Innovative endeavors recognized: Fürth district honors sustainable projects
In the heart of Stein, near Fürth, a local environmental education initiative named "Climate School Stein" has been making waves. This project, primarily aimed at students and the community, focuses on enhancing climate awareness and promoting sustainable practices.
County Commissioner Bernd Obst recently praised all those involved in the project at an award ceremony, recognising their commitment to the cause. Stein Gymnasium, a key player in this initiative, has been working tirelessly to determine their school's CO2 footprint and develop a specific climate protection plan.
Their efforts bore fruit when they won the main prize for the "Climate School Stein" project. The project aims to embed climate education programs in school curricula, encourage practical sustainability projects, engage the community, and collaborate with experts and institutions.
Various activities, such as workshops and film screenings, are planned for the "Climate School Stein" project. Stein Gymnasium has set a goal to be certified as a "Silver Climate School" by the end of 2025.
Elsewhere, the Dillenberg School in Cadolzburg has been recognised for a new class model promoting social and emotional skills. Notable initiatives at the school include the "Hero Break" for practical first aid knowledge and engagement in a senior home.
Meanwhile, the Horst Brandstätter Group, known for its Playmobil Funpark, has been making strides in environmental awareness. They have switched to bio-based plastics for Playmobil Junior and constructed a bee experience trail in the park, aiming to contribute to biodiversity and bee populations.
However, the Horst Brandstätter Group's initiatives do not include determining a CO2 footprint, developing a specific climate protection plan, or aiming for certification as a "Silver Climate School," as Stein Gymnasium has done.
The County of Fürth has recently emphasised sustainability, with the Veitsbronn food bank installing a photovoltaic system on the Veitsbad roof, ensuring sustainable energy production. The profits from the photovoltaic system support social projects, such as funding swimming courses for disadvantaged families.
The Sustainability Prize 2025 recognised four projects in total. The "Climate School Stein" project at Stein Gymnasium was one of them, marking a significant step towards a greener future for the community. The prize is generously supported by the Sparkasse Fürth.
The Dillenberg School in Cadolzburg, while nurturing social and emotional skills, does not involve itself in the development of specific climate protection plans or aim for "Silver Climate School" certification like Stein Gymnasium. Unlike the Horst Brandstätter Group, Stein Gymnasium separately focuses on climate education, CO2 footprint determination, and sustainable practices. Various home-and-garden inspired initiatives, such as the bee experience trail, can be found in the Horst Brandstätter Group's efforts towards environmental awareness, but they do not extent to climate change-related projects or sustainable living within the family as extensively as Stein Gymnasium.
