Winners of the Erlangen Environmental Award

2026 Environmental Award

Two first-place finishes:

Otfried Preußler School, Special Education Support Center: “E-Waste Race” electronic waste collection project

Class 4a at the Otfried Preußler School participated in the “E-Waste Race” electronic waste collection competition and won with 3,210 points per student and a total of 2,562 pieces of electronic waste collected. The students collected the items in their neighborhoods and via a collection box at the school. The children then sorted and documented the e-waste. The class earned additional bonus points through a variety of activities, such as self-designed promotional posters and flyers, an explanatory video, a project journal, press and television reports, a visit from a Repair Café staff member, and classified ads offering functional electronic devices for free. The competition strengthened the students’ environmental awareness and commitment. Due to its great success, the collection of electronic waste is set to become a permanent part of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at the school. The plan is to donate the proceeds from the collection to charitable causes in the future.

Ole Müermann: “The Handprint Tool” Project

The Handprint Tool is a website developed in Erlangen that guides people to a suitable local sustainability initiative by asking five short questions. Unlike traditional CO₂ calculators, the focus is not on reducing one’s own ecological footprint, but rather on the positive impact (handprint). Instead of questionable metrics, the tool offers concrete options for action and provides transparent information in an “Honesty Box” about what is known regarding the impact of each action and where uncertainties exist. The platform currently includes 16 verified actions across seven sustainability topics and is based on local sources with regularly updated verification dates. By separating data from logic, the concept can be easily adapted to other cities. The project, developed as part of the “Sustainability” lecture series at FAU, is set to be further expanded in the future in collaboration with local partners.

To the print-out tool: https://handprint.olemuermann.de

Two 2nd-place finishes:

Montessori Kindergarten Erlangen: Project “Curiosity Buzzes Along—Together We Create an Insect Paradise”

At the Montessori Kindergarten in Erlangen, a nature-oriented garden project was implemented to promote biodiversity and environmental education. Inspired by the discovery of hornets, wild bees, and wasps in nesting boxes, the children engaged intensively with native insects, their importance to the ecosystem, and how to interact with them respectfully and without fear. Together with the children, parents, staff, and specialists, the garden was transformed into an insect-friendly habitat. New food sources, observation areas, a sand pit, herb and berry beds, and other nature-inspired elements were created. In addition, the children explored plants and insects in the natural world and made their own products from the plants they collected.

The project combines nature experiences, environmental education, sustainability, and participation. Through their own observations, planting, and designing, the children gain knowledge about ecological relationships, develop an awareness of the need to protect native species, and experience how collective action can bring about sustainable change. The newly created habitats will be preserved in the long term and enable ongoing learning and experiences with nature.

Erlangen Urban Business School in Röthelheimpark: “From Schoolyard to Sustainable Learning Space” Project

Over the course of one school year, the School Garden Club at the Erlangen Business School transformed an unused lawn into a diverse, sustainably designed school garden featuring a greenhouse, vegetable and herb beds, raised beds, a potato tower, berry bushes, a compost area, and a creatively designed garden fence. The project combines education for sustainable development with hands-on experience: The students plan, build, and maintain the garden independently, thereby developing skills in teamwork, a sense of responsibility, and self-efficacy. The school garden provides hands-on knowledge about sustainable nutrition, regional food production, biodiversity, resource conservation, and natural material cycles. A special added value comes from the connection to the “Healthy Cooking” curriculum module, in which homegrown vegetables and herbs are used. The school garden enriches school life on an ongoing basis, strengthens environmental awareness throughout the school community, and makes a visible contribution to the sustainable development of the city of Erlangen.

Two 3rd-place finishes:

FOSBOS Erlangen, State Technical and Vocational High School: Project “Voting Ashtrays for a Clean School”

As part of a joint project between the Fridays for Future club and the fpA Metal Technology program at FOSBOS Erlangen, a sustainable “voting ashtray” was created under the motto “Tap Instead of Toss.” The goal was to reduce the number of carelessly discarded cigarette butts on the school grounds. Instead of buying an expensive off-the-shelf product, the students independently developed a cost-effective and durable solution using reused scrap materials. They were involved in the entire process—from the initial idea through design to production—and collaboratively defined requirements such as durability, safety, and ease of maintenance. After it was installed, the ashtray was very well received and led to significantly fewer cigarette butts on the ground. The project combines environmental awareness, technical know-how, and sustainable action, and demonstrates how initiative, creativity, and collaboration can create concrete and motivating solutions to environmental problems.

Tennenlohe Elementary School: “Seed Bombs—Small Balls, Big Impact” Project

Children at Tennenlohe Elementary School made their own seed bombs using soil, seeds, and clay. These small balls are intended to create new flowering areas and provide habitats for insects. The school placed particular emphasis on empowering the children: At a plant market organized by the school, the children sold their seed bombs and discussed nature conservation with visitors. They also produced a radio program and filmed a video with step-by-step crafting instructions. In the radio program about their project, they publicly shared their ideas, thereby inspiring new people. In the process, they learned why wildflowers are disappearing and how important bees are. The project combines environmental knowledge, creativity, and social engagement. This helps the children understand how closely the climate, biodiversity, and their own lives are interconnected. The project illustrates how small ideas can lead to big changes.

Two Special Awards for Educational Concepts:

FOS/BOS Erlangen, State Technical and Vocational High School: Concept “School of the Future – Learning Through Engagement at FOS/BOS Erlangen”

In the “Learning Through Engagement” seminar course at FOS/BOS Erlangen, students developed and implemented seven independent projects that combine academic learning with social engagement. The topics ranged from climate protection, sustainable mobility, and energy research to mental health, social responsibility, and diversity. The projects included, among others, a nature-inspired willow roof serving as a green classroom, a school-wide bicycle campaign, a short film on climate communication, research into a CO₂-zinc battery (which won first place in the Dr. Hans Riegel Special Award and third place in “Jugend forscht”), a quiet space for the school community, lesson plans on modern concepts of masculinity, and a fundraising campaign for the Erlangen animal shelter. The projects were developed in collaboration with partners outside the school and demonstrate how sustainable education, a sense of responsibility, and career guidance can be permanently integrated into everyday school life.

Heinrich-Kirchner-Schule: “Future Heroes at the Heinrich-Kirchner-Schule” Concept

The Heinrich-Kirchner Elementary School has established Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as an integral part of its school culture. The “Future Heroes” concept combines environmental education, character education, and social learning. Through hands-on projects in the school garden, the forest, and on the school grounds, the children experience how their own actions make a tangible contribution to protecting the environment and their community. This fosters self-efficacy, a sense of responsibility, and sustainable habits that also extend into their families. Key projects include the school garden with the “GemüseAckerdemie” program, the “Environmental Detectives,” the “Forest Classes,” the “Trash Heroes,” and the training of conflict mediators and recess monitors. These are complemented by social goals and values-based projects that strengthen respect, fairness, and democratic cooperation. The children gain hands-on knowledge of natural processes, take responsibility for their environment, and develop social skills. This holistic approach fosters creative skills, team spirit, and environmental awareness, demonstrating that sustainable action begins in everyday life. The prize money will enable the expansion of the school garden, the further development of outdoor education, and the purchase of additional learning materials.

Note: These texts were generated with the assistance of AI.

Environment Award 2025

Two 1st-place winners:

Dechsendorf Elementary School: Pizza Box Trash Cans for the Dechsendorf Pond

As part of the FREI DAY project, a group of students in grades 1–4 chose the goal “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” They addressed a local problem: trash cans at the Dechsendorf Pond overflowing with pizza boxes. With support from parents, a sawmill, and the city, they developed three special pizza box trash cans. To fund the project, the children organized a recess sale, procured materials on their own, and built the trash cans together one Saturday. In June 2025, the trash cans were branded with the school logo and installed at the pond. The project contributes to waste reduction and the protection of nature, while also fostering a sense of responsibility, community spirit, and environmentally conscious behavior.

