Climate Protection in Lohmar – March 2026: New Projects, Training and Participation

Climate Protection as Everyday Politics in Lohmar

In the municipality of Lohmar, climate protection is increasingly taking shape. In March 2026, several initiatives and decisions were on the agenda that have both symbolic and practical significance for the city's future. The Committee for Environment and Climate Protection, chaired by Heinz-Rüdiger Ramme, addressed topics such as sustainability, energy efficiency, and citizen participation – issues that are becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change.

ClimateView and the Climate Municipality Strategy

The committee reported on the current status of the "ClimateView" accounting tool, which the city of Lohmar has been using for some time to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The tool is a key component of the Climate Municipality Strategy and helps make progress in climate policy transparent.

Another focus was the follow-up to the European Energy Award (EEA). This award is a Europe-wide recognized seal for municipal climate protection and energy efficiency policies. Lohmar has already positioned itself as a climate-friendly municipality and now wants to take the next steps with the EEA. The current status shows that preparations are on track, demonstrating that the city takes its ambitions in climate protection seriously.

The Heimatwald and the Project "NRW pflanzt – Eine Million Bäume"

Another important topic was the establishment of a so-called "Heimatwald" (homeland forest) in Lohmar. The Heimatwald is a model project that protects local trees while contributing to biodiversity. It combines nature conservation, education, and citizen participation, with the active involvement of school classes and associations.

In addition, Lohmar is participating in the project "NRW pflanzt – Eine Million Bäume" (NRW plants – A Million Trees). The goal of the state program is to plant one million new trees in North Rhine-Westphalia by 2030. Lohmar contributes with its own initiatives, with a focus on sustainable locations and species diversity. Participation in this project underlines the municipality's responsibility towards the regional environment.

Balcony Scouts: Citizens as Climate Protectors

A particularly innovative initiative is the training of volunteer "Balcony Scouts" by the Bürgerverein Vilich-Müldorf e.V. The goal is to support citizens in the installation of balcony power plants. These small photovoltaic systems can cover 10–30 percent of one's own electricity demand and thus directly contribute to climate protection.

The scouts receive training in both theory and practice and can then offer free, voluntary advice. The costs for the training amount to 220 euros plus VAT per participant and are to be financed from the Öko-Cent budget. The training is planned for October 3rd and 4th, 2026, provided at least 16 participants register.

The training of Balcony Scouts is a prime example of strengthening the climate protection movement from within the population. It shows how politics and civil society can work hand in hand to advance local climate goals.

Conclusion: Climate Protection as a Shared Responsibility

In March 2026, Lohmar proves that climate protection is more than just a declaration. With projects such as the European Energy Award, the Heimatwald, and the Balcony Scouts, the city is implementing a broad strategy that is both politically and socially sustainable. These measures demonstrate how municipalities can act as multipliers for climate protection – and how central citizens are in this process.

In the coming months, it will be exciting to see how these projects develop and what role they will play in local climate policy.