Solingen's Climate Protection in Action: What Happened in February 2026

Climate Protection in Solingen: An Intensive Month with Long-Term Impulses

February 2026 has shown that Solingen is not only formulating goals but also actively implementing them. In environmental and climate policy, many projects are making progress that is both ecologically and socially relevant. The city is pursuing a broad portfolio of measures – from river renaturation and the expansion of renewable energy to the promotion of climate-friendly mobility.

Renaturation and Biodiversity: The Itter and the MARS Project

Renaturation of the Itter – A Step Toward Ecological Progress

The renaturation of the Itter between km 11.94 and 12.12 is a milestone in Solingen's nature conservation strategy. The removal of riverbanks and the stabilization of the banks with water construction blocks contributes to making the river more natural and livable. The measure achieved a total of 6,885 Ecological Plus Points (ÖP), which represents not only an ecological but also a measurable achievement.

But the renaturation is not just an ecological project – it is also a social success. By involving the population and creating livable spaces along the river, the urban environment is being shaped in a sustainable way.

MARS: Biodiversity Becomes Visible

The project MehrArtenRäume Solingen (MARS), which was awarded in the UN Decade Project Competition 2025, is another example of Solingen’s pioneering role. With a funding of 340,000 € and the development of five pilot areas in four districts, MARS promotes urban biodiversity. Through action days, nature boxes, and educational offerings, nature becomes experiential for citizens.

The project is a model for other cities – not only in NRW. The planned guideline that will emerge from the project will play a national role in the future.

Circular Economy in the Healthcare Sector: Circular.Care.Solingen

Health and Climate Protection – Two Sides of the Same Coin

With the project Circular.Care.Solingen, Solingen is setting a new standard in the healthcare sector. Starting in November 2025, the three-year project is being implemented as part of the NRW program "Circular Economy – CircularCities.NRW." The goal is to reduce the ecological footprint of the healthcare sector through:

• Sustainable procurement
• Waste prevention
• Reutilization
• CO₂ reduction

In the first project phase, the Municipal Hospital will work on modernized waste management systems. In the second phase, more hospitals, clinics, and care facilities will be included. In Germany, the healthcare sector accounts for 5% of raw material consumption – this project is therefore not only locally but also regionally relevant.

Municipal Heat Planning: The Path to Climate-Neutral Heat Supply

Climate Neutrality by 2045 – How to Achieve It

Solingen's municipal heat planning is another milestone in climate policy. The goal is to make the heat supply climate-neutral by 2045. The planning is based on a detailed analysis of energy consumption and emission factors.

• Final energy consumption for heat in 2022: 86.15 GWh
• Target year 2045: 510.68 GWh
• Main energy carrier in 2022: Natural gas
• Main energy carrier in 2045: Electricity

The city is relying on renewable energy, particularly shallow geothermal energy, and plans to expand the district heating networks. The heating networks are expected to grow from 10 km (2022) to 52.20 km (2045). The Lanuk has positively evaluated the planning – this is an important signal for the future.

Outlook: How Climate Policy Will Develop Further

Solingen has set a clear course in recent years: Climate protection, biodiversity, circular economy, and sustainable mobility are not just topics – they are fields of action. February 2026 has shown that the city remains consistent in its implementation.

What remains to be seen is how the projects will develop from 2026 to 2028. The heat planning, the MARS project, and Circular.Care are just a few examples of the diversity of climate policy work in Solingen. The city is on a good path – and thus has the opportunity to serve as a model beyond the region.