Erlangen State Vocational School (FOS/BOS): Learning Through Engagement—From Erlangen to the Oceans

In the “Learning Through Engagement” seminar, students from the FOS/BOS worked together with an art class from the MTG to explore the topic of marine pollution. Working independently, they planned and designed an interactive exhibition at the city library that illustrated the connection between local consumer behavior and global environmental impacts. In cooperation with the Weltladen, the Youth Art School, and the City Museum, they created exhibits, workshops, and educational programs. The students took responsibility for planning, content, and communication and experienced firsthand that their actions make a difference. The project helped raise awareness among the city’s residents, combined academic learning with civic engagement, and strengthened awareness of sustainable consumption and ocean conservation.

Second Place:

Evangelical “Altstadtkrokodile” Kindergarten: The Electricity Detectives, “Wurmi and His Friends,” and Butterfly and Ladybug Breeding

The children at the Altstadtkrokodile Kindergarten engaged intensively with how their facility could be made more sustainable. This led to three projects: As “Electricity Detectives,” they investigated electricity consumption at the kindergarten, built their first electrical circuits using modeling clay, and constructed small robots. They also researched renewable energy and now use solar and wind power to charge devices. With a worm bin, the children learned how organic waste turns into valuable compost, which is used in the raised garden bed. A butterfly and ladybug breeding program made biodiversity a tangible experience, as the children observed the insects’ development from egg through larva and pupa to adult and eventually released them into the garden. These projects playfully foster an understanding of ecological and energy-related concepts and strengthen awareness of sustainable practices in everyday life.

Two 3rd-place winners:

Adalbert-Stifter Elementary School in Erlangen in collaboration with the Erlangen Municipal Business School: The ESD Podcast – Two Erlangen Schools in a (Sustainability) Conversation

As part of an ESD project week, Class 4c at Adalbert-Stifter Elementary School collaborated with the Economics School’s podcast group to create a podcast focused on sustainability. Nine episodes were ultimately released and are available on Spotify. Topics include the importance of ESD, sustainable practices in everyday school life, DIY ideas for home, and projects at the Business School. The project particularly focused on developing the competencies of understanding, taking responsibility, and teamwork, linked to the goals “Zero Hunger,” “Good Health and Well-being,” “Reduced Inequalities,” and “Partnerships.” The project was presented, among other places, at the ESD Future Workshop in Erlangen.

Albert Schweitzer High School, Erlangen: Albert Schweitzer Cooking Challenge
Food rescue is a key priority for theAlbert Schweitzer High School. Following the award-winning 2024 cookbook on using leftovers, the elective course “Upcycling and Food Sharing” organized the “Albert Schweitzer Cooking Challenge.” Seven teams competed against each other with recipes of their own choosing made from rescued food. Cooking took place under special conditions in the physics labs, as the ASG does not have a school kitchen. The jury, made up of teachers and students, evaluated the creative dishes, such as tacos, quark desserts, and pancakes. Since two groups tied for points, the team that showed the most dedication to cleaning up was ultimately declared the winner. The winning team received a certificate and fair-trade candy. Due to its great success, the Cooking Challenge will continue next school year.

Two Special Prizes for Educational Concepts:

Heinrich-Kirchner-Schule Erlangen: Our Outdoor School—Learning in, with, and from Nature

Three classes from the Outdoor School spend an entire school day in the forest every two weeks. There, they learn and explore in the “green classroom,” on the forest sofa, or in the adjacent wooded area. The lessons are based on a holistic approach: experiences in nature, environmental awareness, and social learning are just as central as subject-specific content. Whether observing squirrels and waterfowl, doing math on the nature number line, writing and reciting poetry, participating in physical activity stations, creating land art, or working hands-on with tools—the students experience lessons firsthand in nature. The project promotes health, creativity, and a sense of responsibility, and teaches sustainable practices with a direct connection to everyday life.

Loschge Elementary School in Erlangen: 1st ESD Action Day in Erlangen – Future Workshop at Hugenottenplatz. Schools in urban and rural Erlangen are getting involved

As part of FREI DAY, the Loschge School organized an ESD Action Day during which students presented their ideas, projects, and insights to a broad public. Schools and extracurricular learning centers demonstrated at Hugenottenplatz how Education for Sustainable Development is implemented in everyday life. The children and young people took full responsibility for planning, preparation, and presentation, thereby experiencing a sense of self-efficacy. The event made ecological, economic, and social interconnections tangible, promoted problem-solving strategies, and conveyed the importance of their own actions. The positive response led to a follow-up: On June 28, 2025, the 2nd Future Workshop took place, with the goal of regularly raising awareness of ESD and allowing studentsto actively participate in shaping a sustainable future.

2024 Environmental Award

1st Place: Marie-Therese-Gymnasium: CompactGreens Project “Vertical Farming and Urban Gardening”

As part of a P-seminar at Marie-Therese-Gymnasium, students developed an innovative indoor vertical farming system to facilitate access to fresh vegetables in urban areas. They addressed the problem of long supply chains and high CO2 emissions. The result is an automated, vertically mounted pot-based growing system that meets all the plants’ needs and is easy to operate without requiring specialized knowledge. Technically, the system is based on hydroponic nutrient distribution, a closed-loop water system, and LEDs for optimal lighting. With a carbon footprint of just 200 g per head of lettuce—significantly lower than traditional methods—it offers a cost-effective and sustainable cultivation method. The students regularly share updates on social media and have shown great interest in marketing their system to private households.

1st Place: Tennenlohe Elementary School: Polar Bear Project “The Polar Bears Are on the Loose!”

The Tennenlohe Elementary School’s polar bear project, “The Polar Bears Are on the Loose!”, focused on polar bears threatened by climate change. In a project-based learning initiative, 110 first- and second-grade students explored the topic in depth. The students conducted research, carried out experiments, and designed posters that were presented in a large exhibition. The children developed practical suggestions for helping polar bears—even from a distance—through environmentally conscious behavior. A hands-on activity motivated the students to carry out small, eco-friendly actions, which they documented on a poster with a small piece of ice. At the end of the project, the results were presented at a school forum and on the school radio. The jury praised the students for not only learning about polar bears but also becoming more aware of climate change. They recognized how their behavior affects the polar bear’s habitat and developed strategies for sustainable living that they could integrate into their daily lives.

1st Place: Emmy-Noether-Gymnasium: Establishment of an Environmental Council to Implement Environmental Projects

The Emmy-Noether-Gymnasium was recognized as an “Environmental School in Europe / International Sustainability School,” which provided the impetus for further developing all areas of school life with regard to sustainability and environmental protection. To empower students to take responsibility for organizing environmental projects, the Emmy Environmental Council was founded in 2024. It consists of two elected environmental representatives from each class who actively contribute ideas and suggestions. Prior to this, environmental ideas were voted on democratically, and the Environmental Council members were divided into various categories, including “Sustainability Working Group,” “School as a Living Space,” “Waste and Recycling,” “Social Issues and Food,” and “Clothing Swap.” Several information channels were established to keep members informed about environmental activities. The jury praised the Environmental Council as a relevant institution that promotes democratic processes at the school and involves all students in environmental activities. This heightens awareness of environmental issues, fosters an appreciation for nature, and encourages creativity in the implementation of projects. The Environmental Council facilitates a comprehensive exploration of complex environmental issues and strengthens shared responsibility for the school’s sustainable development.

