Intense temperature assessment
Detmold, a city in East Westphalia-Lippe, continues to lead the way in Germany's green initiatives. According to the German Environmental Aid's (DUH) latest heat check, Detmold remains the greenest city in the country.
The city's commitment to expanding green spaces is evident in its ongoing projects. One such initiative is the "green belt," which includes the existing green spaces of Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz, Schloßplatz, Palaisgarten, Allee/Friedrichstaler Canal/Inselwiese, and the future "Future Pleasure Park Friedrichstal" at the open-air museum. This project will see the addition of pocket parks and the expansion of these green spaces.
A significant portion of the 3.3 million euros invested in the "green belt" project will be used for adapting urban spaces to climate change. The Schloßplatz renovation, for instance, will incorporate an innovative sponge city concept. This strategy aims to improve the city's microclimate by implementing a strategy to store collected rainwater in the ground for evaporative cooling and planting 39 new trees for shade.
Mayor Frank Hilker has also discussed additional measures for green space preservation, such as building in existing structures in the "Britensiedlung" cooperatives to prevent further sealing and protect the existing tree stock.
The Sander sustainable industrial park in Lippe positively contributes to Detmold's top ranking, further enhancing the city's green status.
The DUH's heat impact index, which uses averaged satellite data to determine how many people within the municipality live in heavily heat-affected areas, has ranked Detmold first among the 190 cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants examined.
One pocket park is planned in close proximity to the shopping street on the former Toberich nursery site as part of the "green belt" project.
Mayor Hilker commented that it is necessary to think green in the city and that Detmold is on the right track with its concept for more green spaces in Detmold. The city's continued efforts to expand green spaces, including the "green belt" project and the planting of new trees on Schloßplatz, are testament to this commitment.
Detmold's dedication to environmental sustainability and green spaces has earned it the top spot in Germany, making it a shining example for other cities to follow.
