HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3973
City of Palo Alto (ID # 3973)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 8/12/2013
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: International Relationships
Title: Review of the City of Palo Alto/ Neighbor's Abroad Sister Cities
Program, Discussion of International Relationships Strategy, Authorization to
Engage in a Non-Binding "Smart Cities Partnership Agreement" with the City
of Heidelberg, Germany, and Direction on Exploring Future "Smart City"
Partnerships
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council review and discuss the background and history of
the City’s international relationships, and Motion:
1. Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached “Smart Cities Partnership
Agreement” (Attachment 5) with the City of Heidelberg, Germany at a
ceremony to be held in October, 2013.
2. Discuss the Bay Area Council’s invitation to the Mayor and/or other Council
Members to represent the Council in the US-China Collaboration Symposium
in October, 2013, with special focus on the Smart Cities Conference in
Yangpu, Shanghai
3. Direct staff to work with Stanford University to explore the creation of a
Government Innovations and Entrepreneurship Fellowship.
4. Direct staff to work in collaboration with Neighbors Abroad and other
community volunteers to explore the addition of the “Smart City” concepts
to existing Sister Cities who might be interested.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
Background
Sister Cities International and Neighbors Abroad
Sister Cities International (SCI) was created in 1956 by President Dwight D.
Eisenhower, who “envisioned an organization that could be the hub of peace and
prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the
world.” In a post-war era, SSI promoted “citizen diplomacy”; promoting peace and
prosperity by creating opportunities for people to learn about other people and
cultures and build lifetime friendships [see additional sources 1 below]. The
intent was that upon a foundation of mutual understanding, a new era of
peaceful collaboration between cities, and ultimately nations, would be catalyzed.
In the early 1960s, citizen leaders in Palo Alto formed Neighbors Abroad, an
organization meant to create and manage the City’s emerging international
relations strategy based on the principles of SCI, focused primarily on cultural and
educational exchanges. Palo Alto’s first official Sister City relationship was forged
in 1963 with Palo, Leyte, Philippines. It was followed in 1964 by Oaxaca, Mexico.
Since then, several more official Sister City relationships developed: Enschede,
Netherlands (1980); Linkoping, Sweden (1987); Albi, France (1994); and Tsuchiura,
Japan (2009).
With the goal of “promot[ing] international and inter-cultural understanding” [see
additional sources 2 below], the 50 years of international relationships for Palo
Alto through Neighbors Abroad has been very successful. This is evidenced not
only by the continued relationships between citizens in Palo Alto and our sister
cities, but also in the numerous programs, visits, and student exchanges that
continue to be organized and produced by Neighbors Abroad. Many of these
events are documented in El Chisme de Neighbors Abroad, their bi-monthly
publication. In fact, within the last year, the City has partnered with Neighbors
Abroad to host visits from citizens and leaders from 5 of our 6 Sister Cities (Palo,
Oaxaca, Enschede, Linkoping, and Tsuchiura). It is important to note that in
conversations with each of our Sister Cities it has become clear that they are all
interested in a more focused relationship, especially as it relates to economic
development.
City of Palo Alto Page 3
Managing an official Sister-City relationship requires a great deal of energy and
commitment. Neighbors Abroad established a program management structure
that largely relies on a volunteer Vice President to lead each relationship. This
creates a risk to the sustainability of the program if their effort to engage new
members in the leadership pipeline is unsuccessful. Further, while SCI has
adapted its emphasis to include economic partnerships as a focus area, Neighbors
Abroad has deliberatively not done so. Staff recommends working together with
Neighbors Abroad to ensure that our established relationships continue, allowing
the flexibility to transition the nature of our collaborations as appropriate.
“Smart Cities” Partnerships
In the 50 years since 1963, Palo Alto/Stanford has emerged as a global center for
technology and innovation. This has had an important impact on our appeal to
other cities as a potential strategic partner. This interest is evidenced by the
regular visits by leaders from cities all over the world. Environmental
sustainability, innovation-driven economic development, and educational
exchanges are just a few areas where a mutually beneficial, strategic, and focused
relationship could be fruitful for those cities and ours.
Especially in the last decade, changes in the geo-political landscape, technological
advancements, and the globalization of the world economy have made new types
of collaboration and partnership possible. It is now appropriate to review our
international relationships and explore structures and strategies attuned to this
changing landscape and which allow for the flexibility to experiment with new
approaches. Because the Sister-City model does not allow for such smaller,
focused, relationships, the concept of a “Smart-City” partnership has materialized
as a potential new model worth testing.
A smart city, as defined by the United Cities for Local Governments, is “a type of
city that uses new technologies to make them more livable, functional,
competitive, and modern through the use of new technologies, the promotion of
innovation and knowledge management, bringing together 6 key fields of
performance: the economy, mobility, the environment, citizenship, quality of life
and, finally, management.” [See additional sources 3 below]
City of Palo Alto Page 4
The idea of the “Smart City” partnership is to create a vehicle by which the City
can engage with another city or region of the world around strategically targeted
topic areas that benefits the City, its people, and community. The partnership
would be short-term (less than 5 years) in duration, and be expected to provide
valuable results measured through mutually-established metrics. These topic
areas could draw from the Smart City movement, which includes:
Support for Entrepreneurship
Retaining and attracting talent and promoting creativity
Education
Online public services
Transparent governance
Promoting ICT (information and communications technology) and Innovation
Smart mobility
Culture and Identity
Accessibility and e-inclusion [3]
City of Heidelberg, Germany
For several years, the City of Heidelberg, Germany, has been in discussions with
City Leaders about engaging in such a partnership.
In October, a presentation was given to the Council by representatives from
Heidelberg and SAP regarding the City of Heidelberg. This presentation is
attached (Attachment 4), and highlights several of the key aspects of Heidelberg
as well as areas of potential collaboration with the City of Palo Alto. Heidelberg is
a city of approximately 150,000 people that takes up approximately 68 square
miles at the center of the Neckar River Triangle in Germany. It is home to several
institutions of scientific and technical research, and boasts an economy largely
driven by invention and innovation.
City of Palo Alto Page 5
Staff was especially impressed with their leadership in the area of environmental
sustainability, both in terms of their City’s goals as well as their robust programs-
especially those that engaged their citizenry in behavioral changes. This is
exemplified by their inclusion in the C40, an internationally respected Climate
Leadership Group, made up mostly of much larger cities. An overview of their
environmental efforts is included in their collateral entitled “Climate Protection
Commitment” included in this report (Attachment 6)
Staff has also identified several current residents in Palo Alto from the Heidelberg
region who have expressed their interest in volunteering in any effort to connect
our two cities. In follow-up efforts and meetings, a “Smart City Partnership
Agreement” has been drafted for the Council’s Consideration (Attachment 5)
Yangpu District of Shanghai, China
In November of 2012, the Council authorized the Mayor to execute an
exploratory agreement with the District of Yangpu, Shanghai, China (Attachment
3). Staff and Council Members traveled to China with a Bay Area Council (BAC)
Delegation, and returned with a presentation on their experiences in December.
At that point, staff was given directions specific to continuing the Yangpu/Palo
Alto relationship. An update of the efforts of staff and volunteers thus far was
included in the Council Packet for 8/5/13 as an informational item. Of particular
note is the successful completion of a pilot student exchange/ experiential
learning program by six teens from Palo Alto High Schools. Staff was also directed
to return to Council with a study session on International Relations. This action
session of the Council is intended to allow for discussion, but also includes the
flexibility for some specific actions for Council’s consideration.
