“You are the future!”
In January, sustainability took center stage for the seventh-grade students of Ludwig-Witthöf Secondary School in Wildau. The highlight of their school project was an exciting and hands-on day on January 22, featuring three inspiring presentations and speakers.
Photos: GCS
Sustainability and School Philosophy – A Strong Connection
The Ludwig-Witthöft Secondary School places great emphasis on preparing its students for the challenges of life. “Through diverse projects, our students are prepared to lead lives of democratic responsibility and to engage in tolerance and humanity”, states the school’s website. The Sustainability Day provided the perfect opportunity to put this philosophy into practice and raise awareness of ecological issues. The “Sustainability School Project”, part of the biology curriculum, aimed to sensitize young people to climate protection, mindfulness, and sustainable action. “We want to create a school environment where learning can take place in diverse ways and where learning is fun”, the school leadership explains.
A Day Full of Inspiration and Practical Examples
As part of the school project, the seventh-grade students of the Wildau Secondary School experienced a varied program. After a brief welcome by the biology teacher and Ms. Regina Bartsch from the Wildau Citizens’ Alliance (Bürgerbündnis Wildau), three speakers demonstrated how theory and practice can be sustainably connected. In an interactive format, students were encouraged to ask questions and learn how technological solutions can improve the environment and promote sustainability.
The day began with a presentation by Green City Solutions’ founder and CEO, Peter Sänger, titled “Moss Carpets for Urban Climate”. He brought along moss modules and miniature air filters to demonstrate their functionality, as well as a wealth of information and tips from a decade of Green City Solutions. The lush green mosses were a highlight, and students eagerly examined and touched them. It’s almost unbelievable: these innovative, natural, active air filters based on moss achieve the same effect as 81 trees on a footprint of just 9 m², with a cooling capacity of up to 6,500 W/h.
Photos: GCS
The large-scale natural biofilters and coolers were also familiar to many students, as a CityBreeze with an integrated screen is located near the school at the Wildau Shell gas station. There, the innovative filters clean and cool the surrounding air using moss modules and advanced technology. Not far from Wildau, Green City Solutions also operates its own moss farm, which Peter Sänger invited the attendees to visit. He also highlighted the benefits of moss in schools – as seen in the project with the municipality of Schönefeld, where moss is used as a “plant-based air conditioning system in the schoolyard”. Utilizing moss for cooling and air purification in educational institutions has been a long-standing goal of Green City Solutions.
“We are very pleased to have contributed to the Sustainability Project at Ludwig-Witthöft Secondary School in Wildau”, said Peter Sänger afterward. He added, “Regional connections and exchanges are very important to us – and if we can simultaneously contribute to education and bring variety to the school day, we are happy to support that!” This will not be the last collaboration. “Talking with interested students about the importance of sustainability and climate protection, showcasing practical applications like our moss products, and experiencing refreshing exchanges was enriching. We are happy to return – or to welcome guests to our moss farm”, Peter Sänger concluded.
Photos: GCS
Following the presentation by the young company based in Bestensee, Mr. Carsten Kröning, Technical Director of the Wildau Housing Cooperative (Wohnungsgenossenschaft Wildau eG (WGW)), spoke on the topic of “Modern District Heating in Wildau”. He emphasized the need for constant adaptation, mindfulness, and awareness of the consequences of one’s actions. “You are the future”, he reminded the students. The WGW leads by example: since November 1, 2024, the housing cooperative has been heating 300 apartments climate-neutrally.
After a short break, the students learned about “What Does the Sustainability Manager at TH Wildau Do?” from Dr. Christine Avenarius. At TH Wildau, sustainability is a top priority. For the university, sustainable development means continuously improving resource use and processes to contribute to a livable future in the region. As a cross-cutting theme, sustainability is integrated into teaching and learning, research projects, knowledge transfer to companies, organizations, and municipalities, and the university’s operations.
Photos: GCS
In a subsequent quiz, students tested how much they had learned that day and how they could apply it in the future.
A “See You Again”!
In an era where climate change and environmental crises are increasingly urgent, events like this are not only timely but essential. They help young people understand the complex challenges our society faces and motivate them to take action themselves.
This will not be the last collaboration: internships, trial days, and visits to the companies of the speakers as part of Future Day or Girls’Day and Boys’Day – or additional project days at the secondary school – are all possibilities. The Wildau Citizens’ Alliance (Bürgerbündnis Wildau) and the Wildau Engineering Association already enjoyed fresh air and plenty of moss during an excursion in October of last year. Ms. Regina Bartsch shared her recommendation:
“The project day at Ludwig-Witthöft Secondary School in Wildau was a great success. It not only served to educate and inspire the students, highlighting the important role education plays in promoting climate awareness and sustainable action, but also demonstrated how collaborations between local stakeholders and educational institutions can contribute to a more sustainable future.
The message of the day is clear: Every contribution counts – and together, we can set the course for a livable future.”
Our heartfelt thanks go to all participants, the educators and Ludwig-Witthöft Secondary School, the speakers, the Wildau Citizens’ Alliance, and especially Ms. Regina Bartsch and Maximilian Sommerfeld.