Bremen's climate pilot initiative, titled klima:kita, charts the journey of two local kites toward achieving climate neutrality.
In a groundbreaking initiative, two kindergartens in Bremen - the Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Straße children and family centre in Horn-Lehe and the Fin Kids children's house in Findorff - are spearheading the klima:kita pilot project. This innovative endeavour, developed by the non-profit climate protection agency energiekonsens, aims to test conditions for kindergartens in Bremen to make their way to climate neutrality.
Gabriele Haar, director of the Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Straße kindergarten, and Jana Stuckenschmidt, director of the Fin Kids children's house, are leading their respective institutions in this pioneering project. Both kindergartens have formed klima:kita teams, comprising kindergarten management, educators, children, parents, building management, and catering staff, to ensure a participatory approach.
The project commenced with an inventory of all climate-relevant activities and the creation of a CO2 balance for the areas of energy (heat, electricity), waste and water, mobility, catering, and procurement. To support these kindergartens in their journey, energiekonsens and external climate coaches provide expert knowledge throughout the project phases.
Supplementary training and workshops are offered to the kindergartens as part of the project. The Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Straße kindergarten, for example, will integrate climate protection into their daily routine playfully with the children, while the Fin Kids children's house will implement climate protection in a way that suits their facility.
Upon completion of all steps, both kindergartens will receive the "klima:kita" award for their commitment and achievements. The project runs until the end of the year and is funded by the support association of energiekonsens e.V. The closing event will recognise the commitment and achievements of the participating kindergartens.
Martin Grocholl, managing director of energiekonsens, emphasises the importance of this project, stating that even the youngest are interested in climate protection themes and the careful handling of our environment. The goal of the klima:kita pilot project is to sustainably anchor climate protection in kindergartens and accompany them on their way to climate neutrality.
As the klima:kita pilot project progresses, it is hoped that the concept may be expanded to other kindergartens, contributing significantly to Bremen's commitment to climate protection and sustainability in educational settings. For more detailed insights into the klima:kita project or similar initiatives in Bremen, it is advisable to contact local educational authorities or environmental organisations.
- The Carl-Friedrich-Gauß-Straße kindergarten and Fin Kids children's house, as part of the klima:kita pilot project, aim to integrate environmental-science and climate-change education in their practices, encouraging learning among children and staff.
- To further enhance their understanding and implement climate protection effectively, both institutions will undergo supplementary training and workshops, facilitated by experts from energiekonsens and external climate coaches.
- Upon successful completion of the steps outlined in the klima:kita project, these kindergartens will not only receive the "klima:kita" award but also serve as a model for other educational institutions in Bremen, fostering sustainability in education and self-development.