As noted in the informational report on 8/5/13, The City has also been invited by
the Bay Area Council to take part in the “Smart City” Conference 2013 to be held
in China. It begins outside Beijing in Tianjin and concludes in Yangpu, Shanghai.
The Mayor and the City Manager (or appointees) have been invited to speak at
the conference. Vice Mayor Shepherd has been participating in the steering
committee process and expects to have an informative program involving green
tech leaders, government officials and industry. The purpose is to promote 21st
Century thinking on green efforts as China develops their domestic economy and
City of Palo Alto Page 6
public services. The conference is scheduled for October 13-20, and all council
members are welcome to attend. The Bay Area Council has created a special
government rate for those interested in participating.
City of Espoo, Finland and Aalto University
In late May, 2013, The Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Manager, and Asst. Planning
Director met with representatives from the Stanford Technology Venture
Program, leaders from the City of Espoo, Finland, and the University of Aalto in
Espoo. Through this interesting discussion, an idea emerged that a program
between Palo Alto and a Stanford graduate student could be developed with a
focus on government innovations and entrepreneurship. If such a program was
also developed simultaneously between the City of Espoo and Aalto University, it
could form the initial foundation for a very interesting “Smart Cities” Partnership
as well.
Discussion
The City of Palo Alto has an opportunity to build on its international identity and
the existing strong foundation of international relationships to create new value
for the City. In this Digital Age, it is appropriate to build upon our goodwill and
cultural exchanges to reach beyond to form new economic, technical, and
innovation focused programs with other cities in the world.
We can leverage our existing international relationships and add some new ones,
especially those that benefit our city and enhance our position in the global
marketplace. A nimble model such as the “Smart Cities” partnership allows us to
explore potential relationships and engage in shorter term, focused collaboration
towards specific and measureable goals.
The “Sister City” model has an important place in the history of Palo Alto. It has
provided a strong foundation for our international relations. The efforts of the
Neighbors Abroad volunteers and Staff over the last 50 years have been
remarkably valuable and fruitful for the City, especially from a cultural,
City of Palo Alto Page 7
educational, and ambassadorial perspective. Staff recommends that the City
continue to support the Sister City programs, visits, and exchanges largely
managed by Neighbors Abroad. At the same time Staff can also work with
Neighbors Abroad and other interested community members to create new
strategic opportunities as well. These results-oriented relationships need not rise
to the level of depth and permanence of the “Sister City”, and indeed should be
lithe and flexible in their structure. It is intended that through the inclusion of a
new Smart Cities model, Staff and Neighbors Abroad can work to attract a
broader range of citizens to volunteer in the efforts.
Given the background and meetings between the City of Palo Alto and the City of
Heidelberg, a short term Smart City Partnership between the two cities is a good
chance to experiment with a new model and a chance to develop some
measurable results. Additionally, Staff anticipates using it as a test case to draw
new people and interest into our collaboration with Neighbors Abroad. A draft of
a non-binding and exploratory agreement with Heidelberg was created for the
Council’s consideration and approval, and is attached as (Attachment 5)
Government Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellowship
Staff is also seeking the Council’s direction to work with Stanford to explore the
interest in designing a fellowship that would focus on innovations in local
government and entrepreneurialism. Staff would develop a framework for a
potential program and return to Council for discussion/ action at a later time.
Timeline
Staff intends to return to Council with an update in the first quarter of 2014.
Resource Impact
Some staff time will be dedicated to this effort. it is likely that additional
resources may be requested as part of any further staff recommendations,
especially the creation of a Government Innovations/ Entrepreneurship
Fellowship.
City of Palo Alto Page 8
Additional Sources
[1] www.sister-cities.org/mission-and-history
[2] www.neighborsabroad.org
[3] http://www.cities-
localgovernments.org/committees/cdc/Upload/formations/smartcitiesstudy_en.pdf
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Excerpt Minutes 10-22-12 (Heidelberg Presentation) (JPG)
Attachment 2: Excerpt Minutes 12-17-12 (Yangpu Partnership and Direction for Study
Session) (PDF)
Attachment 3: Yangpu Partnership Agreement_Final (PDF)
Attachment 4: Heidelberg Presentation 10-12 PPT (PPTX)
Attachment 5: Heidelberg-Palo Alto Draft MOU_7-1-13 (DOCX)
Attachment 6: Heidelberg Climate Protection Commitment (PDF)
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
3 . Presentation From the City of Heidelberg, Germany .
Thomas Fehrenbach, Economic Development Manager, gave a background of
discussions between the City of Heidelberg, Germany and the City of Palo
Alto. He described the interest in exploring a relationship between the two
cities. He introduced Michael Kelly, local resident and former resident of
Heidelberg, Germany who gave a presentation highlighting Heidelberg's
attributes and areas of potential partnership with Palo Alto. Peter Graf, an
executive for SAP, which had locations in the Heidelberg region and the City
of Palo Alto followed with his perspectives on tangible projects between the
two cities, especially as it related to engaging the respective communities
towards sustainabi lity goals.
Mayor Yeh noted that Staff would bring forward an item at a future meeting
for Council to consider entering into a partnership agreement or
Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Heidelberg.
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City Council Meeting
Minutes: 12/17/12
building designed to house Kindergarten and Pre-K classroom and after
school day-care program activities.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Price absent
19. Presentation and Update on Council and Staff Visit to Yangpu District,
China and Request for Direction on Next Steps of Partnership Between
the City of Palo Alto and the Yangpu District of China.
James Keene, City Manager said Mayor Yeh, Council Member Shepherd,
Council Member Elect Berman, and Staff went to Yangpu, China. He said
Palo Alto entered into a three year agreement with the Yangpu District.
Yangpu had a relationship with the Bay Area Council and Palo Alto City
Council wanted to discover the potential for a partnership. The visit to
Yangpu included visits to technological parks, official meetings, and dinners.
He commented on how the Bay Area Council partnership helped to leverage
the value of the relationship. Establishing relationships helped to set a
foundation that benefited Palo Alto.
Thomas Fehrenbach, Economic Development Manager said there were
several steps Staff sought Council direction on. Council sought to gauge the
interest of Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) in a foreign
internship/exchange program and wanted to determine Palo Alto’s
involvement with the conference of Smart Cities in China, possibly including
Stanford University. Additionally, Council wanted to explore partnership and
collaborative opportunities.
Mayor Yeh said the goal was to come back to Council with a clear follow up
on the three year timeframe of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
that was signed with Yangpu District in China and the City of Palo Alto.
Del Christensen, Bay Area Council member and Department Chief of Global
Business Development thought the relationship was a very collaborative one
and said working together was positive. The Yangpu district wanted to have
some kind of a presence in the Silicon Valley; there were education
programs he thought could be beneficial. China invited Palo Alto to the
second annual Smart Cities Symposium in September and wanted to
continue the conversation of building Smart Cities at that time. The Yangpu
District was emerging from an industrial to an innovational zone and there
were a lot of similarities between Yangpu and Palo Alto. He remarked that
Stanford Research Park collaborated with similar projects that were
emerging in China.
Mayor Yeh said PAUSD needed to take the lead in instituting the foreign
exchange program, imitating the model of the Japanese Sister City Program.