2nd Place: foodsharing Erlangen-Forchheim: Environmental Education through foodsharing Erlangen-Forchheim

Foodsharing aims to combat food waste by collecting unsellable food from participating businesses and educating the public. Activities include workshops at schools and organizations in Erlangen-Forchheim, monthly foodsharing dinners featuring rescued food at the Anständig Essen reading café, and information booths at community events to raise awareness. The initiative is organized through the foodsharing.de platform, which is run by volunteers. Around 200 “food savers” are active in the region, 20% of whom are under 25. All participants work on a volunteer basis and without compensation, which also applies to workshops and events. The jury commends the educational efforts regarding food waste and its global impacts, as well as the strategies for the resource-efficient use of food. Of particular note is the educational work in schools: the workshops are age-appropriate and often led by educators. Explanatory videos and playful elements help convey the issue, and preparing healthy buffets from rescued food fosters the students’ sense of self-efficacy; they enthusiastically share their newly acquired knowledge with their families.

2nd Place: Nora Lindenberg and Johanna Harkort: Solarcycling

Students Nora Lindenberg and Johanna Harkort launched the “Solarcycling” project to reuse old solar panels instead of disposing of them. The idea came about when they noticed that unused solar panels were sitting in storage at their school and other institutions. They installed a balcony power plant using old panels on a garage roof and explained the benefits of solarcycling in YouTube videos. They also share insights and tips on implementation via Instagram. The jury praised the project for promoting the reuse of solar panels, including through the support of the Sonnenenergie Erlangen association.

3rd Place: “Die Pfifferlinge e.V.” Forest Kindergarten: “How Sustainability Becomes a Hands-On Experience for Children at the Forest Kindergarten” – Sustainability Projects at the Forest Kindergarten

The “Die Pfifferlinge” forest kindergarten was awarded the Environmental Prize for its numerous sustainable measures, which are firmly integrated into its educational concept. The children collect rainwater for watering and cleaning, which conserves water resources and saves costs. Plastic toys are deliberately avoided; instead, toys made from natural materials such as wood and stones are built by the children themselves. In addition, by growing vegetables and herbs, the children learn the basics of self-sufficiency and where food comes from. Organic waste is composted, and the resulting humus is used in the garden. Through daily activities and themed weeks, the children are made aware of recycling, waste reduction, and the cycle of nature. The meal plan is based on regional and seasonal products, which supports local agriculture and reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, the children promote biodiversity by creating flower meadows and building insect hotels and nesting boxes. The jury praised the concept’s holistic approach, which teaches children to treat nature responsibly and actively contributes to environmental protection.

3rd Place: Werner-von-Siemens-Realschule: “Your Deposit Does Good” Project

The students in what was then Class 7a at Werner-von-Siemens-Realschule noticed that returnable bottles and cans often ended up in the trash. Together with their teachers, they developed the project “Your Deposit Does Good.” For this, they set up donated barrels on the school grounds where students could deposit returnable bottles to conserve resources. To promote the project, they designed informational posters and encouraged the school community to get involved. At the end of the school year, the deposit money was collected and the proceeds were donated—through a democratic vote—to a nonprofit organization chosen by all students via an online poll. The jury praised the class’s environmental awareness and their commitment to a good cause. They particularly highlighted that the project is designed for the long term and has sparked great enthusiasm within the class.

3rd Place: Albert Schweitzer High School: Cookbook for Food Scraps

The Albert Schweitzer High School and its partner school, Botikazar in Bilbao, carried out a joint sustainability project and created a cookbook with recipes for using leftovers. During a student exchange, the students discussed with their partners and host families how they use leftovers and, working in mixed teams, developed recipes for repurposing food. The cookbook was written in four languages (Basque, English, German, and Spanish). In Erlangen, the students deepened their understanding of food waste through films, discussions, and a quiz. Among other topics, they discussed dumpster diving, the “Too Good To Go” app, and food sharing. Using salvaged food, they worked in teams to prepare nine dishes for 42 people, documented the cooking process, and designed the cookbook. The Basque students received the finished cookbook as a farewell gift. The jury praised thestudentsforrecognizing that food is often still usable after the best-by date has passed and that leftovers can easily be repurposed. It was noted particularly positively that some studentshave since begun consciously looking for discounted food items at the supermarket.

3rd Place: German-French Institute: “Discovering Nature and the French Language” Project

In 2021, the German-French Institute developed two wooden books for preschoolers, one on the water cycle and one about apples. To accompany these, 1.5-hour workshops were designed to teach the topics to groups of children. Preschools could choose between “From Seed to Apple” and “The Water Cycle.” The workshops combined nature exploration with the French language. First, the story in the wooden book was read aloud in German and later, after introducing a few French words, in French. The children also learned a French rhyme with gestures. After the book activities, the French FÖJ volunteers conducted topic-related experiments. For the apple theme, the children explored different apple varieties using all their senses and planted apple seeds to observe plant growth. They also investigated how apples rot in different materials. During the water-themed session, the children learned about the three states of water and experimented with water to water plants and make their own containers. The jury praised the fact that the importance of environmental protection was conveyed to the children in a playful way.

ERlangen Environmental Award 2023 for Nine Projects

1st Place: Rap video for the song “Klimahelden” by the Pestalozzi School in Erlangen

Class 3a focused intensively on environmental protection and sustainability during the 2020–21 school year. In the 2021–22 school year, the class—now known as 4a—continued exploring the theme of “Environment/Sustainability/Climate” and decided to turn their newfound knowledge into a song. Together with their music teacher, they chose rap as their musical form of expression and incorporated climate facts into the lyrics. The challenge was that 93% of the students do not speak German at home. However, this fact provided the opportunity to perform a verse in different languages. With the support of the youth social worker, the students recorded the rap in a professional recording studio and created a video to spread the message of the “Climate Heroes.” The project was released on November 11, 2022, and aims to promote environmental awareness among a diverse group of students.

The video is availablehere.

2nd Place: “Stecker-SolAEr – Advice on Plug-in Solar Devices” project by the Stecker-SolAEr initiative

SolAEr aims to advance the energy transition. In the Erlangen area, they provide free, volunteer-based advice to citizens on the benefits of plug-in solar devices to show them how they can actively participate in the energy transition and save on electricity costs. Free advice is offered on the legal, technical, economic, and environmental aspects of plug-in solar devices, either in person or over the phone. In addition, group orders for plug-in solar devices and the necessary components are planned for the future.

2nd Place: Video and the “ASGS on the Move” project week at the Adalbert Stifter Elementary School in Erlangen

The ASGS has set out on a new path and firmly anchored the implementation of ESD goals (Education for Sustainable Development with a focus on the 17 SDGs) in its classroom instruction. With the help of the new “FREIDAY” learning format, the school fosters a learning culture centered on unlocking students’ potential. During their ESD project week, each class researched one of the SDGs and presented it to the other students. Some students, together with a teacher, made a film about this week. The selected goals, which all classes subsequently continued to work on in FREIDAY, are: Life Below Water (Goal 14), No Poverty (Goal 1), Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11), Life on Land (Goal 15), Climate Action (Goal 13).

2nd Place: Video and educational format “Frei Day” featuring the play “Protest March of the Animals” and the “Senior Helpers” project from Dechsendorf Elementary School

Dechsendorf Elementary School submitted three projects for the Environmental Award, which were recognized collectively as subprojects of “Frei Day.”

1. Since 2022, Dechsendorf Elementary School has been intensively engaged with the topic of ESD and the SDGs. The school is one of the so-called “Schools on the Move.” A “FreiDay” takes place every Tuesday. This school year, 18 projects were carried out. Four examples were presented in the submitted film.

2. A group of 16 children decided to undertake a theater project to advocate for the environment. Over the course of 7 weeks, the children conceived, rehearsed, and even performed an environmental play. The premiere took place on May 2, 2023.

3. During Frei Day, a few students worked in successive groups to explore the themes of “health and well-being” and “ending poverty.” This gave rise to the idea of doing something for the senior citizens in the city or neighborhood, since the social and emotional poverty that comes with aging for some people is often overlooked or neglected.

