The city is relying on structural and organizational measures to combat heat
The science city of Darmstadt is intensifying its measures for summer heat protection at schools . This is due to rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves, which are increasingly posing challenges for school buildings.
As the municipal school authority, the city is responsible for the construction, furnishing, maintenance, and renovation of school buildings. Heat protection measures are therefore developed jointly by the city's real estate management (IDA), the school board, and the office for climate protection and adaptation. Implementation is site-specific, as structural conditions and historic preservation considerations vary.
City Treasurer and Head of Real Estate André Schellenberg, Head of Schools Holger Klötzner, and Head of Climate Protection Michael Kolmer explain: The increasing heat waves are a noticeable consequence of climate change. Therefore, the city is combining organizational measures in school operations with targeted structural improvements to the buildings.
External shading as an important component
A key approach is the expansion of external shading on school buildings. External shading systems are considered particularly effective in protecting classrooms from direct sunlight and reducing heat buildup.
Where such solutions are not possible for structural or historic preservation reasons, supplementary measures are being examined. These include, among other things, the application of heat-reflective films to windows , especially on south- and west-facing facades that are heavily exposed to the sun.
Organizational measures in school operations
In addition to structural modifications, organizational measures also play a role. These include guidance on proper ventilation, retrofitting tiltable windows, and responsible use of electrical devices in classrooms.
In new buildings and major renovations, summer heat protection will be given even greater consideration in the future. Concepts for passive ventilation are being examined, among other things, to enable natural air circulation and limit the heating of rooms.
Pilot project at the Georg-August-Zinn School
The first measures will be implemented at the Georg-August-Zinn School in Wixhausen. Among other things, the following will be examined:
- Nighttime cooling of the buildings
- Reduction of thermal loads
- Optimizing ventilation during the day
- possible retrofitting of sun protection systems
The experience gained will then be transferred to other schools.
Other schools in focus
From 2027 onwards, further school locations will be the focus, including the Ludwig-Georg-Gymnasium, the Lichtenbergschule, the Alice-Eleonoren-Schule and the Astrid-Lindgren-Schule.
Some measures can be implemented in the short term, such as heat protection films or organizational adjustments. Larger structural measures, especially shading systems or solutions within the framework of renovations, will follow gradually in the coming years.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
