02. September 2025
After four intensive years, the project “Climate Visions – Paths to Climate-Neutral Schools in Berlin” is coming to an end. 70 schools from all districts of Berlin have each developed their own roadmap (action plan) for climate neutrality and implemented concrete measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now, follow-up funding is needed to continue to effectively support the schools and, at the same time, to accompany new schools on their journey, strengthen their self-efficacy, and initiate joint actions.
Schools as drivers for climate neutrality
The pressure to act is enormous: in order to achieve Berlin’s goal of climate neutrality by 2045, significantly more concrete measures are needed – especially in public institutions. Schools play a central role here. The roadmaps developed in the project impressively show how schools can reduce emissions in a structurally and pedagogically effective way – and at the same time serve as role models for other institutions.
What went well – and what’ still ahead
The project not only developed visions for the future, but also initiated tangible changes. One of the highlights of the project was the structural anchoring of climate protection through climate parliaments, such as at the Friedrich Ebert Secondary School.
In addition, participation in the project led to an intensive exchange of experiences between the schools. This not only helps to establish contacts, but also advances concrete project planning. Afterwards, the participants bring their renewed motivation back to their school communities. In the course of the project, the following have proven to be particularly effective:
- Cooperation with extracurricular partners.
- Cooperation between teams within the school and the involvement of, for example, the teachers’ conference.
- Sustainable, structural anchoring of efforts and climate protection actions, e.g., through a climate parliament or a climate working group.
- Setting realistic goals and prioritizing effective measures.
Climate protection needs structural anchoring
The findings of the project evaluation clearly show that binding structures and political support are needed for sustainable implementation. Many measures have so far been implemented on a voluntary basis and in addition to regular work. Without sufficient time resources, coordinating bodies, and appropriate recognition, it remains the commitment of individuals. UfU therefore calls for every school to have a designated coordinator for climate protection and climate adaptation who prioritizes education for sustainable development.
In addition, more intensive support from external partners is needed to relieve the burden on committed teachers, as well as stronger networking with local authorities. Where good contact persons are available, schools are able to implement their roadmaps much quicker.
Implementing climate action motivates and strengthens self-efficacy
The experiences gained in the project clearly show that effective climate protection in schools requires a balance between visible, direct emission-reducing measures and awareness-raising in everyday school life. For example, designing raised beds can be a first step toward gaining momentum and motivation to tackle more difficult issues. Such as: How can the school community be mobilized? How can the energy-efficient renovation of school buildings be put on the agenda of decision-makers? How can effective heat protection be established?
The so-called “attitude-behavior gap” (Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002) is also clearly evident: Teachers find climate protection particularly meaningful when they can act effectively themselves—not just when topics are covered in class.
What happens next?
Now that the project has ended, it will be up to the schools themselves to implement their roadmaps to climate neutrality. Many remain highly motivated to continue their efforts, not least thanks to the networks that have been established. However, clear political signals are needed to show that Berlin’s climate targets are being taken seriously. Without sustainable structural funding and central support, the achievements made so far will not be sustainable.
UfU is actively seeking new funding opportunities to continue the successful and award-winning model project and to support other schools and educational institutions on their path to climate neutrality.
The “KlimaVisionen” project shows that climate protection in schools works – if the conditions are right. In order for Berlin to achieve its goals, it needs not only committed teachers and motivated students, but above all the political will to rethink schools as genuine places of learning and creativity for a climate-neutral future.
Further information, materials, and the handbook “Schools as Drivers for Climate Neutrality in Cities – The Vision of a Climate-Neutral School” can be found here.
