Education for the Future – Dortmund Invests in Schools, Climate Protection, and Sustainability

Education as a Key to a Sustainable Future – Dortmund Sets the Pace

Education in Dortmund is not only a matter of infrastructure, but a central component for the city’s climate-friendly and socially just development. In January 2026, three key topics were in focus: the implementation of energy-efficient new school buildings, the recognition of high-performing schools through the UmweltBewussteSchule (Environmentally Conscious School) project, and the long-term planning of educational infrastructure through investments in mobile classroom units (MRE).

The city is deliberately investing in the expansion of its educational institutions to meet the growing demand for school places while advancing climate protection initiatives. In this context, not only the pedagogical needs are in the foreground, but also the long-term energy efficiency and sustainability of the buildings.

UmweltBewussteSchule: Recognition for Commitment and Energy Savings

Within the UmweltBewussteSchule project, a total of 29 schools were involved in 2024. The program is a proven approach to not only reduce consumption but also promote educational initiatives for sustainability. The top ten schools received awards, including the Grafen Primary School, which received 2,000 euros. Overall, the program saved 492,127 kWh of heat, 30,379 kWh of electricity, and 173 m³ of water – resulting in cost savings of over 86,000 euros.

The evaluation is based on a two-stage points system, with 30% of the score based on energy consumption and 70% on pedagogical measures. This structure emphasizes that sustainability is not only a technical, but also an educational project. The revision of the pedagogical questionnaire in 2025 has also created more flexibility for schools to initiate their own projects.

School Construction for the Future: Energy Efficiency in the Forefront

The construction and renovation of schools in Dortmund have been significantly accelerated in recent years. Several new modular extensions have been completed, including the Kerschensteiner Primary School, the Reinoldi Comprehensive School, and the Dietrich-Bonhoeffer Primary School. These projects are not only pedagogically up to date, but also designed with energy efficiency in mind – photovoltaic systems and green roofs are part of the planning in most cases.

Planning and implementation are carried out in close cooperation with the Municipal Real Estate Management and follow energy-efficient standards such as DIN V 18599. The investments in school construction are part of the comprehensive Dortmund 2035 School Construction Plan, which will channel around 600 million euros into the educational infrastructure by 2035.

Mobile Classroom Units: Necessary Flexibility with a Long-Term Cost Control Plan

To meet the rising student numbers in Dortmund, the city is relying on mobile classroom units (MRE). These units are deployed at more than 25 locations, including the Mira-Lobe Comprehensive School, the City Gymnasium, and the Käthe-Kollwitz Gymnasium. The investments for the MRE amount to over 16 million euros, with the funding distributed over several budget years.

Although MRE are a short-term solution, their operating costs are carefully calculated. Each unit incurs annual costs of approximately 35,985 euros, mainly for electricity, heat, and cleaning. Depreciation is calculated over 20 years. From 2029, costs for dismantling and relocating the units are also expected, amounting to a total of 79,000 euros.

These investments are part of a long-term plan extending until 2028. They allow the city to flexibly expand its capacity without having to wait for long-term construction projects.

Outlook: Education as a Central Building Block of Climate Policy

Dortmund’s political leadership is pursuing a clear course: educational institutions are not only places of learning, but also key actors in climate protection. Through projects such as UmweltBewussteSchule, energy-efficient new buildings, and flexible solutions like MRE, the city is demonstrating that it is meeting future challenges with practical and sustainable measures.

With the IGA 2027, another step toward sustainability and education for a green future will be taken. Projects such as the new construction of the Central Plaza in Westfalenpark or the establishment of a water education trail in the zoo uniquely combine education, nature, and sustainability.

Dortmund thus proves that education cannot be considered in isolation – it is part of a comprehensive strategy for a livable, climate-friendly, and just city.