BUND and the Office for Climate Protection will present the results of the de-sealing campaign on November 17 – participation also possible online
How much surface area in Darmstadt was de-sealed this year? What experiences were gained from the "Unpaving" campaign, and what are the future plans? Answers to these questions will be provided on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at a joint closing event hosted by BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) and the city's Office for Climate Protection and Adaptation. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the BUND Center for Urban Nature, located at Klappacher Straße 27. Those interested can also participate online.
The "Unpaving" campaign was the focus of efforts in 2026 to reclaim sealed surfaces in urban areas for nature. As part of a nationwide competition running from March 21st to October 31st, municipalities were encouraged to unseal as many asphalted, concreted, or paved surfaces as possible.
De-sealing as a contribution to climate adaptation
Removing impervious surfaces is a key component of Darmstadt's climate adaptation plan. Where asphalt, concrete, or paving stones are removed, rainwater can better seep into the ground. At the same time, opportunities are created for additional greening, which can contribute to cooling, especially on hot summer days.
In this way, unsealed surfaces contribute to improving the urban climate and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Darmstadt had set itself the goal of accelerating the removal of sealed surfaces throughout the entire city by 2026. In addition to projects by the city administration, associations, universities, companies, and citizens were also to work together to achieve this.
Furthermore, internal administrative measures were planned to be implemented within the competition period.
Results and outlook on further measures
The closing event will present the results of this year's campaign. It will highlight the progress made by the "Paving Over" campaign in Darmstadt.
Another focus is on practical tips for a climate-adapted living environment. This includes ways to contribute to reducing impervious surfaces and improving the urban climate, even on private properties and in the immediate vicinity of homes.
Furthermore, the organizers give a first outlook on how the issue of unsealing will be pursued after the end of the campaign.
The event is aimed at all interested parties who would like to learn about the measures taken so far or receive suggestions for their own projects.
The most important information
Event: Conclusion of the "Paving" campaign 2026 in Darmstadt
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Start time: 5 p.m.
Location: BUND Center for Urban Nature, Klappacher Straße 27, 64285 Darmstadt
Access: Via the Orangery, first gate on the left
Organizers: BUND and the Office for Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation of the City of Darmstadt
Topics: Results of the paving campaign, tips for a climate-adapted living environment and outlook on further de-sealing measures
Online participation: www.bund-darmstadt.de/
(DARMSTADT – RED/BUND)
