Heidelberg honors 21 schools: Pioneer projects for sustainability!

Heidelberg honors 21 schools: Pioneer projects for sustainability!

Heidelberg, a pioneer in education for sustainable development, took a big step towards a greener future on July 3, 2025. A total of 21 schools in the city were honored for their exemplary commitment to sustainability. The award ceremony took place in the Haus am Harbigweg and was led by climate mayor Raoul Schmidt-Lamontain and environmental manager Sabine Lachenicht. Projects were awarded in a festive framework that deal with environmental protection, social justice and fair trade practices. [Heidelberg.de] (https://www.heidelberg.de/hd/presse/07_2025+ sustainability prices+fuer+21+heidelberger+schulen.html) reports that the highest premium of 1,200 euros went to the Bunsen-Gymnasium.

The awards were awarded in connection with the leadership of education for sustainable development (BNE), which has been anchored in the Baden-Württemberg educational plan since the 2016/17 school year. This shows how important it is to address and live sustainability at school. The Heidelberg Center for Education for Sustainable Development (BNE) plays a central role in this. According to information from PH Heidelberg, the center is a scientific institution that actively promotes the change in ways of thinking and acting in the context of sustainable development.

prices and projects of the schools

The total of 16,800 euros in prize money was awarded for creative and sustainable project ideas. In addition to the Bunsen-Gymnasium, the Albert Schweitzer School and the Marie-Marcks School also received recognition with 1,100 euros each. The special prices, including 2,500 euros to the Marie-Marcks School for their “Green Classroom” and the Geschwister-Scholl school for the revival of their school garden, have again underlined the variety of initiatives. Here is the overview of the premiums:

A highlight of the award event were the cakes made of Fairtrade chocolate and Marinpan, which were presented to the excellent schools. This creative gesture not only pays respect to fair trade, but also enhances the commitment of the students: further on the inside. In addition, the participating schools receive support from the Heidelberg Fairtrade control group, which they accompanied as a Fairtrade school during certification.

networking and impulse for the future

Another important aspect of the celebration was a planned congress for students: inside, which is intended to promote networking and ideas for sustainable action. This not only gives the younger ones the opportunity to bring their ideas, but also to make contacts and learn from the experiences of others. This network strengthens the exchange between schools and ensures that sustainable action is promoted in different contexts.

The awards and events are in line with the continuous commitment of the ESD Center, which has set itself the goal of anchoring sustainable education in the initial training of teachers and developing new courses. In Heidelberg not only today, but also in the future on an education system that takes the challenges of our time seriously.