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City Council Meeting
Minutes: 12/17/12
He said one difference between the Japanese Sister City Program and the
Yangpu District Program was that Yangpu focused on internship
opportunities. Part of the effort was to connect with several of the
companies that existed in the Stanford Research Park District and for
Yangpu to pursue opportunities with Palo Alto students, in tandem with
PAUSD. In discussions with PAUSD with regard to Yangpu China, he asked
school board members why students were learning Mandarin Chinese. Many
said they learned the language to prepare for future career opportunities.
This relationship aligned with the Youth Forum and PAUSD. He said having
different complexity levels within the Student Exchange Program, the Smart
Cities Program, and the Research Parks Program made the converge
exciting.
Council Member Shepherd mentioned Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State’s
program called 100,000 Strong, a program dedicated to bringing 100,000
youth to China. Council reached out to the Super Intendant of PAUSD in
order to connect with the Instructional Supervisors of the high schools and
with parents of the students studying Mandarin Chinese.
Dana Tom, PAUSD Board Member spoke from the perspective of a School
Board Member and a parent. He referenced the Spanish
internship/partnerships and said there was not a lot of effort that was
needed to arrange the exchange. He thought it was good to speak to
parents about their level of interest in the program and the volunteer
participation options available.
Council Member Holman asked what the financial arrangement was for the
Smart Cities Conference.
Mr. Keene said they did not have that information at this time and said the
Smart Cities Program was part of combining a lot of different components of
cities in many ways, and how it was timely to be thinking of the 2014
Symposium in Palo Alto.
Council Member Holman confirmed that there was no notion of what the cost
was.
Mr. Keene said he would be coming back to Council at a later date with the
cost.
Council Member Espinosa mentioned the Neighbor’s Abroad Program and the
Sister Cities Program relationship and wanted better understanding on
where the Yangpu China relationship was headed. He talked about how the
cities connected with Palo Alto wanted an economic partnership with Palo
Alto and how that meant having nonprofit organizations run these programs.
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City Council Meeting
Minutes: 12/17/12
He wondered if more cities were getting involved, where this left the Sister
Cities Program and what the difference was in the present educational
programs and Yangpu China.
Mr. Fehrenbach commented that Neighbor’s Abroad meant mainly building
cultural relationships and was a way to engage citizens in Palo Alto. He said
Neighbor’s Abroad expressed interest in being involved in Yangpu China.
Mr. Keene said a lot of the visitors from other countries helped show what
opportunities there were. These relationships made clear the criteria for
participation, allowing people to see new potential in economic, intellectual,
and innovative ways. Palo Alto did not have infrastructure requirements
outlined, but the Bay Area Council partnership helped to build requirements.
There was a potential for the Sister Cities relationships to evolve and said
the criteria that should be discussed was why, who, and how was Palo Alto
going to support and sustain these relationships.
Council Member Espinosa thought it was good to understand what the
relationship looked like before engaging in a partnership, but more
importantly, deciding where in the world Palo Alto should build partnerships,
rather than being reactive about decisions.
Mayor Yeh said there was some discussion on different ways for community
members to be engaged with the Sister Cities Programs and what it meant
to have an inactive status. There was an acknowledgement from Neighbor’s
Abroad that some programs might need to be reinvigorated. The Student
Internship Program was not intended to touch City Staff, the responsibility
was on parents. One reason for choosing China was Palo Alto had a 15
percent Asian population, and in high schools the ratio was higher. He said
this was an opportunity for people who were not civically engaged to be
involved. He pointed out that Staff was not using time to arrange the 2013
Symposium in China, but was going to use time for the 2014 Conference
held in Palo Alto. He said Stanford Research Park received a lot of interest
to host and set up meetings.
Mr. Keene said this was fair criticism and said they safeguarded themselves
a little by creating a three year pilot program with Yangpu. He thought Staff
learned a lot on how to build and sustain these types of relationships. Who
Palo Alto wanted to be partnered with was a conversation that needed to
happen in the future. In the case of Heidelberg and the dialogue had there,
he asked if there were practices, leadership lessons, or healthy competition
that could be used in the realm of municipal urban sustainability
improvements that a city was able to make. With regard to the Sister Cities
relationship, there was proactivity on their part and said there was
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City Council Meeting
Minutes: 12/17/12
something to learn from places in Europe as well, adapting or deepening the
relationships they already had. With any new relationship, he suggested a
pilot program before engaging in something long term.
Council Member Espinosa said the questions were Staff should create a pilot
program before engaging in any new relationship, not why China, why
Heidelberg. He wanted to know how they came to choose this particular
relationship.
Council Member Burt said in terms of collaboration with other community
groups, the City had entities where people congregate, for example, with
international schools and faith groups. Those organizations were yearning
for relationships. He encouraged PAUSD to look at the relationship
differently and said this could be done with facilitators. He said this meant
working with parents within the community. He did not think this
relationship was a reactive one, it was responsive. This relationship was not
only grounded at a center of technology, but it involved the demographics of
our community. The Mayor wanted to engage civic activity in Palo Alto, the
Bay Area Council helped elevate that. He said the question was what
commonalities were there between Palo Alto and Yangpu. Yangpu had
innovation centers, did it have a strong commitment to urban sustainability,
and was it university orientated. He thought this was a good avenue for
collaboration and said Palo Alto needed to look outside the boundaries for
participation; there was no reason to limit the relationship.
Council Member Klein thought they should ask what they really wanted out
of these relationships and was Palo Alto looking to make money for the
community. He asked if the relationship increased sales by so many
millions, was that the model, or was it about exchanging ideas about
environment, or culture. He said Yangpu was very different than the
Neighbor’s Abroad Program because the Yangpu China relationship was a
business relationship. He was hopeful that Council and Staff would find the
time to figure out what Palo Alto wanted. He thought it was good to ask
how many of these relationships Palo Alto was going to be able to handle
and what the goal was. He suggested looking at this relationship the
opposite way. For example, he asked if there was a possibility of being a
donor, or big brother and did Palo Alto want to be a peer only.
MOTION: Council Member Shepherd moved, seconded by Mayor Yeh to
accept the report of activities of the recent Bay Area Council delegation to
China and direct staff to continue pursuing a formal “Smart Cities”
partnership with the Yangpu District of Shanghai (Yangpu) by 1) Exploring
the Palo Alto Unified School District’s interest in creating a student exchange
program, 2) Engaging with Bay Area Council and Yangpu Officials to explore
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City Council Meeting
Minutes: 12/17/12
City participation in a “Smart Cities” Conference in Summer 2013, and 3)
Engaging the Stanford Research Park management and employers to identify
areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration with the Bay Area-
Yangpu Digitization Park management and employers.
Council Member Shepherd said most of these questions were discussed on
the trip. For example, they asked how Palo Alto was going to develop the
next steps and why Palo Alto was entering in this relationship. Many people
had relationships with China. She said there was a lot of connectivity that
Council did not look at. This brought better thinking, not just with the
community, but on a corporate level.
Mayor Yeh was excited to deepen the relationship with the Bay Area City
Council. The Motion encouraged community engagement and brought in
new ideas about being civically engaged. He was very supportive of Council
Member Klein’s comments.
INCORPORATED INTO MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER
AND SECONDER to direct Staff to prepare a study session in the first half of
2013 to discuss metrics for determining whether a relationship with a foreign
city is successful and criteria for future relationships.
MOTION PASSED: 8-0 Price absent
18. 2012 Year in Review.
