City aims to reduce heat stress with green courtyards, roofs and facades
The city of Griesheim aims to contribute to climate adaptation with a new funding program. Under the title "Griesheim Green Bonus," private property owners in the eligible area will receive support for greening courtyards, roofs, and facades, as well as for the construction of cisterns, between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. The program is fully funded by the municipal climate guidelines of the Hessian Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Following the resolution of the city council on September 4, the funding approval from the ministry is still pending.
Project manager Lukas Reinelt from the city of Griesheim explains: "With the Green Bonus, we want to create many positive examples on private properties that will achieve a sustainable climate effect for the whole of Griesheim, even beyond the duration of the program." In addition to cooling severely overheated urban areas, the measures are also intended to bind carbon dioxide, conserve water resources, and strengthen social cohesion through accompanying networking formats.
Background and objectives
The city's climate report from March 2025 shows high heat stress in the city center. Since space for public urban greenery is limited, greater emphasis is being placed on greening courtyards, building walls, garages, and carports. The Green Bonus provides a financial incentive to utilize this potential.
An initial €160,000 in funding is available for the program. Funding will cover up to 80 percent of the costs, up to a maximum of €20,000 per project. A planning office will provide initial consultation and review applications. Should the budget prove insufficient, additional funding up to a total of €520,000 can be requested.
Funding area
The proposed area is located in Griesheim's city center. It extends to Gehaborner Straße in the north, Lindenstraße in the east, Karlstraße in the south, and Groß-Gerauer Straße in the west. The city has made a detailed plan available online in its citizen information system ( link to the development area).
(Griesheim - Red/PSG)
