Master plan decided: Heat protection for Cologne schools comes!

Master plan decided: Heat protection for Cologne schools comes!

Innenstadt, Deutschland - The district council in Cologne took an important step on July 17, 2025 to actively combat the summer heat in schools. A unanimously adopted master plan of Greens, Social Democrats, Left and Climate Circle is intended to offer solutions for the currently unbearable conditions in many school buildings. According to KStA.de suffered many schools during the hot months from extreme temperature increases that also affect classes, but also health consequences have.

Due to climate change, heat waves can be observed that not only drive up the outer temperatures, but also endanger the learning and health of the students. Temperatures above 27 degrees were measured in the classrooms, in some schools they even rise to 32 degrees, as can be seen from statements from teachers. In such conditions, concentration is hard to think about what can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and exhaustion, as well as the News4Teachers reported.

The master plan in detail

The new master plan stipulates that the administration systematically records all inner -city school buildings that regularly overheat. This also includes temperature measurements and feedback from school lines. The renovation needs are assessed according to urgency and technical feasibility. A central element of the plan is modern shading techniques and a pilot project in the Humboldt Gymnasium, in which new windows with integrated blinds are to be tested. The aim is to check this window solution under real conditions and, if necessary, install them in other school rooms.

The problem can also be explained by decades of neglect: shadow -giving systems were broken down over 20 years ago without creating adequate replacement. Therefore, the applications also provide for direct structural measures to improve life and learning temperatures. The cuisine at the Gotenring primary school, which often reaches over 30 degrees, is another example of urgent need for action. Due to a lack of air conditioning, the windows cannot be opened, which heavily burdens the work of the kitchen staff.

A look at the national heat protection strategy

As part of a national heat protection strategy, Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach also presented measures that in particular include an early warning system for heat waves. However, in contrast to the specific steps in Cologne, schools have not yet been specifically integrated into the plan, which is criticized in the educational landscape. For example, Cornelia Schwartz, the chairwoman of the Philologists' Association in Rhineland-Palatinate, calls for a comprehensive heat protection plan that also includes sustainable concepts for health and occupational health and occupational health in schools, as is also the case on Teacher-news.de can be read.

schools in Germany therefore face the challenge of not only ensuring classic education, but also taking into account the changing climatic conditions. Improved structural standards, more shadow places and even the integration of sustainable energy use, such as solar panels, are child -friendly approaches that could also contribute to creating a better learning climate.