Offenburg's Energy and Climate Policy: Progress and Challenges in February 2026

Progress on the Path to Climate Neutrality

In 2026, Offenburg is on a clear course to achieve its climate neutrality goal by 2040. The 2024 Energy Report, adopted in February 2026, shows that the city is continuously increasing its energy efficiency. Heat consumption remained stable at around 12.6 million kWh, while electricity consumption slightly increased, partially offset by photovoltaic systems. A central success is the development of a new energy management system, which from 2026 enables detailed, building-specific monitoring.

Expansion of District Heating: Step by Step Toward Climate Neutrality

District heating is a key issue in Offenburg's energy policy. The city has decided to assess and implement economically viable connections for buildings whenever district heating lines are laid in municipal streets. The current expansion of the district heating network is proceeding at a rate of 4 to 5 kilometers per year, with the share of renewable energy currently at 27 percent. By 2040, the goal is to increase this to 100 percent, among other things through the commissioning of a heat pump power plant in Burda and a combined heat and power plant in Kreuzschlag.

Photovoltaic Strategy and Renovation Projects: Energy Efficiency in the Municipal Building Stock

The city's photovoltaic strategy provides for the installation of PV systems in all new renovation and construction projects. In February 2026, five new PV projects were examined in feasibility studies, with the city also relying on storage and pooling models to maximize self-consumption. Particularly successful were renovation measures at schools: the Georg-Monsch and Eichendorff schools reduced their heating energy demand by 46 and 60 percent, respectively.

Climate Adaptation: From Green Roofs to Stormwater Management

In addition to energy efficiency, climate adaptation is a central field of action. Offenburg plans the climate-adapted renovation of Werder and Zeppelin streets, the planting of trees along cycle paths, and the redesign of the market square with 15 new trees. In the area of stormwater prevention, retention basins have been created in Zunsweier, and an emergency plan for heat events is being developed in cooperation with the KIT.

Public Relations and Citizen Participation: Climate Protection for Everyone

The city of Offenburg is relying on broad public relations to raise awareness among the population about climate protection issues. In cooperation with kindergartens and schools, climate protection programs for children and young people have been implemented. In addition, monthly electricity-saving checks are offered for low-income households, and a new online training tool for staff in municipal buildings is under development.

Outlook: 2026/2027 as a Decisive Phase

The action plan for 2026/2027 provides for the further development of the climate protection strategy, with a focus on monitoring, financing, and citizen participation. Offenburg remains on course to be climate neutral by 2040 – with investments in renovation, PV, district heating, and digital control systems.