James Keene, City Manager said it was good to look back on the year to
reflect on accomplishments and to consider what needed to be done. The
National Citizen Survey for 2012 showed data on improvements in the
quality of life, the quality of Palo Alto’s services, Palo Alto’s neighborhoods,
Palo Alto as a place to use, and recommending Palo Alto as a place. The
survey enabled Palo Alto to benchmark their numbers and performance
against other jurisdictions in the United States. Service ratings for Economic
Development, Emergency Preparedness, and Recreation Centers increased
and showed excellent or good; many of Palo Alto’s characteristics were
above the national benchmark. When compared with County, State, and
Federal government, Palo Alto scored significantly higher. He said the
Council Priorities were City Finances, Land Use and Transportation,
Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Sustainability, and Community
Collaboration for Youth Well Being. The City Finances balanced and closed
with a $5.8 million gap and $2.4 million in Ongoing Structural Changes.
Since 2009 in the General Fund, there was a surplus of $9 million in Ongoing
Structural Changes. Palo Alto was at the forefront in Structural
Compensation Benefits with five new labor agreements adopted; Palo Alto
kept its AAA Utility Bond Rating. $7.5 million was saved by refinancing the
INTENTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CITY OF PALO ALTO, CA, USA
AND
YANGPU DISTRICT, SHANGHAI, CHINA
In the spirit of friendship and the principle of equality and mutual benefit, through
friendly negotiation, City of Palo Alto, CA, USA and Yangpu District, Shanghai,
China, agree to execute this Intention Agreement to support the following principles
and actions:
1. The Parties agree to explore mutual economic interactions to enhance the
economic health and betterment of their respective communities and enterprises.
2. The Parties facilitate technological, scientific, environmental sustainability,
educational and cultural exchanges between their communities.
3. The Parties strive to keep each other informed on important economic and civic
issues.
4. The Parties will seek opportunities to promote public awareness of the agreement.
5. No Party has the power of authority to legally bind any other Party and nothing
herein contained shall be construed as authorizing any Party to act as an agent or
representative of any other Party. Nothing in this Intention Agreement shall be
construed to create or constitute a legally binding obligation of the Parties.
6. The agreement shall have a term of three years through September 30, 2015 with
an option for the Parties to consider renewal of the agreement at the end of the
term.
In Witness, Whereof, the Parties have duly executed this Intention Agreement on
this 27th day of September, 2012.
CITY OF PALO ALTO YANGPU DISTRICT
Heidelberg –A Multicultural and Multidisciplinary City
Heidelberg –A Multicultural and Multidisciplinary City
Science Education
Quality of LifeInternationality
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
Science Education
Quality of LifeInternationality
•30 500 students-18% international
•5 500 postgraduates-30% international
•1 127 PhD students
-23% international, in some departments up to 50%
•438 professors-20% international
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
Additional universities and colleges in Heidelberg
Schiller International
University
University of
Applied Sciences (SRH)
Pepperdine University
Troy University
(Alabama)
College of Education
University for
Jewish Studies
University of Maryland
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
National Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
4 Max-Planck-Institutes
National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT)
Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT)
European Media Laboratory (EML)
EMBL –Advanced Training Center
(ATC)
Non-university research institutions
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
Population in research and development
• 21% of all employees working in
Heidelberg have a university degree.
The national average is 11%.
• The percentage of employees with a
university degree working in
Heidelberg is continuously increasing.
• 60.9% of all employees are occupied
in knowledge-intensive services.
• 55.8% of all branches are knowledge-
intensive services.
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
Population in research and development
8 745 persons employed at universities 36 500 students at universities
84,8% German students
15,2% international students
86,5% German staff
13,5% international scientific staff
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
•Technology Park with nearly 90 SME on 60 000
sqm (biotech, medical and environmental
science companies)
•Employing ca. 2 000 scientists and technicians
•160 associated members (lawyer, patent
attorneys, financing funds, marketing, service
providers)
•Born to network science and economy across all
departments
•Creation of an innovational climate that attracts
scientists and companies from all over the world
Technology Park –Linking science and economy
Technology Park Heidelberg
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
New companies, buildings and institutions in research
Offices and Labs:
Skylabs
Opened in 2012
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
New companies, buildings and institutions in research
Research Institutions:
EMBL Advanced Training Centre
Opened in 2010
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
The 2,4 million people of the „Rhine-Neckar-Region“…
• Leading in patent applications in
Germany
• Highest concentration of researchers
in Europe
• 4 000+ jobs in the „cultural and
creative sector“ including software, art,
design and literature
… are among the most productive in Europe and turn ideas into projects, patents
and products.
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
Positive investment climate
Almost all companies have their training and research centers at their Heidelberg branches.
A region of knowledge and science-based enterprises
Heidelberg –A leading Science City
Science Education
Quality of LifeInternationality
Heidelberg –Worldclass Education
Science Education
Quality of LifeInternationality
Heidelberg –a City driven by Internationality
International Relations
Heidelberg –A City driven by Internationality
Heidelberg Club International
•11 chapters worldwide
•Foundation of a new chapter in
Shanghai in 2012
Population
•150 000 inhabitants
•17.4 % international
6 sister cities wordwide
•Montpellier (France) since 1961
•Cambridge (UK) since 1965
•Rehovot (Israel) since 1983
•Simferopol (Ukraine) since 1991
•Bautzen (Germany) since 1991
•Kumamoto (Japan) since 1992
International School
•222 pupils
•40 nationalities
•International Baccalaureat
International Kindergarten
•145 children
•22 nationalities
Quality of LifeInternationality
Science Education
Heidelberg –Quality of Life
Cultural Life in a City of Science
Tradition and innovation make Heidelberg
• 4 theaters
• 2 symphony orchestras
• 12 museums
• 14 art galleries
• 3,3 million visitors a year
• 80 hotels / over 1 mio.bookings
• Heidelberg Spring festival
• Enjoy Jazz
• Castle Theater Festival
• Heidelberg Literature Days
• International Film Festival
Heidelberg –Quality of Life
• UN-City for Sustainable Development 2012 (UNESCO )
• Capital of Fair Trade 2011 (Federal Ministry für Development)
• City of Fair Trade 2010 (Fair Trade)
• Federal Capital for Nature Protection 2007 (DUH)
Heidelberg –A Leader in Sustainability and Climate Protection
8 awards in the last 10 years, amongst them:
Heidelberg –Quality of Life
• Frontrunner in saving energy in public buildings
è Carbondioxide emissions in municipal buildings since 1993: minus 48 %
• Highest quota of green electricity in Germany
• First user of trams with Supercap Technology worldwide
Heidelberg -A Pioneer in Climate Protection Strategy
CO2-emissions of municipal buildings in tons
Heidelberg –Quality of Life
• Free of CO2 emissions
• 100% renewable energies
Highest Ecological Standards –Passive House Construction
Fire Brigade Heidelberg
School Gym
Heidelberg –Quality of Life
A city of employment
6.5%
General unemployment rate
5.3%
HeidelbergGermany
8.1%
Youth unemployment rate
3.6%
HeidelbergGermany
10.5%
EU
22.7%
EU
Heidelberg –Quality of Life
Thank you for your attention!
Page | 1
Smart Cities Partnership between the City of Heidelberg, Germany, and the City of Palo Alto,
California, USA
Introduction
The City of Heidelberg, Germany and the City of Palo Alto, California are interested in formalizing their
relationship, especially in the areas of cultural exchange, environmental sustainability and innovation-
driven economic development. As such, both entities would like to engage in a non-binding “Smart
Cities” Partnership to work together to strengthen ties.
