Aachen

Germany

Mission city Pilot city
Germany National Platform
Aachen Mission City Label
Population 264k
City Area 160.8 km²
City active since June 2022

The City of Aachen can look back on more than 30 years of experience in ambitious climate protection, which began with the establishment of an office for energy and climate protection (1991) and joining the European Climate Alliance in 1992.

 

In 1993, the so-called Aachen model of cost-covering remuneration for solar and wind power was adopted by the Council and introduced as binding in 1994. In the following years, valuable potential studies for wind, solar energy and biomass were carried out with the support of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to better understand the future opportunities for an energy supply based on renewable energies. In 1998, the first CO2 reduction concept was drawn up for the period up to 2010.

 

In the years up to 2003, Aachen's first wind farm with 9 large wind turbines (Butterweiden), a solar housing estate with 43 energy-saving houses (passive houses) and 2 innovative office buildings were completed. In 2009, the City of Aachen's Climate Protection / Energy Coordination Centre was set up and the altbau plus e. V. was founded. In addition, the City of Aachen has been a member of the EU Commission's "Covenant of Mayors" since 2009 and has been part of "Mayors Adapt" since 2014. The City of Aachen has also been involved in the "European Energy Award" certification programme since 2009 and was awarded gold in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. Since 2010, the City of Aachen has drawn up an annual energy and carbon footprint.

 

In 2019, the City Council of Aachen declared a climate emergency. The Integrated Climate Protection Concept, short IKSK 2020 drawn up in 2020 describes how potential for greenhouse gas reduction can be leveraged in Aachen with the 2025 action programme. The measures described therein are already being implemented, meaning that a wide range of activities can be built on and existing structures can be utilised. 

Key Learnings

Aachen Climate City Contract

This Climate City Contract and Action Plan were submitted in 2023 by Aachen and endorsed by the European Commission resulting in the city being awarded the Mission Label.

Governance Innovation and Implementation in the Cities Mission - Multi-Level Integration

This report examines multi-level governance integration within the EU Cities Mission, highlighting how cities utilize collaborative frameworks across governance tiers to support their climate neutrality goals. Analyzing the cities of Aachen, Kozani, and Turku, the report illustrates diverse governance approaches influenced by distinct national contexts. Aachen leverages regional frameworks and municipal networks within Germany’s federal structure, Kozani navigates centralized Greek governance primarily through European funding, Turku employs Finland’s decentralized governance and substantial fiscal autonomy, actively engaging in international city networks. Common challenges identified include fragmented funding, limited administrative and technical capacities, regulatory barriers, complex stakeholder engagement, and difficulties accessing competitive financing. Cities have responded with hybrid financing strategies, enhanced cross-sectoral collaboration, and integrated governance platforms. The report concludes that strengthened multi-level governance alignment, sustained funding, robust technical support, clear regulatory frameworks, and dynamic stakeholder engagement are essential. Recommendations focus on structured intergovernmental dialogue, municipal capacity building, and the expansion of integrated financial instruments to effectively achieve urban climate neutrality objectives.
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Latest updates from the city

Pilot project spotlight
Visit Aachen City Website Read Aachen Climate City Contract Jyväskylä City Profile (Twin City) Strasbourg City Profile (Twin City) Vilnius City Profile (Twin City)

External projects

City involvement in related European initiatives