2nd Place: “Backpack School” at Michael-Poeschke Elementary School in Erlangen

In the “Backpack School” program, the children in Class 1b regularly spent school days in nature. Through hands-on activities, they explored their natural surroundings, experienced the seasons, formulated questions, found answers, and learned the value of their natural environment. The Backpack School project began in September 2022. In March 2023, the homeroom teacher found two volunteers through the community foundation to accompany the class on their outdoor school days. Projects such as a blackthorn harvest have already been carried out, apples have been processed, and the class even built its own forest sofa.

3rd Place: “Fighting Excess” Project with the “FWE Classifieds” Online Marketplace, Used Cell Phone Drive, and Clothing Swap Organized by the Erlangen Free Waldorf School

Cheap prices turn fashion into a disposable commodity. The students in the sustainability group considered what could be done about this. That’s how the idea for a clothing swap came about. In the fall and in June, they organized a swap event that was well attended by many upper and middle school students. In the process, it became apparent just how many items are left behind at school day after day, some of which disappear into the lost-and-found room forever. The sustainability group arranged for older lost items to be offered for sale at the school flea market and during other events in exchange for a small donation. For the remaining items, the idea arose to set up an internal online marketplace on the school’s Moodle page—FWE Classifieds.

3rd Place: “Edible City_School 2.0” Project by the Montessori School in Erlangen

Inspired by the city’s “Edible City” project, students in the three 7th and 8th-grade classes decided in the fall of 2021 to transform the schoolyard and the grounds around the school building into an “Edible School.” Berry bushes and fruit trees were revitalized, and new garden beds were created. To improve the microclimate and provide shade for the schoolyard, the construction of a 9-meter-long arbor was initiated with funding from Erlangen’s climate budget. In May 2023, the school planted it with grapevines and kiwi plants. In 2022, a second “Edible City” garden bed was also planted on Nördliche Stadtmauerstraße with a mixed culture of berry bushes, herbs, and vegetables. Another initiative was the creation of a flowering meadow for honeybees and insects in the water protection area. The school also planted fruit trees there and designed a flowering spiral using perennials.

3rd Place: Actionbound “Environmental Superheroes” from the Heinrich-Kirchner School in Erlangen

In July 2022, the students of what was then Class 3a were trained as “Environmental Superheroes” as part of their sustainability education. The children didn’t want to keep their newly acquired knowledge and insights to themselves; they wanted to share them with their community. This led to the idea of capturing the various aspects in an Actionbound—a virtual and physical scavenger hunt—and linking them to the different locations and opportunities in Büchenbach.

3rd Place: Stick-figure film “Don’t Be Afraid of Stefan” by Tennenlohe Elementary School

In the fall, they’re everywhere at Tennenlohe Elementary School—stink bugs. Last fall, rumors quickly spread at the school that stink bugs were dangerous, sprayed poison, and bit children. The goal was to put an end to these false stories. As part of the educational effort, a video was filmed during ethics class, which was shown to all students at the GST during the student forum and used as a starting point for discussion to dispel prejudices and foster an understanding of animals that aren’t necessarily cute at first glance.

ERlangen Environmental Award 2022 for Nine Projects

Three first-place awards went to:

1st Place: Müfaff: Müfaff for Insects

Under the motto “Insects Need a Home,” insect hotels were crafted during a workshop day at the Mothers’ and Family Center together with children and their caregivers. Under the slogan “Insects Get Thirsty, Too,” participants learned how to easily build insect watering stations from natural materials. “Insects Get Hungry, Too” involved sowing a flower-rich insect buffet. Collected snail shells were presented to visitors, and the connection between these shells and mason bees was explained. The event aims to help people recognize the importance of insects and raise awareness about insect decline.

1st Place: Pauline Klebert: “Freche Früchte” Card Game

This trump quartet game for elementary school children, designed with a child-friendly aesthetic, focuses on sustainable shopping for fruits and vegetables at the supermarket. It features 16 sets of four cards, each with a fruit as the main character. The categories of cultivation, packaging, and transportation cover the most important aspects of the topic. In addition to the playing cards, a booklet was also designed. It includes tips for more sustainable shopping (in the city and region) and a world map showing the different transportation categories.

1st Place: Jakob Rößner/Johanna Wiglinghoff: Teilerei

As a nonprofit project, “Teilerei” is a store for surplus food and a place for exchange. The team picks up food daily that would otherwise be discarded—currently 1,000 to 1,500 kg per week. To do this, they collaborate with food businesses in retail and production. Meanwhile, leftover food is also brought in from nearby daycare centers and restaurants. There are no fixed prices; instead, customers determine the donation amount themselves. This principle of solidarity ensures that everyone has access to food and a healthy diet. The food distribution initiative raises awareness about products past their best-by dates and prevents the waste of resources such as farmland, water, labor, and transportation.

Two second-place awards went to:

2nd Place: Tennenlohe Elementary School: Plant and Vegetable Market + Film on Waste Pollution

The children in the mixed-age kindergarten classes grew plants at home together with their parents and grandparents. These were sold at the first vegetable and plant market held in the schoolyard. Parents, neighbors, acquaintances, and parents of preschoolers from the neighborhood were also invited. The market and working with plants teach children where food comes from, how vegetables and fruits are grown, and when, how, and where these types of plants grow. The children not only gain insight into the techniques of plant propagation but also learn to take responsibility for their seedlings. Through planting and sowing, tending, harvesting, preparing, and tasting, they gain valuable—and above all practical—experiences that engage all their senses. Furthermore, this helps foster a greater appreciation for food and introduces children to a balanced diet.

The Media Club produced a film about littering, which was shown in the school theater to all 200 students and the school’s teachers. The film draws the children’s attention to the issue in a positive way, encouraging them to pay even closer attention to preventing litter in the forest in the future.

2nd Place: ASG: Sustainability Day (including the board game “Sustainable Nutrition”) + School Store

The “Critical Consumption” P-Seminar organized a Sustainability Day at ASG, during which the entire school explored a wide variety of environmental topics. The event also involved collaboration with external partners. The bazaars were stocked with donations from students, and many materials were collected in advance. Activities included: trash collection, food sharing, plastic waste, supply chains, nutrition, upcycling, vegan recipes, sustainable personal care, fast fashion, SDGs, solar energy, a clothing bazaar, a sorted book flea market, browsing, turning a tin can into an irrigation system, a discussion panel on food at ASG, a film workshop, a climate kit, and the school shop.

As part of Sustainability Day, students played the board game “Dinner for Future”—newly developed by the Environmental Club—which allowed them to expand their knowledge of sustainable nutrition. It includes questions on the topics of CO2 consumption, food storage, seasonality/regionality, and plant-based foods.

The P-Seminar School Store is a step toward ensuring the school’s sustainable supply, so that sustainable school supplies become a permanent fixture in students’ backpacks and are easily accessible to all students throughout the school year. To this end, the students founded a student-run company. Customized packages of school supplies were sold directly on campus. This helps reduce travel distances and packaging waste and improves the ASG’s ecological footprint. In addition, by sourcing products regionally, the school shop avoids unnecessarily long supply chains, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and supporting local businesses.

Four third-place prizes went to:

3rd Place: Sophia Marte/Julian Rösner: Climate-Friendly Neighborhood Kitchen

The climate-friendly cooking evenings take place every third Tuesday of the month at the Anständig essen reading café. The dishes prepared in the climate-friendly neighborhood kitchen typically result in a reduction of 50 to 80% in greenhouse gas emissions per serving. The project involves managing schedules, recipes, grocery shopping, and more. During the cooking evenings, participants receive tips and recipes that help them incorporate climate-friendly, healthy, and delicious meals into their daily lives.

In addition, experts are regularly invited to various cooking evenings, or participants give short presentations.