Goal of the agreement
The principal goal of the partnership is to leverage the assets of both Heidelberg and the City of Palo
Alto (cutting-edge research, talented workforce, world class educational institutions, emerging
technologies, engaged communities, forward-thinking policies and strategies, diverse populations, etc.)
to exchange ideas and value, especially in the areas of environmental sustainability and innovation-
driven economic development.
Areas for collaboration
Heidelberg and Palo Alto, through the sharing of information and “best practices” will assist each other
by sharing our perspectives, successes, and challenges, especially in the areas of economic and
environmental sustainability. We will strive to understand our respective places and cultures, and seek
to partner in specific areas with a focus on mutual benefit. Once we have built a strong foundation, we
will seek to create mutual programs with measurable results. These programs will target the areas of
sustainable practices & community engagement, as well as the development, market introduction, and
application of new technologies.
Areas of specific interest include assistance to businesses that are developing technology in energy
efficiency, cloud computing, interactive digital arts and gaming, nanotechnology, biotechnology/
medical devices/ health care, sustainable development, electric vehicles and “smart automotive”,
renewable energy, and design. Cooperation or collaboration in these areas will be on an activity-by-
activity basis and through mutual consultation.
Both Palo Alto and Heidelberg will facilitate global growth for local businesses and community
engagement by functioning as the gateway to European and United States’ markets and communities
respectively. This gateway concept will include assisting in identifying community leaders, research
institutions, and companies for visitation, venues for further outreach, and the sharing of information to
assist business growth.
A contact person will be identified in each location to assist with coordination of activities. The identified
contact person will work with business associations and research institutes to assist with connectivity to
the appropriate resources or investment locations in Heidelberg and Palo Alto.
Page | 2
Partners will work to promote mutually beneficial relationships through Stanford and Heidelberg
Universities to foster internships and cross-businesses/ cultural exchanges. In addition, at least one joint
event will be pursued to engage leaders in both cities towards some meaningful dialogue and
measurable outcomes.
Partner Organizations
To effectively accomplish the above goals, it is critical that other partners in addition to the local
government participate in this mission. The following are potential Partner organizations
Heidelberg
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg Club International
Chamber of Industry and Commerce Rhine-
Neckar
Heidelberg Technologiepark
Palo Alto
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
Stanford University
Stanford Research Park
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto Community Environmental Action
Partnership
Neighbors Abroad
Duration of the Partnership
The partnership will be in effect between Heidelberg and Palo Alto for a period of five years from
November 1, 2013. After November 1, 2018, this Alliance will automatically renew on each anniversary
date unless notice of non-renewal is provided by either party 30 days prior to the renewal date. Both
cities agree to review progress on a bi-annual basis.
This partnership expresses the mutual intention of Heidelberg and Palo Alto to foster collaboration in
areas of economic and environmental sustainability. Nothing contained in this document shall be
construed as forming a contract, business entity, partnership or fiduciary relationship or any other legal
obligation between Heidelberg and Palo Alto.
This Partnership is acknowledged and agreed to on behalf of the City of Heidelberg, Germany and this
_________ day of _____________, 2013 in the City of Heidelberg, Germany by
_______________________________, Dr. Eckart Würzner, Mayor of the City of Heidelberg
(Signature)
Page | 3
This partnership is acknowledged and agreed to on behalf of the City of Palo Alto, California, USA, on
this __________ day of _____________________in the City of Heidelberg, Germany, by
______________________________, H. Gregory Scharff, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, California
(Signature)
Climate Protection Commitment
Heidelberg
M Stadt ~ Heidelberg
Imprint
Publisher
City 01 Heidelberg
Office of Environmental Protection,
Trade Supervision and Energy
Kornmarkt 1
0-69117 Heidelberg
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 6221 s.s·IS000f18010
(-mail: umweltamtOheidelberg.de
Web: www.heidelberg.delumwelt
Editorial team
Alexander Krohn
ASlrid Darner
Thomas Luca,
Rail Bermich
Sabine Lachenicht
Holger Keller
Dr. Raino Winkler
Dr_ Hans-Woll Zirkwitz
Photo credits
Title (from left to right)
Albert Schweitzer School: NO.5
apSS: NO.2
Christian Buck: No. I, NO.3
City 01 Heidelberg: NO 4, NO.6
Content
Alben Schweit~er School: Fig_ n
Christian Buck: Fig. I, 11, 15
Johannes Gutenberg School: Fig. 12
Holger Keller: Fig. 16, 17, 19, 20
City of Heidelberg: Fig. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,14
Phillip Rothe: Fig_ 18
Trojan & Trojan: Fig. 8
layout
Andrea Reuter
Printing
NEUMANN DRUCK HEIDELBERG
Printed on 100% recyding paper Publishing date: January, 2011
Greetings
The City of Heidelberg is focused on climate protection. It sets an
example following the motto of "Think globally -act locally". One
of our major achievements is that we have been able to reduce
the energy consumption in real estate owned by the City by approxi-,
mately SO per cent. The good results in saving energy in municipal
buildings show that the path we have chosen is right and that we
are able to reach the goal adopted by the City Council: a 20 per cent
reduction in municipal Cal emissions, compared to 1987, by 201S.
Climate protection concerns all of us -not just the City Administration. This
is why we would like to persuade particularly our citizens for a stronger com
mitment. The poster campaign "Climate is looking for protection in Heidel
berg -also with you" triggered impressive reactions and a clear commitment
for more climate protection with the Heidelberg residents. However, com
panies, too, may show their colours for committing themselves to climate
protection. The City of Heidelberg promotes all entrepreneurs who commit
themselves to sustainable business. "Sustainable management in small and
medium-sized enterprises in Heidelberg" started as a model project of the
City of Heidelberg in 2001 . Based on the motto "Offering. not prohibiting",
it helps companies which do not have the financial or human resources
to introduce a sustainable management polky with the implementation of
an appropriate environmental management system and with legal advice
to achieve legal certainty. Sustainability has also top priority in education.
Children and young people become familiar with the issues of energy and
environmental protection through the "Energy saving at Heidelberg schools"
project. also known as the HE-Team Project". at an early age. Thus pupils
learn that everyone can do something for climate protection.
Ambitious reduction targets and a consistent climate protection policy offer
a long-term prospect for sustainable investments in the future. The new
Heidelberg Bahnstadt city district is the world's largest passive house building
area -an excellent example of active climate protection. With respect to
the reduction of energy consumption in new buildings it will offer great out
look for our city and have lighthouse character. Thus Heidelberg succeeds
step by step to embody the idea of sustainability in all spheres of society.
Dr. Eckart WUrzner
lord Mayor of the City of Heidelberg
Table of contents
1 Public out reach: Heidelberg front-runner 5
in terms of climate protection
1.1 Climate protection concept 5
1.2 Climate protection campaign 6
1.3 Networking for ecology and economy 8
I.' Municipal energy management 8
1.5 Campus sustainability 13
2 Climate protection by sustainable I.
city development
2.1 Energy-efficient city development ~ Heidelberg Bahnstadt ,.
2.2 Alternative energy ~ geothermal and biomass 17
• Education: E-Team Project " '.1 Introduction " '.2 Communication in the city/administration 20
'.3 Communication and activities in the school 21
3.3.1 Energy information boards 22
3.3.2 Energy competitions 23
3.3.3 Prompts 23
••• Communication between schools 2.
