Kodersdorf on the way to climate neutrality: progress and plans!

Kodersdorf on the way to climate neutrality: progress and plans!

A lot has happened in the small community of Kodersdorf in the last four years. Climate protection management is very important here and around 490,000 euros have now flowed into various projects to save energy. A huge step that the community supported with its own contribution of 138,500 euros. Climate protection manager Andreas Schneider is confident: “The equity capital will pay for itself in five to six years,” he says. After all, last year the municipality was able to save around 22,800 euros in energy costs in municipal buildings by optimally adjusting the technical systems, which not only protects the household budget, but is also an important signal towards climate protection.

The commitment to municipal construction projects is particularly noteworthy. For example, a solar system was installed in the construction yard and a new heat pump was purchased, while the solar system at the high school cost the community 135,000 euros, of which 15,000 euros came from its own pocket. Through various funding, Kodersdorf was able to record a total of 170,000 euros in savings. The goal is clear: the community wants to become climate neutral by 2045, so it's worth taking action now.

The path to climate neutrality

The progress is clearly visible. Carbon dioxide pollution from electricity has been reduced from 12.8 tonnes in 1999 to 2.26 tonnes in 2019. Greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial area fell from 1.18 tons (1990) to 0.77 tons in 2019. However, where there is light, there is also shadow: emissions in road traffic increase slightly as traffic load increases. To counteract this, the local council decided on a municipal heating plan, the creation of which was 100% funded, which meant relief for the municipal treasury.

A central element of this plan is the use of waste heat from businesses in the industrial area to supply heat to the community. The discussion is enriched by innovative approaches such as a possible piped hydrogen network as an alternative to the existing natural gas network - an exciting consideration, especially in a municipality with 189 natural gas connections. These suggestions show that environmentally friendly alternatives are not only necessary but also feasible.

Areas of action and measures

The creation of a climate protection concept is a further building block on the path to climate neutrality. In order to take the special needs of the community into account, all relevant actors should be involved. Important points that such a concept must include are an energy and greenhouse gas balance as well as concrete reduction targets and catalogs of measures. These concepts are not only a way to support national climate goals, but they also bring with them financial funding opportunities - crucial to realizing the projects that are already on the table in Kodersdorf.

To mobilize and inform local businesses and citizens, public relations can provide a key to acceptance and awareness. This forms part of the tasks of climate protection management, which should coordinate the entire process. It is therefore up to the community to set the course for a sustainable future with a good hand.

Overall, it shows that Kodersdorf is on the right track. With a clear focus on energy efficiency, innovative solutions and the involvement of all citizens, the municipality will certainly achieve its goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045.

For more information about climate protection measures in Kodersdorf, visit the reports from Sächsische.de, Klimaschutz.de and ClimateConnection.de.