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Member in the Spotlight

Münster, Germany

Münster, in the very heart of Europe, is a city with 280,000 inhabitants and 160 different nationalities - 50,000 students are enrolled in eight colleges and universities. The city was awarded the title "Most livable city worldwide" in 2004. At the same time, Münster holds the titles "Climate Capital of Germany", "Most child-friendly city" and "Cycling Capital".

Münster is a multi-faceted city. It is a city of science and learning, the City of Westphalian Peace. The city is a place where urban culture, municipal diversity and first-class rural recreation intersect and have a mutually enhancing effect.

Sustainability focus: Climate protection

Münster institutionalised climate protection as a municipal office as early as 1992, and since then the city has fostered and grown its climate friendly reputation. In 2010, the city council put a strong emphasis on ongoing climate protection and passed an ambitious programme for the coming years. Münster has set the target of reducing CO2 emissions by over 40 percent, by no later than 2020 (compared to 1990).

Two independent institutions drafted a report with detailed recommendations how to reach the 40 percent target. The report is the basis for the city council’s decision. The climate protection package aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the fields of building, power generation and  renewable energy, electricity saving and traffic, through the help of the coordinated and networking municipal office.

Businesses get support and encouragement in the business network  “Münsters Climate Alliance”. Citizens can commit themselves for practical climate protection in the “Citizens’ Pact”.  The current initiative is accompanied by a comprehensive public relations programme.

Fast facts:

  • Almost 40% of all journeys in the city are made by bicycle
  • Münster has more than 300 km of bicycle lanes and the biggest underground bike parking facility in Germany with 3,500 parking bays
  • In 1997, the low-energy house standard (NEH) was introduced for all municipal building sites
  • 85 companies have so far participated in 7 projects within the scope of the ECOPROFIT programme to cut down on energy consumption and waste
  • An ideal Green Management Concept connects three green rings and seven green corridors and safeguards sustainable city structures
  • Münster people live no further than 300 m to the next park or recreational ground, 100,000 trees ensure a good climate along roads and public spaces
  • The city uses a mechanic-biological waste treatment instead of garbage incineration


Achievements:

 

"“Over thirty years Münster has been working successfully on sustainability. The city has developed and preserved a very healthy environment and excellent living conditions: Münster is indeed a liveable city. This attracts people, especially young families – ever so important in times of demographic change. Münster is attractive for companies, too, that have incorporated aspects of sustainability in their vision, mission and values. These companies will contribute even further to our success in good and sustainable living conditions. Münster is a convincing example of sustainability as a precondition for successful city development.”.”

Markus Lewe,
Lord Mayor, City of Münster

 

ICLEI and Munster: Münster has been an ICLEI member since 1995. Münster is a member of ICLEI's Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.

Websites: www.muenster.de [In German] and www.muenster.de/en/

 

EMAS at ICLEI