3rd Place: Waldorf School: Car-Free Days

The car-free days were organized by the Sustainability Circle and the Student Sustainability Group. All students and teachers participated in the initiative. The goal was to determine the carbon footprint of students’ commutes to school and to raise students’ awareness of the importance of their commute. A total of 780 kg of CO2 was saved. The group developed a questionnaire to survey students’ typical commuting habits; the results were analyzed with the support of their partner, CO2ero. Finally, a letter was written to the surrounding municipalities. In it, the students advocated for retaining the €365 ticket and for equal treatment with students at public schools regarding public transportation subsidies.

3rd Place: Heinrich-Kirchner Elementary School: Bee Project

During a theme week on bees, fourth-graders conducted research, gathered information, created posters, rolled wax candles, built an insect hotel, and visited a beekeeper with her five bee colonies. The children closely studied the bees and their way of life. The results included a diverse exhibition and the podcast “Alles Biene” with 10 episodes. In addition, several insect hotels were built for the school garden, and the idea of “school bees” was born. Through observation and hands-on experience, the children’s understanding of the complex interrelationships between plants, animals, and how humans interact with our cultural landscape was fostered.

3rd Place: Werner-von-Siemens-RS: From Apple to Applesauce

The gardening club carried out the project “From Apple to Applesauce.” The students themselves completed the entire process—from tending the trees to harvesting the fruit, processing the seasonal apples, and making and preserving the applesauce. This allowed them to trace a single food item from its origins to the finished product. Later, the students tasted the applesauce together, and each student took a jar home to their families as a gift. In the winter, the students pruned their own apple trees in the school garden. The results were displayed in the school’s showcase. The project helped reestablish a connection to food and the work that goes into it.

2021 ERlangen Environmental Award for Six Projects

Four first-place awards went to:

First place went to the environmental podcast “WALD im OHR” from Tennenlohe Elementary School. In it, the secrets of the forest are revealed; listeners can immerse themselves in the world of sounds among the moss and trees and learn about the unique features of the region’s animal and plant diversity. The three-minute audio segments can be heard on the school radio station AnTennenlohe, among other places. The students themselves determine the topics and format. The podcast is receiving this award for informing listeners about forest-related topics, imparting knowledge about forest animals and plants, raising environmental awareness, creating auditory forest experiences, and stimulating the imagination, as well as for motivating listeners to discover and explore the forest as a habitat, and encourages a respectful approach to nature.

Another first-place award goes to the “Gemüse-Acker” environmental project at Emmy-Noether-Gymnasium Bruck. In particular, the 5th-grade full-day class has been growing organic vegetables on the new school garden plot since the 2020–21 school year to learn about nature, vegetable gardening, healthy eating, and the mindful use of resources. On the 50 m² school vegetable patch, the students planted vegetable seedlings, sowed seeds, planted onions, and set potatoes. Regular care during free period, botany lessons, mulching, harvesting, and volunteer work by families round out the project. The vegetable garden is receiving the award for its holistic approach and the students’ involvement in every step of the project. It recognizes the learning achievement that everyone can contribute and that it is worthwhile to make an effort and take on responsibilities to achieve a common goal. The garden will continue as part of the full-day program.

Another first-place finish goes to the “Sustainability Challenge” at the Albert Schweitzer High School in Alterlangen. Ten 5th- and 6th-grade students from the Environmental Club developed the concept during the lockdown, planned the competition via video conferences, and carried it out school-wide over the course of three weeks. The goal was to raise awareness of sustainability and environmental protection among the school community. Each day featured a small task, which was documented with photos and published online. The jury was pleased with the wide range of sustainability tasks and the popularity of the competition among lower-grade students, as well as among students in higher grades and teachers. It is encouraging that participation helped students realize that environmental protection is not only important but can also be fun. The sustainability challenge is set to be repeated in the future.

First place goes to the “Cigarette Butt Collection” campaign organized by the German-French Institute in Erlangen. The campaign was carried out by a French volunteer in Erlangen and an intern and was accompanied by public relations efforts. Starting from three locations, 17 participants (not all of whom were from Erlangen) spent about 2.5 hours collecting cigarette butts in 1.5-liter containers on their way to Rathausplatz, so they could later be recycled and turned into street furniture. The environmental award highlights the urgency of the issue and commends the cleanup campaign for drawing attention to the pollution of waterways and soil by toxic substances from cigarettes, raising public awareness, and thus contributing to environmental protection. Special recognition was also given to the fact that the campaign was carried out simultaneously with the two sister cities, Rennes and Vladimir, under the theme of “Environment and Multiculturalism.” A total of 11,000 cigarette butts were collected, preventing 5,500,000 liters of water from being polluted.

Two second-place awards went to:

One second-place award went to the “Ecological School Garden” project at the Friedrich-Rückert Elementary School on Ohmplatz. Primarily through a full-day class, students plant organic vegetables, explore animals, plants, and other environmental aspects, create artwork, and discuss ecological gardening. The children take full responsibility for maintaining the garden through teamwork, achieving great educational success; they do everything themselves by hand. The award recognizes the project’s efforts to raise awareness of sustainable vegetable gardening—particularly regarding the resources of soil and water—as well as the issues of food waste and products that have traveled long distances. The project is highly regarded for fostering an appreciation for healthy eating and strengthening social skills through collaborative work; for engaging all the senses and sparking interest in and joy for nature; and for providing the opportunity to actively help shape one’s own environment. The project’s connection to the SDGs, as well as its use of educational (digital) materials and professional development opportunities for teachers, was particularly appreciated. The school garden is also open to all students in the afternoons and is intended to be more closely integrated into the neighborhood in the future.

The other second-place award goes to the creation of a “flowering island in the playground” at the insect-friendly Michael-Poeschke Elementary School in the Röthelheim/Sebaldus neighborhood. In the heavily paved schoolyard, a former tree pit was transformed into a green oasis for insects. The children in the gardening club planted the 9 m² area in the fall of 2020 with the first flowering, insect-friendly shrubs and perennials. A 3rd-grade class planted a medlar tree in the old tree pit. As part of the gardening club’s activities, flower bulbs were planted in the fall and wildflower seeds in the spring. Teachers donated several drought-tolerant perennials, and parents set up an insect hotel on the flowering island and created a small sandy area beneath it. The jury praised the fact that the island allows whatever natural diversity emerges there to grow, and that the children can observe the bustling activity of the insects during recess. Additional flowering islands with berry bushes are planned.

2020 ERlangen Environmental Award for Seven Projects

Three grand prizes were awarded to:

First place went to the Department of Ecology and Sustainability, together with the Climate Protection Working Group of the FAU Student Council, for their climate protection and sustainability concept. Alongside the city of Erlangen, the university is the second major public institution that can make a significant contribution to a climate-neutral city, and until now it had no official climate protection concept. Such a concept was presented to the university administration in November 2019. More than 25 students and doctoral candidates contributed to the concept. The twenty-page concept paper sets the goal of achieving climate neutrality at FAU by 2028 and proposes a remarkable range of activities across the areas of university leadership and administration, teaching and research, infrastructure, facilities management, mobility, and events. It has sparked a sustained discussion, and many proposals are now being implemented at a remarkable pace (e.g., Green Office, Climate Fund, teaching, urban gardens, Schlossgartenfest). Also recognized is the lecture series “FAU against CO2: Science’s Contribution to Climate Protection,” which ÖkoRef organized, coordinated, and moderated.

