Climate-neutral school and daycare center

Active educational institutions to achieve the climate targets

Germany wants to be climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest. In order to achieve this important goal and take account of international agreements, the greatest efforts must be made in all areas of society. Schools are by far the most numerous public buildings. Due to their large CO₂ footprint, they are of particular importance for the energy transition. At the same time, future generations are being educated in schools. Concrete environmental projects and climate education are therefore essential prerequisites for achieving the overarching climate targets.

Many educational institutions are already dealing with environmental issues, often on the impetus of children and young people. However, implementation sometimes fails due to staff shortages and a lack of a systematic approach. Projects and concrete educational support on site can help here. As an introduction, a climate check can be used to take a close look at the buildings and internal processes and determine the ecological footprint. In addition to the consumption of heating energy and electricity, issues relating to nutrition and meals, waste separation, procurement and mobility are also examined. Building on this, the school community develops its own project ideas and action programs.

What is the significance of the journey to school and are school trips excluded from climate neutrality, i.e. air travel? What can students and teachers achieve through behavioral changes, e.g. by switching off the lights, proper ventilation and heating? How do solar panels actually work and why does the building have (none) on the roof? UfU employees carry out adapted teaching modules on site from elementary school to upper secondary school, but also train teachers in these topics in further training courses and workshops. Once the situation has been analyzed, roadmaps can be drawn up for the sustainable path to climate neutrality.

Competence Center for Climate Neutral Schools (KKS) bundles projects

We have been supporting schools and other educational institutions on their way to greater energy efficiency and sustainability for several decades. Since the beginning of 2023, UfU has been bundling its extensive projects and activities in the newly established cross-sectional area Competence Center Climate Neutral Schools (KKS). These include the topics of energy saving in schools, climate education, heat transition in non-residential buildings, ESD education for sustainable development, individual roadmaps towards climate-neutral schools, moderation of change processes towards climate neutrality and accompanying public relations work. In addition to ongoing projects in Berlin, Leipzig, Hanover, Potsdam and Halle, among others, UfU also organizes competitions for climate schools, workshops and large specialist conferences.

By the way, climate education should not just start at school. The topics of energy and climate protection can also be anchored in the day-to-day life of children. Through playful knowledge transfer and practical experimentation, enthusiasm for environmentally friendly behavior and the protection of natural resources is awakened. A wide range of offers and materials are also available here.