Symposium “Climate in Focus” combines climate adaptation, education and school competition
The Groß-Gerau district honored outstanding projects from schools within the district at the climate symposium "Climate in Focus – Climate-Resilient Schools." Around 70 participants attended the event at the district administration office. The program included expert presentations, hands-on activities, a climate-themed picture quiz, and the award ceremony for the 2026 Energy Promotion Prize.
First Deputy District Administrator Adil Oyan opened the event and emphasized the particular relevance of the topic. The symposium took place on the nationwide Heat Action Day. Oyan stressed the important role of schools as learning environments for future-oriented topics and referred to the Groß-Gerau district's climate adaptation concept, which includes concrete measures for adapting to climate change.
Climate-resilient schools as a task for the future
Following this, climate adaptation manager Clara Hemming presented the topic "Staying Cool! Schools in a Changing Climate." Using a fictional school as an example, she demonstrated how paved schoolyards can be transformed into attractive learning and recreational spaces through greening, unsealing, and the addition of shaded areas.
Alongside the main event, schools presented their competition entries in the foyer of the district administration building. The FrankfurtRheinMain regional association also provided information about its sponge city model. A climate quiz and other interactive activities rounded out the program.
Ten schools honored
In the 2026 school competition, all ten participating schools received awards. In addition to certificates, the winners received prizes, including experiment kits on the topics of climate, environment, and weather.
In the primary school category, the Neue Grundschule Raunheim won with its projects "Future Monday" and "Climate Change, Nutrition, and Renewable Energies." The Pestalozzischule Raunheim and the Waldenserschule Mörfelden-Walldorf shared second place. The Gustav-Brunner-Schule from Ginsheim-Gustavsburg came in third.
Awards for middle and high school students
In the middle school category, the Immanuel Kant School from Rüsselsheim won with its "Bike School" and "Environmentally Friendly School Garden" projects. Second place went to the Anne Frank School in Raunheim, and third place to the Alexander von Humboldt School in Rüsselsheim.
In the upper secondary school category, the Werner-Heisenberg-School from Rüsselsheim won with its project "Smart Campus WHS – The Energy Transition Real-World Laboratory in 3D Model". Second place went to the Gustav-Heinemann-School, also from Rüsselsheim.
Leeheim Primary School received a special prize for its "Car-Free Wednesday" project.
Commitment to climate protection recognized
The jury was impressed by the diversity and quality of the submitted projects. The winning schools demonstrated how climate protection, sustainability, and environmental education can already be successfully integrated into everyday school life.
Further information about the climate symposium and the school competition is available on the website of the Groß-Gerau district
(GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSGG)
Featured image: The happy winners immediately after the award ceremony at the district administration office with First Deputy District Administrator Adil Oyan (right). Photo: Groß-Gerau District Administration