'.5 Support of the City: Energy Controlling System 24
'.6 Communication of t he E-Team Project 2.
with the citizens
4 Sustainable management in small and 26
medium-sized enterprises
'.1 Summary 26
'.2 Situation before the initiative began 27
'.3 Establishment of priorities 27
••• Formulation of objectives and strategies 28 •. , Mobilization of resources 28 •. , Process 29
4.6.1 Workshops 29
4.6.2 Company inspections 30
4.6.3 Awards 31
4.6.4 "Sustainable Management" working group 32
'.7 Results achieved 33
4.7.1 Company management 33
4.7.2 Resource management 33
4.7.3 Energy 33
4.7.4 Waste 3'
4.8 Sustainability 34
••• Lessons learned 35
4.10 Transferability 36
Figures
Fig. , Testimonial~ of local climate protectors 7
Fig.2 Long-term development of energy consumption in kWh 9
(reduction -50 per cent)
Fig.3 Development of COl emissions within the municipal facilities 10
(reduction by -48 per cent)
Fig. 4 Se<toral development of COl emissions in Heidelberg (1987 to 2006) 10
Fig. 5 Long-term cost development including increasing energy tariffs 11
Fig. 6 Long-term cost development on the basis of the 1993 consumption 12
with increasing energy tariffs
Fig. 7 Consultation concept brochures 15
Fig.S Sustainable and energy-efficient city district -Heidelberg Bahnstadt 15
Fig. 9 Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of various energy standards 16
in the energy concept for Bahnstadt
fig. 10 Construction sites in Germanys biggest urban development 17
project -Heidelberg Bahnstadt
Fig. l' PV on school roofs (Helmholtz Grammar 5<:hool) 19
Fig. 12 Solarmobile HSpeedyH -Constructed by students of 21
Johannes Gutenberg School
fig. '3 Energy Caravan -Participation of the E-Teams-22
200 students in shopping area
Fig. 14 Pupil's drawing -Power from water. wind and sun 24
Fig.1S Energy Teams -Participation in the testimonial campaign 25
Fig. 16 In workshops materials such as instructions for handling 30
hazardous materials are developed
Fig. 17 Company inspection session 31
fig.1S Awards for the participants of the projed as well as for 31
EMAxertitiedcompanies are presented by Lord Mayor
Dr. Eckart WOrzner and Mayor Dieter Morlein at local caf
dealership HAutohaus OechentH, March 11th, 2009
Fig.19 Joint fire drill of the working group 32
Fig. 20 On-site waste consultation 34
1 Public outreach: Heidelberg front-runnl~r in terms
of climate protection
Heidelberg has set itself the target to become the frontrunner in terms
of climate protection. It tries to make people more aware of the sub
ject and motivate them to live climate protection in their private and
work environment. This is the only way to reach the climate protection
goal adopted by the City Council in 2004: a 20 per cent reduction in
CO2 emissions by 2015.
1.1 Climate protection concept
Since the beginning of the 1990s our city has lead the way interna
tionally in the field of climate protection. In 1992 the first climate pro
tection plan was established, in 2004 the measures that had been
recommended at the time were adjusted to the present development
and the balance drawn. Conclusion: Although exemplary work had
been done. the self-imposed goal to reduce the CO2 discharge by
20 per cent in Heidelberg could not be reached. On the contrary:
the CO2 discharge even increased by two per cent between 1987 and
2006. with an increase of 15 per cent in final energy consumption
during the same period of time (see fig. 4).
The most recent figures for final energy consumption and CO2 emissions
show that CO2 emissions of private households have stayed approxi
mately at the same level between 1987 and 2006. Within the same
period the living space in Heidelberg increased by almost 18 per cent.
Separating electricity-based CO2 emissions from heating-based CO2
emissions an increase of CO2 emissions by 22 per cent <an be seen in
the field of electricity. Compared to this CO2 emissions due to heating
have decreased by almost 7 per cent.
Taking the living space of 1987 as a basis, a speci fic reduction of CO2
emissions due to heating in private households by 20 per cent can
be seen.
5
Public outreach: Heidelberg front-runner in terms
of climate protection
This excellent result is directly related to both the municipal promo
tional programme of 600,000 EUR per year and energy advice and
support of the citizens provided by the City of Heidelberg, the Klima
schutz-und Energieberatungsagentur Heidelberg -Nachbargemein
den gGmbH (KliBA -Climate Protection and Energy Advisory Agency
for Heidelberg and the neighbouring communities) and the local
crafts enterprises.
1.2 Climate protection campaign
Despite this success the City of Heidel
berg wishes to place its climate pro
tection activities on a broader basis
and to intensify its cooperation with
its numerous network partners.
For everyday work it is advantageous
that the subject of climate protection
has become more and more popular
with the public, both at the national
and international level.
In particular, increasing energy costs motivate many citizens to commit
themselves to climate protection and thus save money.
Presently the City of Heidelberg promotes climate protection in everyday
life with its campaign "Climate is looking for protection in Heidel
berg ... also with you!" With this motto, the City of Heidelberg invites
all its cit izens to actively participate in climate protection.
The campaign started in May 2007 with a poster action entitled "Show
your true colours for climate protection".
Heidelberg citizens were invited to have their photograph taken
and to make a statement about their personal contribution to climate
protection (see fig.1). The reaction was enormous. 430 people -
6
school classes, sports clubs, politicians, musicians, families, entrepre
neurs, young and old people -showed their true colours and revealed:
We are in. With many small behavioural changes in everyday life we
can influeflce the imminent climate changes.
Fig. 1
Testimonials of local
climate protectors
7
Public outreach: Heidelberg front-runner In terms
of climate protection
1.3 Networking for ecology and economy
When it comes t o climate protection, Heidelberg has counted on co
operating with multiplicators and decision-takers in networks and at
Round Tables for a long time. In addition to existing cooperations with
architects, engineers, craftsmen, house building companies and the
university, the City of Heidelberg has won further new multiplicators
for climate protection.
In cooperation with the two main churches in Germany, the City 6f
Heidelberg has initiated a project for energy saving in the Heidelberg
church communities. Its goal is to identify energy-saving potentials
in church institutions and to motivate people to save energy in parish
halls and church-run kindergartens. The central question is how to
reduce energy costs through technical measures, utilization concepts
or behavioural changes.
1.4 Municipal energy management
In addition to this, the City of Heidelberg is continuously developing
the known focal points in local climate protection. This includes an
ambitious energy management of the real estates owned by the City
by high technical and constructional energy standards for new build
ing and renovation.
Despite the construction of new buildings, a large increase in technical
equipment and higher expectations of the users as to comfort, energy
consumption could be reduced. Since the beginning of municipal energy
management in the year 1993 it has been possible to save 66 per cent
of natural gas, 42 per cent of district heating, 41 per cent of electricity
and 86 per cent of heating oil in the real estates owned by the City. This
corresponds to a total saving of over 50 per cent (see fig. 2).
8
Energy consumption (kWh)
Fig. 2 Long-term development of energy consumption in kWh
(reduction -50 per cent)
.ruel
• 01,,,1<, k .. ,ing
• Ga,
• EI«tridly
This was achieved through a vast array of municipal energy manage
ment, ranging from energy controlling and improved information for
users and persons responsible for the buildings to the integration of all
energy aspects in all building and renovation planning and the consis
tent implementation of the 2004 Heidelberg Energy Conception.
