"Local authorities have a key role to play in climate protection. This is where planning, approval and implementation take place. This is where discussions with citizens take place, which increases the attractiveness of a place. The local authorities themselves are the experts and know what can be implemented in their area and has the greatest possible benefit for both citizens and the climate," emphasized State Secretary for Climate Protection Hauer. This is why the state government has launched the Municipal Investment Program for Climate Protection and Innovation (KIPKI) with a total of 250 million euros.
"We are delighted about the funding, which will enable us to implement important climate protection projects here locally," explained Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf. It was agreed with the council and administration that the funds would not only be used to implement municipal projects. Part of the funding should also benefit local associations and citizens. "Our funding program for balcony power plants is in very high demand. It has been running for a good two months and 130 applications have already been approved and 30 percent of the funding pot has been used," added Mayor Friedrich Marx. A further 40 applications are currently being processed. Marx also thanked the climate protection manager Julia Besand, who had initiated the funding program.
A large part of the KIPKI funding will be used to convert further street lighting in Idar-Oberstein to LED. In addition, around 90,000 euros will be used to further increase the energy efficiency of the Stadenhalle. This will involve the installation of radiant ceiling panels to reduce heat consumption, energy costs and heating requirements. In four sub-projects, the KIPKI funding will go to sports clubs in the city area, which will use it to convert the floodlights on their sports fields to LED. This will reduce energy consumption by 50 to 75 percent. The lighting in various public buildings is also to be converted to LED. The interior lighting of a school sports hall, the exterior lighting of the city's landmark rock church and Bismarck Tower as well as a fire station will be converted. A further 260,000 euros will be used to insulate the façade of the Weierbach daycare center. In addition, some of the funds will be passed on directly to citizens via the funding program for balcony power plants.
"I am convinced that investments in climate protection are investments in the future. Because protecting the climate saves both cash and climate-damaging CO2. With KIPKI, we are easing the burden on the climate and the local authorities' budgets. So everyone can see: Climate protection pays off," said State Secretary Michael Hauer. "The funding program helps to raise people's awareness of climate protection and motivates them to contribute to the energy transition themselves," explained Noss, a member of the state parliament.