Second place goes to the Smart City Greens team for the Intelligent Tree Watering project. Climate change is affecting urban green spaces, watering places a financial burden on the municipality, and heterogeneous site conditions make it difficult to assess watering needs. Starting in October 2019, four students from various disciplines within the Faculty of Engineering developed a novel sensor that measures soil moisture. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, the sensor operates so energy-efficiently and cost-effectively that it can be widely deployed on urban trees. After precisely determining each tree’s individual watering needs, a smart routing algorithm calculates the fastest watering routes. A cloud platform is being developed for city employees, allowing them to navigate to the trees using mobile devices. This saves time and water and ensures that all trees are watered on time. In May, three sensors were put into operation at selected locations in collaboration with the City Greenery Department.

Third place went to two students from the Albert Schweitzer High School, who wanted to help shape the future themselves with a student-led solar power project. With the support of students and teachers, a student-funded solar system was installed on the ASG school roof, increasing the school’s solar energy production by an additional 14%. With the help of organizations such as “Sonnenenergie Erlangen e.V.,” the system was installed on the school roof during the fall break of 2019 and inaugurated in December. The initiative encouraged the student body to make a positive impact on the city through small steps. The goal was to spark even more interest in student solar projects and thereby inspire similar projects at other schools in Erlangen.

Four Future Awards went to:

The “TechFak Garden” on Roter Platz at the FAU’s South Campus is an urban garden created by an initiative founded in 2017 by FAU students and doctoral candidates. Various types of vegetables, berries, and herbs are grown in the raised garden bed. To operate as sustainably and resource-efficiently as possible, existing infrastructure is utilized and upgraded. Scraps and waste are preferred as building materials. Insects are once again more abundant since insect-friendly flower species have been introduced. An insect hotel accommodates this. All students can participate; the garden is used communally. They learn the basics of gardening and can improve their manual skills. The plants are labeled, and the seeds are organic. Among other things, heirloom varieties not commonly found in supermarkets are grown. In principle, anyone is allowed to harvest, as long as they leave some for others. Members of the initiative prepare meals together using the harvest. When the weather is nice, guided tours of the garden are offered. The project helps foster a connection to the food we consume every day. It shows how beautiful and labor-intensive a vegetable garden is—something we quickly forget when faced with the well-stocked supermarket shelves.

The “Miniclub-kids for future” project at the Miniclub daycare center views children as the future architects of sustainable development. A sustainable lifestyle is modeled and practiced every day. It encompasses several areas of focus: Food is selected based on the categories of regional, seasonal, and organic. At every meal, aspects such as the food’s origin, cultivation methods, and preparation techniques are discussed. The topic of nutrition is illustrated through the children’s own vegetable gardening. In the area of waste management, topics such as reusable items, paperless communication in parent chat groups, waste separation and reduction, and plastic reduction play a key role. The garden features nature-based play areas, such as a sandbox made from old tree trunks, a tunnel made of willow branches, and a hill for sliding and climbing. In addition, an insect hotel offers opportunities for observation and learning.

The “Nature as a Learning Environment” initiative creates environmentally focused learning spaces at the Erlangen Business School. Since the 2019–20 school year, this project has focused on developing interdisciplinary learning spaces in the form of a school garden, the Garden of World Religions, a flower meadow, the renaturalized earthen embankment, and the outdoor classroom. Hands-on experiences are designed to empower students to think about their role in nature, reflect on their own relationship with the environment, recognize the impacts of their actions, and develop a more responsible approach to nature. All plants are labeled with signs featuring a QR code that links to a website providing a detailed description of each plant. In addition to small puzzles and activities, there is a “Kahoot” quiz at the end. The produce can be harvested during the full school day and prepared for immediate consumption or offered at the school festival. The website Garten-der-Weltreligionen.de is already online, and participants in a new certification course are set to expand its content. As a homeschooling assignment, an online competition on building insect hotels was held.

Since April 2020, the “Ackergarten” project, initiated by Klaus Schaufler and Doris Gehringer, has enabled Erlangen residents, students, and families with children to engage respectfully with nature through direct contact with agricultural experts. In the process, they expand their knowledge of ecological relationships by renting a plot of farmland ready for planting and cultivating it organically with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Their own ideas for designing the plots are complemented by the production of healthy food. In addition, the interaction with the experts and fellow gardeners fosters a sense of community. The benefits of the community garden range from promoting a healthy lifestyle to positive social impacts and learning opportunities, as well as broader environmental benefits and a greater appreciation for nature.

2019 ERlangen Environmental Award for Seven Projects

In 2019, the grand prize winners were the Michael-Poeschke-Schule, the Albert-Schweitzer-Gymnasium, and the Franconian International School.

The Michael-Poeschke School has created a forest and nature garden. The schoolyard, which had previously been paved in the style of the 1970s, was completely transformed by the school and the on-site HoList after-school care program, with support from the Arche Farm and the BayWa Foundation. Initially, four raised beds, a potato patch, and a berry hedge were planted. Three gardening groups are gradually setting up the school garden and will focus particularly on growing a diverse range of edible plants, with parents also being involved. Other parts of the project include a scent garden in the form of a dry-stone wall spiral planted with herbs, school chickens, an insect hotel, and several piles of dead wood. All of this is also being integrated into the curriculum as a “green classroom.”

Through the HEFTig project seminar, the Albert Schweitzer High School helps both stressed-out parents and the environment. At the beginning of the school year, all fifth-graders are offered a starter kit containing all the notebooks, ring binders, folders, and envelopes they need to start school. Purchases are made with sustainability in mind, using exclusively recycled paper, and the items come from the region as much as possible.

The Franconian International School’s original art project , “radically minimal,” makes an impact both internally and externally. It addresses the themes of a post-growth society, sustainability, and recycling. The project aims to raise awareness of the consequences of our lifestyle and the impossibility of maintaining it indefinitely. “Time travelers” serving as warning figures were placed in public spaces, along with a QR code that directed visitors to a website designed by the students. Slogans were created that critically examined our consumer behavior and the resulting environmental problems; these were then projected at night in downtown Erlangen using a mobile video projector. Finally, a mobile exhibition space was set up to display upcycled objects that the students had created from disposable materials.

Four other projects received awards:

The Werner-von-Siemens Middle School created direct access to experiencing nature with its research trail around Brucker Seela. Explanatory videos, experiments, information boards, experiment reports, and a quiz engage visitors and impart knowledge as they take a guided tour.

The An der Brucker Lache Elementary School demonstrated through its sustainability project week that every single person can make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection. Activities included painting cloth bags, hands-on upcycling (musical instruments, wallets, and bowls), making eco-friendly personal care products, creating a biodiverse school garden, building insect hotels from tin cans, making paper by hand, crafting seed bombs, and raising awareness about the protection of bees and bats.

The business school in Röthelheimpark created its own course called “Future.”
External facilitators come into the classroom and educate the children and teens on topics such as plastic waste, ocean litter, air pollution, phasing out lignite, raw materials for cell phones, virtual water, and the “ecological footprint.”

The Asgard troop of the German Scout Association growsyoungnative trees in its “treenursery” and then replants them. Especially in the fall, many acorns are to be collected on the Burgberg grounds; these are then cultivated in pots and ultimately, when planted in locations best suited to them, contribute to the “green city” and climate protection.

2018 ERlangen Environmental Award for Three Projects

Mobility is one of the areas where, from an ecological perspective, we still have a great deal of work to do. In urban areas in particular, this leads to a significant improvement in quality of life. Class 3c at the Friedrich-Rückert-Schule (1st prize) took up this topic and examined it in an exemplary manner—starting with the “ecological footprint” and the question of what sustainable behavior means in everyday life. They conducted a hands-on investigation of eco-friendly modes of transportation—bicycles and buses—which even included reading bus schedules. The results of the project were documented in fold-out booklets and presented at an information booth during the summer festival.

For the third time, Eichendorff Middle School is among the award winners (2nd prize). Step by step, the school is redesigning its outdoor facilities with great effort and as part of an educational concept that follows a clear overarching vision. Following the school apiary and the “edible school,” the project is now being recognized for transforming a paved courtyard into a nature-oriented “bee yard.”

