Building Bridges for Climate Protection – Another Look Back at Our Second ELCA Study Tour with Our Czech and Romanian Trainees

A day of inspiration, ideas, and lived transformation

The day began with a values-oriented workshop with the Kassel Institute for Sustainability (KIS) led by Christoph Schösser (LEVER Project), who invited us to look at climate protection projects through a transformational perspective. The central idea is that change begins in the mind. This shift in perspective was a key moment for many participants, a call to understand their projects as part of a larger, systemic change.

KIS is an inter- and transdisciplinary research centre at the University of Kassel, dedicated to the scientific analysis and development of solutions for sustainable development.  

Rethinking Energy: SoLocal Energy & Climate Change in the Neighborhood

With Arvid Jasper and Carsten Peters, we delved into the municipal energy transition in the Wilhelmshöhe-Wahlershausen district. The excursion organised by SoLocal Energy, the ReWir group of the former SDG+Lab Zukunftsladen, and the Environmental House Kassel impressively showed how local initiatives can initiate concrete changes:

- Zero-emission houses and wood pellet heating systems

- Neighborhood projects for energy savings

- The first cargo bike-sharing station in the district

- Plans for a local heating network

- Heat pumps and photovoltaic systems up close on private and community buildings

- Engagement of older residents at the Community House, a hub for educational programmes and participation

Kassel's goal to transition entirely to renewable energy by 2040 became tangible today. The variety of projects in the Wahlershausen district and their close integration with citizens show that sustainability is created locally, with heart, hands, and minds. Climate protection becomes sustainable where people conceive it inclusively. The connection of social and ecological goals is key to resilient cities.

Inspiration Between Tradition and Future: The Wilhelmshöhe Mountain Park

To end the day, we visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wilhelmshöhe. In this symbolic place, history and the future meet. Amid baroque water features and green expanses, it became clear that sustainability is not a short-term project but a long-term design mandate for future generations.

Conclusion: Think Globally, Act Locally

The second study tour of ELCA clearly demonstrated that transformative climate protection work arises from the interplay of knowledge, technology, and participation.

Empowering Local Climate Action means sharing knowledge, strengthening networks, and empowering people. Our thanks go to everyone involved!