Climate Action & Heat Resilience at the “Schlossplatz”
Almost exactly one year ago, two CityTrees were installed at the “Schlossplatz” in Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Since then, the moss‑based fresh‑air filters have noticeably cooled the local air, removed particulate matter and improved the quality of stay at one of the city’s central squares in front of the historic Castle Church. The cooling capacity of the two CityTrees is equivalent to up to 160 newly planted trees — a compact, visible contribution to urban climate protection and heat resilience, as also noted by the German Association of Cities (Deutscher Städtetag).
Photos: City of Wittenberg
How the CityTrees enliven the “Schlossplatz”
Aileen Jenau, Climate Protection Manager in the Department of Urban, Traffic and Landscape Development of the City of Wittenberg, describes the positive impact on public life as follows:
“The CityTrees have enriched the Palace Square in many respects. The new seating is in frequent use — during the day by people enjoying the view of the Castle Church and in the evening as a meeting place for friends. As a result, the square has gained significantly in quality of stay. At the same time, the climate trees make an important contribution to local air purification and cooling — both central elements of our municipal climate protection.”
One year “old”, more relevant than ever
In light of the current heatwave, measures for heat resilience are moving to the top of the agenda. The Deutsche Städtetag, in its overview on heat protection and heat preparedness, stresses that cities and municipalities must act with heat action plans, preventive measures and best‑practice examples. Mobile and stationary greening solutions such as CityTrees form part of these measures because they provide localized cooling and enhance the quality of stay in densely built urban areas.
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“Small” infrastructure, big impact
The first anniversary of the CityTrees in Wittenberg demonstrates how technical greening concepts deliver immediate benefits — for the climate, for air quality and for social life in urban spaces. In times of more frequent heatwaves, such measures are valuable building blocks of comprehensive municipal heat resilience, as recommended by the Deutsche Städtetag.
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Photo: City of Wittenberg