Climate and Environmental Policy in Viersen: Heavy Rain, Energy, and Future-Oriented Planning

Viersen in the Climate Change Era: How the City is Responding to Heavy Rain, Energy Efficiency, and Climate Protection

Climate change has reached Viersen. In April 2026, the city addressed several central topics to prepare for changing environmental conditions. Particular focus was placed on heavy rain management, energy efficiency in the administration, and the development of a municipal heat plan.

Heavy Rain Management: Prevention Instead of Remediation

With the establishment of a municipal Heavy Rain Risk Management (SRRM), Viersen has decided on a key measure for climate change adaptation. The city aims to develop a long-term action plan based on hazard maps and model calculations to minimize risks from heavy rain.

The decision is primarily motivated by the increase in rainfall intensity observed in North Rhine-Westphalia in recent years. The city has set up an interdisciplinary team consisting of infrastructure, urban planning, forestry, fire department, and other departments.

Although there is no binding obligation to implement specific measures, the SRRM will serve as a basis for future planning – for example, in infrastructure and open space planning, hazard map creation, or crisis management.

In addition, a LoRaWAN measurement network will be set up to monitor water levels and rainfall in real time. This system can be combined with the Flood-Check app from the state of NRW to warn citizens early.

Energy Management: On the Path to a Climate-Neutral Administration

The city of Viersen has decided to resume the Central Building Management to optimize the energy consumption of the administration. The goal is to become climate-neutral by 2035, a target aligned with international climate goals.

The decision is primarily driven by the high energy costs, which have intensified in recent years due to the energy crisis. In an analysis of the top 25 properties, higher electricity and heating costs were identified as particularly critical.

The city therefore plans comprehensive measures:

• Installation of additional photovoltaic systems
• Conversion to heat pumps
• Roof renovations
• Creation of a renovation register

A particular focus is on citizen participation – a citizen petition calling for more transparency and involvement in the energy transition was noted and forwarded for inclusion in the planning process.

Municipal Heat Planning: Obligation or Opportunity?

The city of Viersen has decided to commission an external contractor to create a municipal heat plan. The obligation arises from the Heat Planning Act (WPG), which requires municipalities to develop heat plans by 2028.

Funding will come from existing resources, and the city has already begun developing a heat transition concept for the NEW district in collaboration with RWTH Aachen and Fraunhofer FIT.

In addition, a feasibility study for a district heating network is being supported, which could contribute to the long-term reduction of fossil fuels.

Climate-Appropriate Urban Development Planning: Preparing for the Future

Another focus was climate-appropriate urban development planning. Viersen has adopted a guideline and a checklist that incorporate climate factors such as heat islands, heavy rain risks, and green spaces into urban development plans.

The documents are based on international models and will be updated as "living documents". They are to be integrated into future zoning plans and justifications.

The city is also relying on green infrastructure, permeable paving, and green facades to cope with climate change. In addition, measures for e-mobility are being considered, such as carsharing or pedelec rentals.

Conclusion: On the Way to a Climate-Resilient City

The decisions Viersen made in April 2026 in the field of environment and climate show that the city is actively addressing the challenges of climate change. With a heavy rain risk management plan, an energy management strategy, municipal heat planning, and climate-appropriate urban development planning, Viersen has developed a comprehensive strategy.

But here too, implementation is key. The city must ensure that financial resources are available, working groups are coordinated, and citizens are actively involved. Only then can Viersen become a climate-resilient and climate-neutral city in the long term.