The Asgard troop of the Federation of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts (3rd prize) does a lot of things themselves—from building their own log cabin to constructing a treehouse, tables, and garden furniture. The most important material they use is wood, and the scouts have found a way to process trees from Erlangen right here on site. Using a mobile sawmill from the surrounding area, the logs are cut into beams, floorboards, and planks. Wood is a sustainable raw material that is far too valuable to be burned or used for paper production. The use of regional wood is, of course, particularly environmentally friendly.

The Waldorf School’s Bee Club introduced two bee colonies in 2017. The students learn a great deal about the biology and mindful care of bees, as well as about their pollination efforts and their vital importance to all flowering plants. In addition, they focus on food sources for bees and, consequently, on the diversity of flowering plants. This is specifically promoted through planting initiatives, which are set to be expanded even further in the future. The Bee Club also engages the community through guided tours and presentations.

The “Ecological Garden” P-Seminar at the Albert Schweitzer High School has redesigned its school’s inner courtyard according to ecological principles, placing great emphasis on the “right” (i.e., site-appropriate) plants. The project also includes an insect hotel, on-site composting of garden waste, and the creation of a zone with nutrient-poor soil to provide space for plants that have long since been displaced elsewhere. Conventional agriculture is a major cause of the rapid decline in species in Central Europe. That is why cities today—especially so-called garden city areas—are among the most species-rich habitats of all, and the creation of additional near-natural areas within the city is highly desirable. The project is being honored with a prize of 1,000 €.

As part of the “Edible School” project at Eichendorff Middle School, 30 students from the full-day classes, together with employees from the company Omicron and the Arche Farm in Erlangen, transformed parts of the school grounds into an “edible school.” In the process, prickly and, in some cases, exotic plants were replaced with native fruit trees and berry bushes. The flowers provide food for the school’s bees, and the fruit for the students. Through extracurricular clubs, the students are introduced to the sustainable care of the plants and take on responsibility in the process. During the project, the students also built beehives, pallet furniture, a new garden shed, two mobile chicken coops, and three large playground structures.
The jury particularly appreciated this project’s exemplary nature and its integration into the overall concept of the all-day school, which also includes beekeeping and the school garden and will be further developed and expanded in the future. The project is being honored with a cash prize of 1,500 €.

Class 9d at the Marie-Therese-Gymnasium built two weatherproof models as part of the “Energy-Efficient House” project: a classic single-family home in the style of the 1970s and a modern house with a monopitch roof, full thermal insulation, and a photovoltaic system. Incandescent bulbs and LEDs, respectively, are used as energy consumers. The houses have the same floor area and the same enclosed volume. The houses were placed on the school building’s rooftop terrace. The temperature, voltage, and current are being measured, thereby illustrating the effect of insulation and energy consumption. The measurements began in June, and things will certainly get particularly interesting during the winter months.
The “Energy-Saving House” from the Marie-Therese-Gymnasium impressed the jury because it exemplifies an important topic and thereby provides significant insights for both the participants and the entire school. It is therefore awarded prize money of 1,500 €.

Model on the topic of renewable energy. Municipal utilities. Hydropower is a cornerstone of renewable energy use. It has proven its worth for a century and is virtually unaffected by fluctuations. In Erlangen, it supplies 2,500 households. An exhibition space dedicated to renewable energy will be created at the Werker hydroelectric power plant, featuring a model of the turbines installed there. This 1:8-scale model is being built by the apprentices at Erlangen Stadtwerke themselves. The jury appreciated that this project highlights the environmentally friendly use of hydropower—a topic of the future that is not typically given much attention in Erlangen. In addition, it creates an exhibition space that presents the topic of renewable energy locally and in a vivid way. Erlanger Stadtwerke has declined the prize money for this exemplary project.

In 2016, five winners received awards

“Stitch Up” Project

This year’s Girls’ Action Day in April was themed “Environment and Sustainability,” and this sparked the idea of turning a sewing workshop into a (initially two-year) project. It’s called “Stitch Up,” and it offers young people the opportunity to create new items from discarded clothing and fabric scraps, with no limits to their imagination. In addition to clothing, the project aims to produce bags, pillows, and whatever else these creative young people can envision. The “Black Box” youth center—in collaboration with the Anger Youth Social Work program—is bringing attention to an area whose global interconnections are increasingly discussed but which is still largely overlooked in everyday consumer behavior. Clothing is (also) an environmental issue. The “Stitch up” project was awarded prize money of €500.

Hortus Fridericianus

When learning itself leads to visible results, the educational mission is perfectly fulfilled. The students of the “Hortus Fridericianus” project seminar demonstrate this in an exemplary way. They planned and created a well-thought-out school garden that

• is intended to be both an oasis of calm for the students and a refuge for various living creatures,
• is intended to serve as a small link to the Sandachse Franken,
• is intended to be used for classroom instruction, and
• can also be used to grow food.

The “Hortus Fridericianus” project seminar is being honored with a cash prize of €500.

Bruck Neighborhood Garden

At Kulturpunkt Bruck, an “urban gardening” project was launched on a green space that had previously been largely unused. About 15 active members manage the space as a collaborative effort based on shared responsibility, involve neighbors and refugees, and see themselves as part of a larger social and ecological network. Vegetables and fruit are grown using organic methods. In addition to ongoing gardening work, the group organizes joint activities and social events. Not least because of the diversity of its activities and its long-term vision, the Bruck Neighborhood Garden is awarded prize money of 500 €.

Eichendorff School Beekeeping Program

The beekeeping program is impressive because it allows students to learn about the life and importance of honeybees while also gaining a great deal of knowledge about insects, plants, and ecological relationships. Learning through hands-on experience is more intensive and vivid than in a classroom setting. The hands-on work not only fosters sensitivity toward the natural environment but also provides an opportunity to take on responsibility and experience a sense of accomplishment. Follow-up projects at many schools throughout the city are encouraged. The project is awarded prize money of €1,500.

“Green Playground” at Brucker Lache Elementary School

Brucker Lache Elementary School and its outdoor facilities are a testament to an era when functionality was prioritized and nature was often viewed as a nuisance. Following preliminary work by the School Garden Club, the “Our Green Playground” project has now taken root here and fundamentally transformed the atmosphere; the result is

• an insect hotel built from natural materials: It is intended to provide shelter for insects as well as serve as a learning tool for the schoolchildren.
• Seating areas, crafted on-site from natural logs and planks,
• a gathering spot under a willow canopy,
• a scented fountain containing herbs and spices, and
• a mobile chicken coop, designed to teach the children how to care for live animals and take on responsibility.

The project’s diversity and exemplary commitment are being recognized with a cash prize of 2,000 €.

Five 2015 Award Winners

Erlangen Intercultural Garden

The Intercultural Garden is dedicated to the integration of citizens with foreign roots. Gardening is carried out according to ecological criteria. The environmental award specifically recognized the collaboration with the Mönau School, which led to the realization of four projects:

• the creation of a Japanese garden,
• a photography workshop on the theme of “Cultivated Plants,”
• the weaving of a garden object using natural materials, and
• the creation of a metal sculpture of a tree bearing fruit.

Even on a small scale, the Intercultural Garden offers a variety of different habitats; for example, there is a hedge that serves as a shelter and food source for small creatures, as well as a natural pond. The Intercultural Garden was awarded prize money of €500.

“Mooswichtel” Forest Kindergarten

The concept of forest kindergartens encompasses something that has become foreign to many children today: experiencing nature as a natural part of daily life. Since one can only appreciate what one knows, the importance of early childhood interaction with the natural environment cannot be overstated. The “Mooswichtel” submitted an application featuring a multifaceted project that combines nature observation and hands-on experience. It includes an “earthworm farm,” wildlife studies, insect identification, netting in bodies of water, and the preparation of tea, syrup, and other foods from materials they have collected themselves. The jury awarded a prize of 500 € not only for the project but also for the fundamental concept of the forest kindergarten.

