The learning workshop is specially tailored to the requirements of future plant mechanics and imparts knowledge and practical experience with technologies based on regenerative and resource-saving principles. For example, the sun is used as a source of energy. A photovoltaic system generates electricity for the "Green Energy Lab" and for a charging station that supplies electric vehicles from the school's own vehicle workshop. A modern control system that uses artificial intelligence optimizes power consumption.
District Administrator Allgaier: Learning workshop combines "education, innovation and climate protection"
"This learning workshop is not just another room - it is a statement. A clear sign of how we combine education, innovation and climate protection in the district of Ludwigsburg," said District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier in his speech. "What we see here is the result of courage, foresight and the conviction that our young people should not just watch, but actively shape. After all, who could do this better than the young people who are being trained here?" continued the head of the district administration.
Minister Hoffmeister-Kraut: "A contribution to the success of the energy transition"
The total costs of the project amount to 460,000 euros. The "Green Energy Lab" was funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, among others. "By funding the Learning Factories 4.0, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism is supporting vocational schools throughout Baden-Württemberg in order to optimally prepare trainees for the changing world of work around Industry 4.0. The 'Green Energy Lab' at the Carl-Schaefer-Schule addresses the competent training of important future-oriented trades and industrial professions in the field of energy technology with the integration of AI and thus makes a fundamental contribution to the success of the energy transition and sustainable production," said Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, who was unable to attend the inauguration for scheduling reasons, as well as the Managing Director of the Wüstenrot Foundation, Professor Philip Kurt: "The Wüstenrot Foundation is delighted that the 'Green Energy Lab' has become a great place for smart and sustainable training in Ludwigsburg. We were very happy to support the project."
The Kreishandwerkerschaft and Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg are also among the sponsors of the Green Energy Lab. Isabel Kurz, press officer at Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg, explained: "Economy, ecology and social responsibility are in harmony for us. These sustainable goals form the basis of our thoughts and actions not only as a market-leading financial services provider in the district, but also as a sponsor of 550 charitable projects with around 3.8 million euros this year. By supporting the pioneering 'Green Energy Lab' through our 'Art, Culture and Education' foundation, we are promoting two important social issues at the same time: Research into innovative solutions for environmental and climate protection and a new type of learning workshop for the optimal training of skilled workers. In this way, we are already thinking today about a tomorrow worth living." Nicole Ackermann, Managing Director of Kreishandwerkerschaft Ludwigsburg, adds: "We are committed to the new learning workshop, which enables innovative training of qualified specialists in the fields of plumbing, heating, air conditioning and control technology. This promotes modern and future-oriented training, which is of great importance in the skilled trades."
Companies also support the "Green Energy Lab"
"We are happy to support projects that actively convert solar radiation into heat," said Sascha Härtenstein, Area Manager at Ritter Energie- und Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co KG, which also includes the company Paradigma. Paradigma contributed to the project with a generous donation of materials. Buderus, in turn, donated a heat pump to the Green Energy Lab. "Buderus is happy to support the training of young professionals in the technical building equipment sector. This applies both to the provision of products and to the further training of teachers," says Martin Baur, Head of Portfolio and Technology at Buderus.
Glaser Haustechnik installed the solar collectors at its own expense. Owner Thomas Glaser commented: "Our intention in donating the installation of the collectors in collaboration with Paradigma was to ensure that the pupils not only learn in theory what the collectors look like, but can also see the technology and everything in the overall package directly and learn from it. Above all, it is also important to us that not only flat-plate collectors, but also modern vacuum tubes, which are only filled with water, attract the attention of the trainees."
A cornerstone for the training of urgently needed skilled workers
Andrea Theile-Stadelmann, Headmistress of the Carl Schaefer School, emphasized the importance of the learning workshop: "With the Green Energy Lab, we offer our students the opportunity to get to know and apply pioneering technologies. We are laying the foundations for the training of urgently needed specialists who will play a key role in the fight against climate change."
Following the opening ceremony, the guests were given detailed information about the facility before being guided through the learning workshop by teachers and pupils.
