Renovation of the Heinrich-Mann-Gymnasium: Asbestos and protests in focus!

Renovation of the Heinrich-Mann-Gymnasium: Asbestos and protests in focus!

The situation at the Heinrich-Mann-Gymnasium in Cologne continues to be a topic of conversation. After an asbestos discovery in August last year, which led to the school building being closed after the summer holidays, the school year is particularly eventful and challenging for students and teachers. Cologne City Gazette reports that this discovery drew attention to a variety of problems, including the dilapidated condition of the roof, mold infestation, as well as general poor equipment and a renovation backlog in the building.

Students and parents do not accept concerns about the health and safety of their children and have organized protests to draw attention to these grievances. A schedule for the construction of a new science wing was presented in the spring, with construction planned to begin in fall 2023 and commissioning for the 2026/27 school year. The Cologne school construction company has already initiated the first preparatory measures for roof renovation.

Renovation measures in detail

In the coming summer holidays, a major roof renovation is scheduled, which has been approved by the city council and the district council. This renovation is necessary because an expert report found that faulty compensation channels were used in the thermal insulation of the roof, which impair the insulation effect. The work will be carried out in two phases: First, the building shell will be sealed during the summer holidays, while at the same time preparations for a photovoltaic system and a green roof will be made. The installation of the PV system and the greenery are planned for the autumn holidays.

The total costs for the roof renovation amount to around 3.7 million euros. In addition, energy-saving renovation measures are also planned for the facades and windows of the 45-year-old building. Parents are pleased with the progress, but complain that not enough has been done to address the asbestos problem.

Asbestos – A serious health risk

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that creates particularly challenging situations in schools and other public buildings due to its health-threatening properties. asbestosanierung-berlin.de explains that asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases when inhaled. Children are particularly at risk in this context because their lungs are still developing. In this context, regular inspections are crucial to proactively minimize health risks.

The parents of the Heinrich-Mann-Gymnasium are concerned because a register of the potentially affected walls, which was handed over at the end of 2024, shows that all internal walls could be affected. The city of Cologne has already commissioned an expert firm to examine these walls for possible asbestos contamination. However, parents doubt whether cladding was actually installed on walls where asbestos was found.

There is agreement that health risks remain as long as asbestos is present in homes and public facilities. renovablesverdes.com reports that many communities are exerting pressure to accelerate the identification and removal of asbestos.

The parents are planning a new protest during the coming summer holidays to once again draw attention to the asbestos problem. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the necessary progress to protect students and residents can be made quickly enough.