Freiburg's Climate Protection in February 2026: Biotop Networks, Waste Management, and Climate Neutrality in Practice

Climate Neutrality and Biodiversity: Freiburg's Environmental Action Plan in Practice

The city of Freiburg has established itself as a pioneer in climate protection for decades. In February 2026, it set further milestones with concrete decisions in environmental and climate policy. The focus was on three central topics: the creation of a new Biotopverbundplan (Biotop Network Plan), the restructuring of regional waste management, and the implementation of projects from the competition "On the Way to Climate Neutrality 2035." These measures show how Freiburg is turning its climate policy ambitions into practice.

Biotopverbundplan Freiburg-Schwarzwald: A Shield for Biodiversity

The creation of the new Biotopverbundplan Freiburg-Schwarzwald is a central project for the preservation of biodiversity in the region. The plan covers an area of approximately 15,300 hectares in the municipalities of Kappel, Ebnet, and Freiburg, aiming to convert 15% of the open land into a functional biotope network by 2030.

The current share of significant biotopes is about 23%, and if all proposed measures are implemented, this could rise to 41%. The Biotopverbundplan not only includes land planning but also specifies concrete maintenance and protection measures. These include extensive grassland management, the care of scattered orchard meadows, the preservation of dry-warm structures such as dry stone walls, and the development of species-rich forest edges.

The measures are implemented in close cooperation with farmers, nature conservation associations, and the public. A central role is played by financial support from state funds (up to 90%) and municipal subsidies. In addition, a spokesperson position will be established at the environmental protection office to advance the project and raise public awareness.

Restructuring of Waste Management: Regional Balance and Efficiency Increase

Another important project discussed in February 2026 is the restructuring of the Gesellschaft Abfallwirtschaft Breisgau (GAB) GmbH. The goal is to improve the basic capacity of the TREA waste incineration plant by including the Schwarzwald-Baar district as a new shareholder in the GAB.

The shareholding structure will be redistributed: the Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district will remain the largest shareholder with 50.1%, Freiburg will reduce its shares from 25.1% to 20.1%, while the Schwarzwald-Baar district will add 29.8%. This step is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen regional waste management and distribute the burden more fairly among the communities.

The restructuring is also a response to technological and economic challenges. For the next tendering of the waste incineration plant, special attention will be paid to technologies for reducing CO2 emissions. In addition, it is being examined whether shares of the ASF GmbH will be transferred to the city or the Schwarzwald-Baar district.

Climate Protection Prize Money: From Competition to Reality

In 2024, Freiburg emerged as one of four pioneering municipalities in the competition "On the Way to Climate Neutrality 2035" by the state of Baden-Württemberg. In February 2026, an oral report on the use of the prize money was presented. With a total of 4.4 million euros in funding, 20 sub-projects are supported, which will run until the end of February 2026.

The projects range from climate quarters and school projects in the field of renewable energies to campaigns for climate protection and lifestyle concepts centered on reuse. A highlight is, for example, the "Solar Summer 2026," which will promote the transition to renewable energies through workshops, consultations, and model projects. In addition, a GHG accounting tool is being developed to make greenhouse gas emissions transparent in urban development planning.

Criticism and Challenges: From PAH-Containing Road Surfaces to Competence

Although the city sees itself as a pioneer, criticism and challenges have not been absent. A knowledgeable citizen pointed out the danger posed by road surfaces containing PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) during the meeting. PAHs are carcinogenic substances that can be produced by certain road surfaces. The citizen called for a clear signal from the city to higher authorities.

The city administration confirmed the problem but emphasized that the responsibility for approving such construction sites lies with state and federal authorities. This highlights the fact that climate protection and environmental standards are not only an issue within the city but also crucial in collaboration with higher levels of government.

Outlook: Freiburg as a Model for Climate Protection and Biodiversity

Freiburg's environmental and climate protection policy in February 2026 underlines the city as a pioneer in climate policy. With the Biotopverbundplan, a fundamental instrument for the preservation of biodiversity is being created. The restructuring of waste management shows how regional cooperation can contribute to efficiency and the fair distribution of burdens. And the implementation of the climate protection prize money shows how funding programs can be transformed into concrete projects.

Challenges such as the discussion about PAH-containing road surfaces, however, also show the limits of local policy and the need to involve higher-level authorities. Freiburg remains an example of how politics, science, and civil society can work together for a climate-friendly and livable future.