Climate Protection in Castrop-Rauxel: March 2026 in Focus

Climate Protection in Castrop-Rauxel: March 2026 between Participation, Infrastructure and Energy

In March 2026, the city of Castrop-Rauxel, in cooperation with the Committee for Climate, Environment and Mobility (AKUM), made important decisions that will further define the city’s climate protection strategy. The discussions focused on the inclusion of civil society actors, the modernization of wind power, the improvement of cycling infrastructure, and the continuation of climate-friendly urban renewal measures.

Involving Civil Society Actors in the Climate Protection Process

A central focus of the March meeting was the inclusion of expert residents in the AKUM. The city plans to invite organizations from the environmental and climate protection sectors to nominate representatives. In the previous legislative period, organizations such as BUND, the DoCas-Blinker Anglers and Water Protection Association, or the Castrop-Rauxel Beekeepers’ Association already played an advisory role. This process will be continued in the new legislative period in order to incorporate the expertise of civil society actors into decision-making processes.

A special proposal by the parliamentary group of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen called for the Castrop-Rauxel Animal Shelter to be invited to join the AKUM. The animal shelter, which has been responsible for lost animal care in Oer-Erkenschwick since January 2026, is to provide insights into its animal protection work and to raise awareness of challenges in the areas of environmental and animal welfare.

Repowering Concept for Wind Power: Modern Technology for More Climate Protection

In March 2026, the SPD parliamentary group submitted a proposal to develop a repowering concept for existing wind turbines in Castrop-Rauxel. The goal is to increase energy yields through the use of modern turbines, reduce the number of turbines, and at the same time reduce emissions. The concept takes into account factors such as the technical condition of the turbines, the grid infrastructure, and climate protection effects. Cooperation with Castrop-Rauxel City Utilities is planned to optimize technical and financial framework conditions. The development of the concept will not incur any direct costs for the city.

Bicycle Traffic Lights as Part of Climate-Friendly Mobility

Another focus was the evaluation of locations for bicycle traffic lights. The parliamentary group Bündnis 90/Die Grünen called on the administration to hold talks with owners of traffic light systems to set up separate bicycle signals. The aim is to reduce conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic, to increase the visibility of cycling and to improve road safety. However, many of the existing traffic light systems are not owned by the city, but for example by the district of Recklinghausen. This makes coordination and negotiations necessary.

Climate Adaptation and Urban Renewal: The ISEK City Center

The ISEK City Center process is part of urban development and includes measures for climate-adaptive redesign. In March 2026, a progress report was presented, which included, among other things, the energy-efficient renovation and modernization concept for the city hall and council chamber. This concept is largely completed and will be presented to the political bodies in the near future. In addition, a landscape architectural competition for the redesign of the Forumplatz square was completed, with three prize winners being identified. In the ongoing VgV procedure, the most cost-effective bidder will be selected.

As part of climate adaptation, permeable areas, green roofs and the de-sealing of garden areas are also promoted. Information events on topics such as backwater, green roofs and infiltration are planned for spring 2026. The bicycle parking facilities in the city hall underground garage are also part of the measures to promote climate-friendly mobility.

Outlook: Climate Protection as a Long-Term Process

The March meeting of the AKUM shows that Castrop-Rauxel is actively and forward-looking in shaping a climate-friendly future. The inclusion of civil society actors, the modernization of the energy infrastructure and the climate-adaptive urban renewal form a broad strategy. The coming months will show how quickly these measures can be implemented and what effects they will have on the city’s climate and environmental profile.