With the decision of the city council “Düsseldorf becomes climate capital”, 60 million euros are available annually to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2035. As the Department of the Environment has now announced, all funds for projects protection projects were planned or spent in budget year 2022. In addition, another 19 million euros of the funds remaining from 2021 could be used for climate protection projects. A total of 78.78 million euros were invested in climate protection in 2022.
“Every penny spent on climate protection is money well invested. In Düsseldorf, we strive to set a clear example and be a role model for other municipalities. Only if everyone in the municipalities, in the state and federal government unites, will we be able to achieve the Germany’s ambitious climate goals. As the state capital, our stated goal is to be climate neutral by 2035,” emphasizes the mayor Dr. Stephan Keller.
“The use of climate protection funds combines economically sensible and ecologically necessary projects for the modernization of the city’s building stock with subsidies for the population of Düsseldorf for the common good,” explains environment director Jochen Kral. “It is important to carry out the necessary projects in all relevant sectors, such as private housing, trade, commerce, services, industry and transport,” continues Kral.
A total of 104 projects will be built using the funds. The spectrum ranges from the conversion of conventional light sources to energy-efficient LED light sources in municipal systems, the connection of municipal buildings to the Düsseldorf district heating system, the covering of municipal roof areas with solar systems for self-consumption of energy electricity and the implementation of energy redevelopment interventions on municipal buildings up to the promotion of zero-emission mobility projects. In addition, the Düsseldorf climate pact with industry, the environmental academy, climate protection education in kindergartens and schools and public relations projects were also financed. The local population also benefited with around 8 million euros from the use of the funds, for example through the “Living and working climate-friendly” support program, Caritas energy saving advice for low-income families and the support for the bike load.
At the same time, federal and state funding programs NRW extension Funds were raised for approximately 8.6 million euros. With the help of climate protection funds, up to 6,500 tonnes of climate-damaging carbon dioxide emissions could be avoided in 2022 and the municipal energy balance could be relieved by up to 3.5 million euros. At the meeting of the Environment Committee on Thursday 12 January, the city administration informed the public and politicians about the use of funds from the climate budget.
