Climate Protection in Medebach: Focus on Trees, Photovoltaics, and the Climate Manager in February 2026

Trees, Sun, and Climate Manager: Medebach is Investing in Climate Protection

In the Hochsauerlandkreis region, climate protection is a central issue in local politics. Over the past few years, the city of Medebach has been increasingly committed to advancing climate protection measures—not just in theory. In February 2026, several decisions and discussions took place that are set to further develop the city's climate policy. Particularly noteworthy are the topics of photovoltaic support, the digital tree register, and the work of the Climate Manager.

PV Support Program: Medebach Supports Private Solar Energy

A central issue in the Environmental Committee was the establishment of a municipal support program for photovoltaic (PV) systems on existing private buildings. With this program, Medebach aims to promote the expansion of renewable energy and thus align with North Rhine-Westphalia's climate protection goals, which aim for greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045.

The SPD faction submitted the proposal for the support program, and the discussions in the committee revealed how complex the implementation is. Among other topics, the following were discussed:

• Which systems would be supported (PV systems, battery storage, balcony power plants)
• How existing buildings are defined
• The extent of the support (fixed amount or percentage share)
• Whether a social component would be considered

The support will be provided as a grant for the purchase costs. This means that owners of PV systems can receive up to 20% of the total costs, with a maximum of 750 euros (up to 1,000 euros with battery storage). Balcony power plants are supported with up to 200 euros (up to 250 euros with storage). The support is limited to one grant per year and per object.

The final decision will be made in March 2026 by the municipal council. If the program is approved, it would send a clear signal for the energy transition in Medebach.

Digital Tree Register: Transparency and Sustainability in Urban Greening

Another central topic in the Environmental Committee was the establishment of a digital tree register. Through the Kommunalwald Waldeck-Frankenberg GmbH, a comprehensive inventory of the city's trees is being created, which not only documents biodiversity but also the maintenance needs and climatic relevance of the trees.

In the previous year, tree maintenance measures had already been carried out in several districts such as Küstelberg, Dreislar, and Medebach. These included:

• Felling in areas with heavy public traffic (e.g., schoolyards, kindergartens)
• Crown pruning and removal of deadwood
• Replacement planting after felling

The costs for the measures from August to October 2025 amounted to approximately 16,846 euros. The work was carried out at locations such as the cemetery in Dreislar, the school center in Medebach, and street trees on Bahnhofsstraße and Ringeldfeldweg.

Discussions in the committee showed that biodiversity in urban greening is an issue. Although a wide range of tree species such as lime, ash, field maple, or hop hornbeam are already present, it was noted that the variety of trees in some areas is limited. Only one birch and one plum tree had been planted in recent years. Therefore, site- and historically appropriate planting is highlighted as a central factor.

Climate Manager: The Central Role in Climate Policy

The presentation of the Climate Manager's activities was another discussion point in the Environmental Committee. The Climate Manager is a central figure in local climate policy and is responsible, among other things, for implementing the city's Integrated Climate Protection Concept.

In the course of her report, she presented possible measures that could be implemented in 2026, including:

• The establishment of a Climate Check Tool to help citizens reduce the climate footprint of their daily lives
• Collaborations with schools and associations to advance climate protection projects
• The development of a reforestation plan in cooperation with the forestry sector

Discussions in the committee showed that the work of the Climate Manager is not only technical but also politically sensitive. It is not only about implementing measures but also about making citizens aware of the climate crisis and involving them in finding solutions.

Outlook: Medebach as a Model for Climate Protection?

The decisions and discussions in February 2026 show that Medebach is on the right path to achieving its climate protection goals. With the PV support program, the digital tree register, and the work of the Climate Manager, the city is setting impulses that could serve as a model beyond the regional level.

The challenge is to consistently implement the measures and actively involve citizens in climate policy. The success of the climate protection strategy does not only depend on politics but also on the willingness of the population to commit to a sustainable future.