Project “Food Sharing and Food Rescue in Erlangen”

The initiative addresses food waste, which consumes resources and places an unnecessary burden on the environment. The scale of this waste is simply unacceptable: In Germany, approximately 83 kg of food per person is thrown away each year. The initiative aims to raise public awareness of this issue. To this end, it advises consumers and retailers on how to avoid food waste, organizes regular “Food Sharing Dinners,” and has set up a “Fairteiler” at Kulturpunkt Bruck to promote direct exchange. From the jury’s perspective, the most important aspect is the fact that the problem is being publicly addressed, thereby prompting behavioral changes among responsible individuals. The initiative was therefore awarded prize money of €1,000.

Gardening Club at Hermann-Hedenus Middle School

The students from classes 5a and 7a have, through their gardening project “Ab durch die Hecke,” transformed a previously unsightly area of the school grounds through hard work, and the resulting new school garden serves not only as an ornament but also as a source of produce; thanks to its diversity, it provides a habitat for many insect species, as well as for birds and small mammals.

The jury appreciated that this project is concrete and practical and so exemplary that it is hoped similar follow-up projects will be undertaken at many schools throughout the city. This project was awarded prize money of €1,000.

Project “Erlangen Old Town Market Passage Urban Garden”

The “Erlangen im Wandel” initiative challenges our current economic practices. Its focus is on phasing out the use of fossil fuels and promoting greater regional exchange of goods. The urban gardening project in the Altstadtmarktpassage is part of this approach, which aims to enhance public space: From now on, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, nasturtiums, and lemon balm will set the tone. This type of urban garden is not a fenced-off area but is accessible to everyone. Anyone can harvest the produce, and anyone can get involved. This exemplary initiative was honored with a cash prize of 2,000 €.

Five 2014 Award Winners:

The “Biological-Chemical Lab” course at Christian-Ernst-Gymnasium

The students tackled an important issue in urban ecology in a professional and long-term manner. Especially in a densely built-up downtown area, the question of nesting sites for many bird species is fundamental, and the installation of such nesting boxes on the school grounds was carried out in an exemplary manner. The project was honored by the jury with an award and prize money of 500 €.

The “Die Pfifferlinge” Forest Kindergarten

The concept of forest kindergartens encompasses something that has become scarce these days: experiencing nature as a natural part of daily life. Since one can only appreciate what one knows, the importance of early childhood interaction with the natural environment cannot be overstated. The forest kindergarten submitted an entry featuring a multi-stage project on the topic of “potatoes.” By awarding prize money of €500, the jury recognized not only this project but also the forest kindergarten concept itself.

The “Erlanger Schools go fair” project at the Emil-von-Behring Gymnasium

Conscious, fair, and eco-friendly consumption is part of sustainable behavior. Until now, this topic has rarely been addressed in a school setting. Through a series of initiatives, the project is taking significant steps toward becoming a “Fairtrade School.” Sustainably produced products are offered, and as a first step, fair-trade school uniforms are being procured. The jury appreciated that this project involves concrete and practical actions and is such an exemplary model that, hopefully, many schools in the city will follow suit immediately. The jury awarded this project prize money of €1,000.

The project seminar “Nature Trail: Sand Habitats” at the Fridericianum High School

The project seminar focuses on one of the key aspects of nature experiences in Erlangen. The students researched the geological and biological foundations of the local sandy surfaces. The jury was deeply impressed by how thoroughly and independently the topic was addressed, and by the fact that it is also accessible to the public in the form of a small nature trail in the Schwabach Valley. The seminar was also awarded prize money of 1,000 €.

The “Repair Café” in Erlangen

One of the downsides of our consumer culture is the throwaway mentality. Many everyday items are discarded, even though this makes no sense: the resources contained in the product should instead prompt us to repair them. To promote this idea and put it into practice, an initiative called the “Repair Café” was formed. This initiative is innovative, has room for expansion, and serves as a model for others. This exemplary commitment was recognized with a cash prize of €2,000.

The 2012 award winner is the EStW training workshop—the “Clock” tracking the status of the energy transition in Erlangen.

The training workshop of “Erlanger Stadtwerke AG” is manufacturing a steel wall panel that uses a colored LED display to illustrate the proportion and type of renewable energy generated and used in Erlangen. The panel, which will be installed in City Hall, thus highlights the achievements and goals. In the future, it will serve as a kind of “clock” tracking the status of the energy transition in Erlangen.

The jury appreciated that this project—whether in a positive or cautionary manner—clearly demonstrates the extent to which the city of Erlangen generates energy in an environmentally friendly way.

The 2011 award was presented to ErlangenTreeView—Exploring City Trees

Would you like to learn about Erlangen’s city trees? The Erlangen Youth Farm and students from the Montessori School launched the ErlangenTreeView project. Here you’ll find ideas and information. We invite you to join us on tree excursions and a tree scavenger hunt. Currently, 24 tree locations featuring 17 different tree species are listed. Do you have a special “tree suggestion” to add to the TreeView database? info@jugendfarm-er.de

The 2010 award winner was the fashion label “Kolibri.” Used clothing—brand new

The fashion label Kolibri, founded by Claudia Schnupp and Carolin Hofer, addresses how we handle textiles. Their production methods often contradict ecological and social standards; recycling clothing counteracts this and raises awareness of global trends. Used clothing is re-sewn and screen-printed; this makes every garment one-of-a-kind. What particularly impressed the jury about “Kolibri” was that it brings to the forefront an aspect of environmentally friendly business practices that has largely gone unnoticed. Furthermore, it is a project developed and implemented entirely independently by the students.

The 2010 award winner is the Erlangen State Vocational School—Students as Teachers

The Erlangen State Vocational School has broken new ground with its “Environmental Weeks.” Through the redesign of this project, students have become educators. The topics include

• ecological waste management,
• Mobile Communications,
• water and soil,
• Air,
• climate and energy,
• Nature Conservation and
• Noise

—following an introductory lecture by the Environmental Agency—each topic was explored by a class using teaching materials they developed themselves; the knowledge gained was then shared with other classes at the vocational school through exhibitions, presentations, and lessons. The jury found the shift in perspective in the “Environment Weeks” project particularly noteworthy: Students act as teachers, thereby contributing a high level of commitment and the knowledge they have acquired, and the attention and broad impact within the school are enormous.

In 2009, the award went to the “Youth-Environment-Future-Erlangen” Working Group. “Inaction is not a solution”—action is needed.

The application from the “Erlangen Youth–Environment–Future Working Group” stands out for its thematic breadth and diversity. What convinced the jury most of all was that concrete action challenges attitudes and consumption habits and, ultimately, protects the climate, air, water, and soil through the conservation of resources. The projects include:

• “Inaction Is Not a Solution Either”: an exhibition on environmental attitudes and environmental awareness;
• “Free Store”: a permanent opportunity to give away and exchange items;
• “Made by Me”: regular workshops on making clothing;
• “Animal-Friendly Farming”: a documentary on animal-friendly and conventional farming, along with an initiative featuring their own chickens in the city center;
• “Environmental Summer Camp”: A camping trip featuring workshops on solar cookers, wind turbines, energy conservation, healthy eating, eco-friendly building materials, bicycles, and trailers; “You Can Do Without the Sunday Roast”: Exhibition and street theater on meat consumption from ecological, ethical, and health perspectives;
• “Our Velvety Clothes and Their Rocky Road”: Exhibition on textile production;
• “Views, Sense of Responsibility, and Activism in Environmental Protection”: Workshop on ethics and motivation;
• Book exhibition on environmental protection