The energy controlling system established by the Office of Environmental
Protection, Trade Supervision and Energy in cooperation with the Heidel
berg Public Utilities has proved to be very successful. The structural and
technical measures initiated by the Administrative Office for Municipal
Buildings and the offices using the buildings range from heat insulation
and thermal glazing to ventilation systems with heat recovery, efficient
pump and lighting technology and need-oriented control of facilities.
CO2 emissions of the City's real estates have been reduced by 48 per cent
since 1993, which means savings of several million EUR per year (see
fig.3 and 6).
9
Public outreach: Heidelberg front-runner in terms
of climate protection
CO2 emissions (tons)
• Fuel
• Di,,,icli>e.ling
• G.,
• Ei<,,,i<ity
Fig.3 Development of CO2 emissions within the municipal facilities
(reduction by -48 per cent)
co . emissions (tons) -Sectoral analysis
li1S7 I. 1_ lWO lW1 11192 li1i13 lW4 11m li1111 11$7 1_ lim 2IXIO 2001 2002 2OD3 2004 2005 200II
Fig.4 Sectoral development of CO2 emissions in Heidelberg (1987 to 2006)
10
Figure 4 shows the development of the final energy consumption in
Heidelberg. The final energy consumption increased by a total of
15 per cent between 1987 and 2006. The peak was reached in the year
2004 with'an increase of 18 per cent compared to 1987. Since then
the energy consumption has decreased by 3 per cent.
6.000.000
~ooo.ooo
4.000.000
l.ooo.ooo
2.000.000
1.000.000
Costs of consumption (EUR)
Fig. 5 Long-term cost development including
increasing energy tariffs
As displayed, the energy consumption of real estate owned by the
city has decreased continuously since the base year of 1993. Prices for
electricity, heating and water, however, have been steadily increasing,
a process that cannot be stopped even by special agreements for
large customers as the energy prices of the Heidelberg Public Utilities
depend upon the price levels of the general market. This price level
leads to the in figure 5 shown changes in costs.
"
,
10,000,000
9.000.000
8,000,000
1.000,000
6.000,000
5.000,000
~.OOO.OOO
J,OOO.OOO
l,OOQ.OOO
~OOO.OOO
Public outreach: Heidelberg front-runner in terms
of climate protection
Costs of consumption (EUR) -hypothetical approach
• Oi,trid "'aling
• Ga.
-• EI«Ifl<ity
Fig. 6 Long-term cost development on the basis of the 1993
consumption with increasing energy tariffs
Presupposing the same consumption for 2007 as in 1993, we would,
in reality, have spent 9.52 million EUR instead of 4.88 million EUR (see
fig. 5) in reality for the energy used, thus over 4.6 million EUR more.
This development can be seen in figure 6. The consumption figures for
the year 1993 were multiplied with t he corresponding real energy
prices of the individual years.
However, this also shows that every measure lowering the energy
consumption not only relieves the environment through decreasing
greenhouse gases but that, in the long t erm, renovation measures
improve the building fabric and save considerable amounts of energy.
Seen from a financial point of view it also pays to save energy. The
critical analysis of the conceptions and the dimensioning of technical
installat ions have proved to be particularly important. This implies high
energy-efficiency potentials and, at the same time, saving potentials
in terms of investment costs. In many cases, climate protection through
"lean technology" saves both in use and in building and renovating.
12
1.5 Campus sustainability
Despite many new buildings of the university and the university clinics
we succee'ded in reducing the CO2 emissions of the university as a
whole. On the one hand, this is due to the introduction of a trigenera
tion power plant (CHCP -combined heat, cooling and power pro
duction) in 2002 that supplies the buildings in the area of Neuenheimer
Feld. This technology makes particularly good use of the combustion
of natural gas and small quantities of fuel. The power plant supplies
heat, air conditioning and electricity. This must be taken into account
when determining the CO2 emissions as the university, on the one
hand, consumes energy and the power plant, on the other hand, pro
duces electricity and feeds it into the electricity grid. In the matter in
hand an input-output calculation of the power plant was carried out,
resulting in the amount of electricity being counted as a credit. Thus
it is mainly the CO2 emissions originating from the use of gas that take
effect which, on the whole, results in reduced emissions. At the same
time, a number of energy-saving projects were implemented by the
university. All in all this means that the increase in buildings is being
more than compensated and the emissions of the university decreased
by ca.1S per cent'between the year 2000 and 2006.
13
2 eli
by.
ate p tedlQI'
tr1i. abl city developrrl
2.1 Energy-efficient cit)! development -Heidelberg Bahnstadt
Wit h the development of the new city di.strict of 8ahnstadt, Heidelberg
has launched a climate protection project that is outstanding in every
respect. On 116 hectares of a former goods station a new city district for
living, business and, with a campus II, research is being created.
An integral part of the overall planning is an energy conception (om
prising three central areas:
• reduction in the energy need,
• efficient energy provision and
• process-accompanying implementation.
All of Bahnstadt will be built according to the passive house standard
and renewably supplied by district heating originating from biomass
and geothermics. The term passive house (in German "Passivhaus") refers
to the rigorous, voluntary, passive house standard for energy efficiency
in buitdings. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little
energy for space heating or cooling. The passive house standard for cen
tral Europe requires that the buildings fulfill the following requirements:
• The building must be designed to have an annual heating demand
as calculated with the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) of not
more than 15 kilowatt hours per squam metre per year (4,746 btu/ttl
per year) in heating and 15 kilowatt hours per square metre per year
cooling energy,
• Total primary energy (source energy for electricity etc.) and con
sumption (primary energy for heating, hot water and electricity) must
not be more than 120 kilowatt hours p,er square metre per year
(37,968 btu/ftl per year).
• The building must not leak more air than 0.6 times the house volume
per hour (n~o ~ 0.6 per hour) at 50 pascal (N/ml) as tested by a blower
door measurement.
• Furthermore, the specific heat load for the heating source at design
temperature is recommended, but not required, to be less than
10 watt per square metre (3.17 btu/ftl per hour).
"
Fig. 7
Consultation concept
brochures
The Bahnstadt can also score ecologically in the fields of reusing buil
ding land, good public transport provision, rainwater management and
nature protection.
In cooperation with the Heidelberg Public Utilities, ebok engineering
office presented an expert opinion on the energy conception of Bahn
stadt ("Heidelberg Bahnstadt development area: urban energy and heat
supply conception"). Its focal points are determining and minimizing the
heating requirement and optimizing the heat supply under ecological
Fig.8 Sustainable and energy"efficient city district ~ Heidelberg Bahnstadt
1S
EnEV 2009
and economic aspects. In this connection, the cost-effectiveness of the
passive house construction method w as proved (see fig. 9), In addition,
the solar energy potential and the minimizing of the need for cooling
in summer were examined. Other focal points are recommendations
for implementation and assistance during the process. This energy con
ception was adopted by t he Heidelberg City Council.
This energy conception w as settled with binding force in an urban
contract with EGH (Heidelberg Development Agency). the institution
responsible for the development of the major part of Bahnstadt:
• All of Bahnstadt will be built to passive house standards. The City of
Heidelberg will provide promotional funds for passive houses,
• Heat supply for Bahnstadt will be provided through district heating
which, in the medium term, will be generated from renewable energy.
among other things through deep geothermics and biomass thermal
power plants.
• The City of Heidelberg and EGH will develop an image of Bahnstadt
as an energy-efficient, future-oriented city district and implement
an advisory service for owners and builders.
