The district of Groß-Gerau estimates the cost of air conditioning in public buildings at 75.5 million euros
Heat protection measures for schools and administrative buildings could require significant investments from the Groß-Gerau district. According to an initial rough cost estimate from the district's building management department, air conditioning alone would cost around €75.5 million . School buildings account for the largest share, at €63.9 million.
According to the district, the calculation was prepared at the behest of District Administrator Thomas Will. Its initial purpose is to provide an overview of the financial costs associated with air conditioning the district's own properties.
Nearly 64 million euros for schools
for air conditioning the school buildings is approximately €63.9 million. A further €5.7 million would be needed for modular building units. The district anticipates costs of around €5.9 million for the administrative buildings.
This results in a total investment volume of approximately 75.5 million euros.
This total does not include further measures to adapt to increasing heat. According to the district, these include, for example, greening facades and vertical gardens, additional planting in schoolyards, and the necessary irrigation.
The district sees a need for funding
Technically, such air conditioning measures are fundamentally feasible, explains District Administrator Thomas Will. However, given the scale of the project, he believes additional funding options are necessary.
“However, in addition to the county’s multi-million euro school construction initiative, these investments would require another investment initiative that would ultimately have to be supported jointly by everyone,” said Will.
In this context, the district also refers to the discussion about a national heat protection plan and possible financial support from the federal government. However, the statement does not mention any specific funding commitments for the measures in question.
Heat action plan for the Groß-Gerau district
The district is already addressing the issue of heat protection within the framework of its own heat action plan. Information on health risks at high temperatures, protective measures, and further advice is provided by the district in a heat portal.
Heat portal of the Groß-Gerau district
Will describes the cost estimate now presented as a first step towards further decisions. Whether, when, and to what extent schools and administrative buildings will actually be air-conditioned is not yet clear from the announcement.
Estimated costs at a glance
School buildings: approximately €63.9 million;
Container facilities: approximately €5.7 million;
Administration buildings: approximately €5.9 million;
Total: approximately €75.5 million
Other climate adaptation measures, such as landscaping and irrigation, are not included.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
