Just in time for the United Nations climate summit in Marrakesh last week, Germany released its Climate Action Plan 2050, setting out measures to meet its Paris Agreement commitments, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 95 percent, and cover almost all its energy needs with renewables by mid-century. With cities carrying much of the responsibility for carbon emissions, many are setting their own goals. Frankfurt is one of them. Despite being known as a financial capital, Frankfurt has been working to reduce its carbon footprint for some years now. Many of its buildings already meet high energy efficiency standards, and citizens, schools, and businesses are all being encouraged to save energy.
In 2013, Frankfurt developed its “Masterplan 100% Climate Protection” with the participation of citizens and energy institutions. This plan aims to cut the city’s energy use in half by 2050 and source all its energy needs from renewables. Frankfurt’s Municipal Energy Agency plays a key role in achieving these goals by advising businesses, homeowners, tenants, and institutions on energy-saving measures. The agency also provides subsidies for LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances, encourages schools to save energy, and rewards them with funding for school trips.
Frankfurt stands out as a pioneer in energy-efficient building, with close to 2 percent of its buildings meeting passive house standards. The city’s municipal housing association, ABG Frankfurt Holding, has been adopting passive house standards for its building projects, reducing energy costs for tenants and protecting the climate. Regional energy supplier Mainova also plays a crucial role in providing energy-efficient district heating and promoting solar power in the city. However, Frankfurt’s ambitious climate goals face a major challenge with the city’s airport being responsible for a significant portion of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite efforts to reduce air travel emissions, there is little political will to address the elephant in the room, Frankfurt Airport. Green Party local politician Rosmarie Heilig describes the airport as the city’s biggest dilemma in terms of climate protection. Germany’s national plan to cut carbon emissions has faced criticism for not being adequate to meet its goals, and in Frankfurt, the gap between ambition and action remains to be bridged.