Climate neutrality as a long-term goal
“The Climate and Energy Report shows that we are making significant progress and increasingly tapping into our potential. At the same time, it makes it clear that we are not yet on the necessary trajectory toward climate neutrality. This makes it all the more important to consistently pursue the most effective measures and regularly assess their impact,” says District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier.
Since the committee’s decision in 2023, the county administration has been pursuing the goal of consistently reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and gradually transitioning its energy supply to renewable sources. The current figures show both progress and ongoing challenges.
Emissions Continue to Decline
In 2024, the district administration’s greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 2.5 percent compared to the previous year, to approximately 5,500 metric tons of CO₂ equivalents. Compared to the baseline figure from 2020, this represents a reduction of 9.7 percent. Energy consumption, at around 20,800 megawatt-hours, was roughly on par with the previous year and thus 12.7 percent below the baseline.
Expansion of renewable energy is progressing
A key component is the expansion of renewable energy supply. The share of self-generated solar power in the properties’ electricity consumption rose to 6.6 percent. A further increase is expected in the coming year, as the capacity of the photovoltaic systems has more than doubled since 2023 and now stands at around 970 kilowatt-peak. In addition, the heating supply at several locations has been converted to district heating or heat pumps.
“The greatest potential for impact continues to lie in the areas of buildings and energy,” says Andreas Kirschig from the Climate Protection division. “With the renovation roadmaps currently being developed, we are laying the groundwork to target investments precisely where they will have the greatest impact on climate protection, cost-effectiveness, and energy savings.”
Action Plan Is Showing Results
Further progress has also been made in implementing the measures. Of a total of 30 measures, 19 are currently rated as successful. Contributing factors include the energy audit of the district’s own buildings, the transition of the energy supply, and the modernization of the vehicle fleet. Last year, 17 additional electric vehicles were purchased for this purpose.
Schools Make an Important Contribution
The district’s schools play a particularly important role, accounting for approximately 60 percent of the energy consumption in district-owned buildings. The “Energy-Saving Models” project was successfully completed in early 2025. The participating schools were able to reduce their energy consumption by an average of about 11 percent in 2023 and 2024. Based on these positive results, the project was expanded to other schools in the district and municipalities under the name “Climate Protection in Schools.”
Balancing Climate Protection and Cost-Effectiveness
The tight budget situation remains a challenge. The district is therefore focusing on measures that offer long-term economic benefits in addition to climate protection. Investments in building renovations, modern heating systems, and photovoltaic systems help to permanently reduce energy costs and make the energy supply more independent.
Next Steps Already in the Works
The district administration will continue on this path. The presentation of the results from the ongoing building assessments—including an initial estimate of the investment required to achieve a climate-neutral building stock—is planned for the coming year.
