Brochure for new citizens

Leading the way in climate protection | 33 Nature and landscape When it comes to preserving biodiver- sity, ecological aspects play the leading role in Heidelberg. For example, as part of the species protection plan, mainte- nance measures are carried out in eco- logically valuable areas of the district to preserve the habitat of rare animal and plant species. In addition, with the help of the program for biotope networking, connecting structures in the form of meadows are created in agriculturally used areas. Animals can use these as migration corridors. More information on these and other con- servation activities is available at www. heidelberg.de/naturundlandschaft . Sustainable consumption With projects relating to the topic of “sustainable consumption“, the City of Heidelberg would like to encour- age citizens to become aware of their responsibility as consumers and to contribute to sustainable development in their everyday purchasing decisions. Among other things, Heidelberg has been designated a Fair Trade Town . Since 2021, on the initiative of the city, producers of regional food from Hei- delberg and the region have been advertising their products with the new “Genial regional” label. In addition to its commitment to fair trade and regional products, the city also wants to promote the use of organic foods. As part of the “Bio in Heidelberg“ campaign, various projects are being implemented to this end together with educational institutions as well as fa- cilities along the value chain – from farmers to retailers to restaurants. Two shopping guides with tips on sus- tainable purchasing and consump- tion alternatives are available at www. heidelberg.de/bio . Passive house construction: Bahn- stadt With Bahnstadt, Heidelberg has launched an outstanding climate pro- tection project that serves as a global role model. Passive house construction is the standard for the entire district - so far, this is unique in Germany. Heidel- berg aims to become a climate-neutral city by 2050 at the latest. www.heidel- berg-bahnstadt.de Sustainable energy With its 2020/2030 energy concept, Stadtwerke Heidelberg is expanding a climate-friendly energy supply. The wood-fired combined heat and power plant, which supplies the Bahnstadt district with heat and electricity, was a first building block. Further plants and an energy and future storage facility are being built in the Pfaffengrund energy park. www.swhd.de/energiekonzeption Education for sustainable devel- opment The Education for Sustainable Develop- ment program teaches children about the impact of their own actions on the future. Numerous projects ensure that ESD topics are integrated into everyday school life: In the “E-Team Project” , for example, students work to protect the climate. Mobility projects motivate children to travel in a healthy and environmentally friendly way. At the popular “Natürlich Heidelberg” series of events, children and adults learn how important nature conser- vation and environmental protection are. Information is available at www. heidelberg.de/bne . 32 | Leading the way in climate protection The Bahnstadt district is characterized by passive house construction and is an international lighthouse project. Little people, big impact: It is never too early to be a climate activist.