Climate Protection and Environment in Gottenheim: March 2026 in the Spotlight

Climate Protection and Environment in Gottenheim: March 2026

The municipality of Gottenheim positioned itself in March 2026 as an active actor in the field of climate protection and environmental development. Numerous decisions and initiatives show that climate protection is not just a general term, but is being implemented in concrete projects and initiatives. From flood protection to the renovation of public spaces and the modernization of schools – Gottenheim demonstrates a broad awareness of sustainable development.

Renovation of Schulstraße: The Green Heart of the Community

The renovation of Schulstraße was a central topic of the March meeting. In addition to structural restoration, ecological aspects were particularly emphasized. The municipality focused on a careful selection of paving materials and a diverse planting concept featuring robust and climate-adapted tree and shrub species. For example, Acer campestre 'Elsrijk' and Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' were integrated into the planning.

In addition, tree protection measures such as tree grates and tree protection rings were planned to ensure the stability of the plantings. The landscape and open space architecture is carried out by Ralf Wermuth, who is also responsible for overall coordination. The goal is to establish Schulstraße not only as a traffic artery, but as the green heart of the community.

Flood Protection: Security for the Future

Another central topic was flood protection. Gottenheim plans to achieve the protection level HQ 100 – a standard representing high security in extreme situations. To this end, various measures are being implemented, including the removal of a fish trap, the sealing of a hydropower inlet, and the construction of a new flood protection dike.

In addition, water level monitoring stations are planned to provide real-time data on water levels and enable early warnings. The costs of the measures, totaling 13,345.50 EUR, can be supported by 70 percent in funding. The engineering firm Fichtner Water & Transportation is involved in the project and will be present at the next meeting.

Special attention is given to coordination with higher-level authorities such as the regional government and the district administration. The feasibility of the protection level HQ 100 is being further examined, and the deepening of the flood protection concept is planned for March 2025.

Drinking Water Supply: Future Security through Cooperation

Another project significantly advanced in March 2026 is the preparation of a structural report on public water supply in the eastern Kaiserstuhl region. The goal is to ensure supply security until 2050, even under the conditions of climate change.

The municipalities of Bötzingen, Eichstetten, Gottenheim, March, and Umkirch are working on a joint concept. Deficits in the redundancy of the water supply are being analyzed, and possible measures such as renovations, new constructions, or network connections are being proposed. The cost of the report is up to 95,000 EUR, with 50 percent covered by grant funding.

A central point is the assessment of current water demand and future developments. The report will also include recommendations for short-, medium-, and long-term measures. The municipality of Eichstetten is leading the initiative, and the completion of the report is planned for April 30, 2027.

Drinking Fountains and School Development: Climate-Friendly Infrastructure

Two further decisions adopted in March concern the installation of drinking fountains in public areas and the modernization of the heating and ventilation system in the primary school.

The installation of two drinking fountains – at the village square and on the Au playground – is seen as a necessary measure in light of the increasing summer temperatures. The cost for each model is approximately 6,750 EUR, with 5,000 EUR per fountain being supported by the state funding program Klimopass. The fountain models correspond to the devices already installed at the multifunctional sports field, ensuring consistency.

The modernization of the primary school aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The outdated ventilation system from the 1980s, which lacks heat recovery, will be replaced. In addition, the feasibility of climate-friendly alternatives to the gas heating system from the 1990s will be examined. The firm Ingenieurbüro Fischer Rickhoff GbR has been commissioned with planning and supervision.

Outlook: Sustainability as a Lived Practice

With these measures, Gottenheim shows that climate protection and sustainability are not just political catchphrases, but are being implemented concretely. The municipality is investing in the future of its citizens by actively addressing infrastructural and ecological challenges. With the goal of becoming a climate-resilient community by 2050, Gottenheim sets standards in the rural area.