant power project Mietersonne Kaulsdorf, the largest German tenant power project with a capacity of almost 3.4 megawatts (MW), is being built by Berliner Stadtwerke for the Berlin housing association berlinovo in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. Tenants of 4,300 apartments will be able to benefit from the green electricity generated directly on their roofs.
The Timber Construction Award 2020 Building with Wood in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg honours realised buildings that are predominantly constructed from wood and wood-based materials as well as other renewable raw materials. The primary objective is to promote the use and further development of this resource-saving, environmentally friendly and sustainable building material. The buildings to be submitted should be of high design quality [...].
The carbon footprint calculator developed by the ifeu Institute in Heidelberg can be used to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of food. The website also provides tips and advice on how to become a "climatarian", i.e. how to adopt a climate-friendly diet. The CO2 foodprint is calculated. This is the proportion of one's CO2 emissions that are caused by food. Link www.klimatarier.com/de/CO2_Rechner
but only by 2030 The Federal Cabinet today approved a draft for the Climate Protection Act and now mentions, among other things, a new expansion target for photovoltaics in the Climate Protection Programme 2030. The law now enters the parliamentary consultations.
The state of Rhineland-Palatinate is launching a solar offensive with a 5-million-euro funding programme for private and municipal solar storage systems. Energy Minister Ulrike Höfken, together with the Rhineland-Palatinate Energy Agency, today gave the official starting signal for the solar offensive, which is to take effect at various levels. In doing so, the minister presented the solar storage programme as a central building block of the offensive [...]
