Offenburg's Energy Offensive: CO₂ Heat Pumps, School Campus, and Climate Neutrality by 2040

Offenburg's Energy Offensive: CO₂ Heat Pumps, School Campus, and Climate Neutrality by 2040

The city of Offenburg has set a clear goal: climate neutrality by 2040. In March 2026, the municipality implemented concrete measures that will have far-reaching consequences in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Particularly noteworthy is the energy-efficient redesign of the Zell-Weierbach School Campus, the renovation of existing buildings, and the planning for the 2032 State Horticultural Show. These initiatives demonstrate how Offenburg is combining its climate protection goals with long-term investments and technological progress.

CO₂ Heat Pumps at the Zell-Weierbach School Campus: A Milestone in the Energy Transition

The construction of a central heating plant with a CO₂ heat pump at the Zell-Weierbach School Campus marks a milestone in Offenburg's energy policy. This technology uses CO₂ as a natural refrigerant and enables climate-friendly heating without local emissions.

The feasibility study conducted by endura kommunal GmbH focused on three scenarios for the campus's heating supply. Scenario 1, which is currently being implemented, includes the supply of the campus with a school and a kindergarten. After a detailed review of technical and economic aspects, Variant 2 – the CO₂ heat pump – was selected as the optimal solution. It avoids additional earthworks, reduces investment costs and construction risks, and also offers lower operational costs.

The total cost of the energy center amounts to 1.8 million euros, with a planned subsidy of 195,000 euros from the BEW program. The funding will be drawn from several double-year budgets, with a focus on 2026/2027.

Energy Renovation and New Construction at Schools: Climate Neutrality in Educational Infrastructure

In parallel with the energy transition at the Zell-Weierbach School Campus, Offenburg is also pursuing a comprehensive renovation strategy for its educational institutions. The Erich-Kästner Secondary School and the Weingarten School are part of a 51.8 million euro investment that will be completed by 2028.

The new buildings will be constructed to the KfW Efficiency House Standard 40, and the existing southern building will be energy renovated. The measures include external thermal insulation, triple-glazed windows, insulation of floors and roofs, and a new heating plant. The campus-wide district heating network will serve as a central distribution system, with a planned supply temperature of at least 45 °C – an adjustment that also caters to the older buildings during the transition.

Photovoltaic systems will also be installed on the campus, covering approximately 36% of the usable roof area. The total capacity is 175 kWp, with a central energy consumption measurement and an energy management system being set up. The investments are also eligible for funding and allow for applications to KfW programs.

State Horticultural Show 2032: Climate Protection and Urban Development Challenges

In addition to the energy projects, the preparation for the State Horticultural Show 2032 is also an important component in Offenburg's urban planning framework. The conclusion of a public-law agreement with the state of Baden-Württemberg is a prerequisite for implementation. As part of the planning, a dike relocation is planned, which will optimize flood protection and at the same time promote urban development along the Danube.

The planned dike relocation requires a water law planning approval procedure, underscoring the complexity of these projects. The transfer of maintenance responsibility for the dike structure to the city means a long-term commitment that Offenburg is taking on with these investments.

Conclusion: Offenburg as a Pioneer in Climate Protection

In March 2026, Offenburg has clearly demonstrated that climate neutrality is not an abstract goal, but a strategically planned, financially secured, and technically feasible task. The CO₂ heat pumps at the school campus, the energy renovation of schools, and the planning for the State Horticultural Show show how Offenburg is linking its climate protection goals with investments in infrastructure and education. The focus on sustainable technologies, state funding programs, and long-term financing models makes the city a model for other municipalities.