The first local government climate dialogue organised by the NEW LIFE initiative on 22 April – International Earth Day – demonstrated that the transition to climate-friendly, liveable cities is already well underway. A total of 62 towns, municipalities and districts from across Germany had registered for the digital expert forum. Local representatives contributed to the dialogue and took the opportunity to engage in an in-depth exchange with specialists and industry experts on sustainable urban planning for the future.
The event focused on practical solutions for municipal urban development that combine environmental requirements with cost-effectiveness and practicality. The overwhelmingly positive feedback during the closing plenary session confirms the need: the participating local authorities were able to take away numerous new ideas for their own projects in the areas of urban development, play and sports facilities, and transport infrastructure.
The circular economy as the key to local climate action
To kick things off, the NEW LIFE initiative highlighted the key role that circular materials, such as recycled tyre rubber granulate, play in local climate action. Instead of relying on new raw materials, the focus is on the high-quality recycling of existing materials – for example, through the mechanical processing of tyres into high-quality secondary raw materials.
This consistent circular economy approach reduces CO₂ emissions, prevents waste and conserves natural resources. At the same time, local authorities benefit from durable, low-maintenance and cost-effective solutions. The legal framework also supports this development: Section 45 of the Circular Economy Act obliges public contracting authorities to give preference to recycled products.
Three key areas – practical solutions for real-world application
In three thematic blocks, each comprising three parallel 30-minute focus sessions, experts from NEW LIFE’s partner organisations presented sustainable, innovative recycling products and their practical applications in the municipal sector:
1. Sustainable urban development: protecting buildings, improving quality of life
In the field of sustainable urban development, the focus was on solutions that make buildings more durable, efficient and resilient. Building protection systems made from recycled tyre rubber granulate provide reliable protection for green roofs or photovoltaic systems and extend their service life. In addition, impact sound insulation ensures greater peace and quiet and improved living comfort – an increasingly important factor in densely populated urban areas. Solutions for vibration isolation and elastic building support also enable construction in challenging locations, such as along transport routes, and contribute to the long-term preservation of a building’s value.
2. Play, sport and green spaces: safe, sustainable living environments
The second section of the programme demonstrated how public spaces can be designed to be sustainable, safe and accessible. Impact-absorbing flooring, edging and design elements made from tyre rubber granulate enable the creation of accessible, inclusive play areas and enhance safety on playgrounds. In the sports sector, resilient surfaces and running tracks impress with their high durability, low maintenance costs and optimal performance characteristics. Artificial turf systems with elastic layers, as well as turf grid panels for surface reinforcement, offer additional benefits: they stabilise heavily used areas, are water-permeable and enable sustainable use even under intensive use.
3. Transport and mobility: quieter, more durable and safer
The third section of the event presented solutions for sustainable transport infrastructure. Rubber-modified asphalt helps to make roads more durable whilst reducing noise pollution – an important contribution to the quality of life in cities. This is complemented by innovative noise protection systems and products for traffic safety and accessible mobility, such as ramps and guide elements made from recycled materials. They enhance safety on the roads, reduce damage and can be flexibly incorporated into local authority projects.
A positive conclusion and an outlook for the continuation of the dialogue
During the closing plenary session, the participants reached a clear conclusion: the climate dialogue had not only provided information but also offered practical suggestions. Particular emphasis was placed on the wide range of applications for recycled products, as well as their contribution to climate protection, economic efficiency and quality of life.
„The face-to-face discussions were particularly engaging and valuable. At the same time, we realised that 90 minutes is hardly enough to discuss all the topics in sufficient depth. That is why we are already planning a follow-up to the climate dialogue with local authorities,“ said network coordinator Christina Guth.