ICLEI member Hannover (Germany) announced plans last month to significantly reduce both emissions levels and resource use by 2050. In a new strategy paper for the 100 percent Masterplan for Climate Protection project [in German], local dignitaries including Hannover’s Lord Mayor Stefan Schostok, the Mayor of Uetze Werner Backeberg, and Regional President Hauke Jagau committed both the city and state of Hannover to a 95 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a 50 percent reduction in energy use from 1990 levels.

Hannover’s plans form part of a national climate change mitigation programme [in German], providing technical and financial support to regions which are working to reduce their environmental impact. The strategy was informed by a survey of 5,000 local residents and input from more than 240 experts from business, academia and the NGO sector. Six broad thematic areas have been identified: energy supply, construction, business, mobility, waste management and carbon neutrality in everyday life.

A number of projects are already underway across the city and the region more widely. Zero: e-park, for example is Europe’s biggest passive housing project, using modern building techniques and renewable energy to create a zero-emissions development. Financial support [in German] has been made available by the local government for further innovative projects which help to protect against climate change. Hannover is a participant in the URBAN LEDS project, helping emerging economy countries to transition to low emission urban development.

For more information, click here [in German].