The city of Aachen is ecologically exemplary in the areas of waste avoidance, the building sector, water protection and climate protection. Noise reduction, landscape protection and air pollution control are also designed for sustainability. In terms of mobility and urban development, many projects are pioneering for the city and quality of life of future generations.
Waste
Ecological waste management was already laid down in the waste management concept (AWK) in 1993 (last updated in 2014). It contains measures for energy recovery, disposal facilities for residual waste (landfill, waste incineration plant), waste avoidance measures and takes regional material flows into account. For 25 years, there has been a waste advisory service for private individuals and businesses as well as support for schools and daycare centers.
Building
Municipal buildings are subject to extensive monitoring in order to minimize energy and water consumption. The city of Aachen applies a high standard to new buildings.
Private buildings
Around 29,000 buildings in the city of Aachen alone are considered to be in need of energy-efficient refurbishment (78%). Since January 2004, the altbau plus association has therefore been providing advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings. The advice centre is supported by 24 institutions, including trade, tenant, owner and consumer protection organizations, architects, energy suppliers, banks and universities, as well as the city and city region of Aachen. In addition to independent advice on insulation and building technology, there is also information on state support.
Water protection
Aachen's industrial development is closely linked to water. Today, the 30 or so streams are of great ecological importance.
Noise reduction
Preventive noise protection is of great importance for health. The city has therefore drawn up a noise action plan.
Landscape protection
The urban forestry area, 23.68 square kilometers, is certified according to the criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®-C116663) and is ideally equipped for climate change.
Twelve nature conservation areas - covering a total of 471 hectares - have been designated in the city. A cultural landscape program, biotope network and tree protection statutes are some of the instruments for sustainable agriculture.
Air pollution control
Urban development
Sustainable urban planning under the guiding principle of the city of short distances is demonstrated by measures such as...
- the redrafting of the landscape plan and the land use plan
- Socially Integrative City Aachen-North
- the Suermondt Park
- the city center concept
- the green and design statutes
Mobility
With the promotion of local mobility, the process for a transport development plan, attractive public transport and a wide range of support for sustainable mobility management - such as Park&Ride, car sharing and electromobility - Aachen is cleverly mobile for the future.