Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende explains: "The path to climate neutrality is probably the biggest challenge for all cities worldwide in the coming years, including the state capital of Wiesbaden. The necessity of this goal is undisputed if we want to curb climate change globally and locally. Climate neutrality secures the future viability of our society. The 'KLIMA_PLAN' adopted by the city council shows in a very concrete and expertly underpinned way how we as a city can gradually reduce emissions of climate-damaging gases."

Mayor Christiane Hinninger, who is also the head of the environment department, emphasizes the strategic importance: "The administration is ready: With the resolution of the 'KLIMA_PLAN' by the magistrate, we have laid the foundation for our future actions in climate protection until we achieve climate neutrality in 2045. With the involvement of all departments and municipal companies, 73 specific measures were developed in four central fields of action. The 73 measures have now been prioritized and responsibilities agreed so that each department knows which measures need to be implemented first."

Only by implementing these measures in the central fields of action can annual emissions be reduced from the current 2.57 million tons of CO2 equivalents (as of 2020) to almost zero by 2045.

The gradual conversion of the energy and heat supply from fossil fuels to renewable energies has priority. Updating and implementing the city's heating plan is a key basis for this. In the field of mobility, the priority is to electrify ESWE Verkehr's bus fleet. The city needs a second depot to expand emission-free mobility.

Another focus is on the climate-friendly and sustainable development of city districts and neighborhoods. This requires active land management that creates space for renewable energies, new forms of mobility and green infrastructure. At the same time, the city administration is acting as a role model for climate protection: the energy-efficient refurbishment of its own buildings is being systematically promoted in order to lower energy consumption and significantly reduce emissions.

"The 'KLIMA_PLAN' is our compass for the transformation to a climate-neutral state capital Wiesbaden. But no municipality in Germany can accomplish this task alone. In addition to a reliable political and legal framework, we need considerable funding from the state, federal government and EU, for example for the expansion of district heating, building refurbishment, public transport and the development of climate-friendly neighborhoods," explains Christiane Hinninger.

According to the expert analysis, the costs for the city as a whole to achieve climate neutrality will amount to around 10.6 billion euros by 2045. These are divided between measures taken by the city and private households as well as the conversion of the energy system's grid infrastructure. Added to this are the necessary investments by trade and industry.

In conclusion, Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende emphasizes: "A city administration cannot decree climate neutrality. The interaction between citizens, businesses, the economy and the administration is the key to successfully implementing the 'KLIMA_PLAN'. Only together can we achieve a transformation that is not only environmentally friendly, but also socially just and economically viable."

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