• An electricity-saving concept will be developed for Bahnstadt that
particularly takes into account the constructional optimization as to
heat protection in the summer.
paS!;ve house
"
Relative additional {osts
of passive houses compared
to legal building standard
(fnEV 2009): -0<9%
• Mean (ou.ili.,,1 ol«lritity ,ost>
Meanh •• \Ir\9'OIU
• Me.... ",.In\ .... ",e '01"
• (",,""I <om
Fig. 9
Analysis of the
cost -effectiV€ness
of various energy
standards in the
energy concept for
Bahnstadt
With the construction of the first buildings in 2010 (see Fig. 10), the
Bahnstadt will become the largest passive house area in the world. It is
the biggest urban development project in Germany and it is particu
larly remar'kable that even the developer does not regard the energy
conception as a burden but rather as a chance for economically sus
tainable development and marketing.
w,--~
housebuildings
Fig. 10 Construction sites in Germany's biggest urban development project
Heidelberg Bahnstadt
2.2 Alternative energy -geothermal and biomass
In Heidelberg we have high expectations regarding deep geothermics.
Deep geothermics shall playa key role in the supply of the new Bahn·
stadt city district with renewable heat and electricity. In the Upper Rhine
rift in which Heidelberg is situated we have a high rise in temperature
with depth -but also very complex geological conditions in the subsoil
"
resulting from disruptions in the rift valley. Our Heidelberg Public
Utilities have secured their rights to the Heidelberg geothermic field
and have had evaluated the existing geological data. Presently seismic
measurements of the subsoil are being prepared. Next year a test
drilling shall follow during which at a depth of some 4,000 metres hot
water at temperatures around 150DC will hopefully be encountered
which can be used to produce electricity and can be fed into the Heidel
berg district heat system.
The evaluated CO2 saving amounts to ca.17,OOO tons per year, having
taken the required auxiliary current into account.
Another possibility of regenerative heat generation is to extend the use
of biomass. Through the Amendment of the Renewable Energies Act
from 2009 on the remuneration rates for cogeneration plants using bio
mass were slightly increased.
A biomass thermal power plant feeding heat into the district heating
network could ensure an all-year-round supply of heat. Because of the
wooded surroundings and the relatively high number of forests with
in the city boundaries of Heidelberg itself (4,400 hectares, 3,000 hec
tares thereof owned by the City) as well as within the Rhine Neckar
District (37,000 hectares) the residual forest wood, which so far has
only been partly used to produce energy, an extension of biomass use
is possible.
The evaluated CO2 saving amounts to ca. 30,000 tons per year, having
taken the required auxiliary current and the use of heat from Mannheim
Central Power Plant (GKM) into account.
"
3 Education: E-Team Project
3.1 Introduction
Since 1994 the Office of Environmental Protection, Trade Supervision
and Energy df the City of Heidelberg has been implementing a project
to save energy in schools, the so-called E-Team Project, in cooperation
with students, teachers, head teachers and caretakers. So far, 19 schools
are participating in the project. The topic of energy and climate pro
tection is being addressed in study groups or integrated into normalles
sons and campaigns to save energy, e.g. energy rallies, competitions
to save energy, solar-powered boat or car constructions.
Fig. 11
PV on school roofs
(Helmholtz Grammar
School)
The energy and CO2 savings were primarily achieved by changing people's
behaviour, optimizing operations and taking organizational measures,
but also by means of renovation measures, energy controlling, energy
saving contracting and training courses for caretakers. The bonus system,
which is dependent on the amount of energy saved and the pedagogical
activities, motivates schools to participate in the project. Structures like
environmental management systems (EMAS), environmental officers in
schools and environmental school policy have been implemented.
One of the most important aspects of the project is the creation of struc
tures/responsibilities for the project in the schools, in the administration
and between all relevant actors.
19
Education; E-Team Project
The key for success in the project is communication between all partici
pants. This means good communication tools in the city, between the
offices of the administration and a fruitful exchange between schools
, in the city or region.
Looking back over fourteen years, the recipe for successful projects is:
• creating functional structures
• networking and communicating
• creative PR activities that keep the projf!ct and the key persons and
students working
• combining ecological and economic effects
• technical and educational support provided by the City Administra
tion under the supervision of the Environmental Office
3.2 Communication in the City/administration
A Round Table was set up in 1993 before initiating the project. Partici·
pants were the Treasurer's Office, the Administration Office for Muni
cipal Buildings, the Office of Environment,,:!1 Protection, Trade Super
vision and Energy, the Education Administration Office and the Mayor
for Environment. This was t he basis for initiating the bonus system.
Various offices of the City with responsibilities in several fields are inte
grated in the E-Team Project and in meetirlgs in the school: the Office
of Waste Management or Landscape Architects when projects are
concerned with the separation of waste o r with a school garden, the
Administration Office for Municipal Buildings when buildings have
to be renovated etc.
The communication between the individuell offices is coordinated by
the Environmental Office since it is difficult for teachers in the schools
to realize the responsibilities within the City Administrat ion for diffe
rent issues. Therefore it is important to helve one person who coordi
nates the questions and projects within the City and negotiates with
the individual offices. The key issue is integration and participation.
20
Suggestions from the school for potential refurbishment and improve
ments are integrated into a plan by the offices of the City and the Public
Utility Service.
3.3 Coml1nunication
and activities
in thE! school
Fig, 12
Solarmobile "SpeedyH _
Constructed by students of
Johannes GUI-enberg School
The City of Heidelberg offers schools comprehensive support in imple
menting the E-Team Project. The Office of Environmental Protection,
Trade Supervision and Energy offers advice, in co-operation with the
ifeu Institute, on issues of energy consumption, on how to save energy,
provides material for lessons by teachers and makes specific proposals
for campaigns. This has included the provision of all participating
schools with kits consisting of equipment for measurin!~ electricity con
sumption, temperature and light intensity, thus enabling pupils to
monitor electricity and water consumption. Another tool is the energy
info mobile which can be hired by schools.
Many tools and structures have been introduced during the last 16 years
ofthe E-Team Project in Heidelberg:
• Energy officers in schools (teachers)
• Environmental officers in schools
• Class spokesman for energy issues
• Energy Teams consisting of students and teachers
• Environmental Teams in schools including head teacher, teachers,
students, janitor, representatives of the City, parents, companies
21
Education: E-Team Project
• Introduction of environmental management systems
• Energy controtting system
• Regular reporting about energy data and other environmental data
(" Umwelterklarungen")
• Certificates for students ("Umweltzeugnisse") on environmental and
energy projects
• Integration of education for sustainable development especially
climate protection/environmental education into the preamble to the
guidelines on school policy
• Integration of education for sustainable development and climate
protection into the new teaching curriculums
• Round Table on sustainable education in the City
Fig. 13
Energy Caravan -Participation
of the E-Teams -200 students
in shopping area
The first step in every participating school has been taken, with the
energy tour showing areas where energy could be used more efficiently.
The next question is how the E-Team can communicate its experience
to other pupils and teachers who did not take part in the energy tour.
A number of communication techniques are used for this, among them:
3.3.1 Energy information boards
These are used to provide all the information in an easily understanda
ble way and can offer opportunities for ideas and feedback. E-Teams
are careful not to present energy consumption data in long columns of
22
figures; instead, various examples and pictures or diagr,:lms are used
to illustrate the current levels of consumption. The energy information
boards are normally placed in central locations where they are noticeable
and visible for everyone. In addition to basic information about current
consumption figures and energy-conscious behaviour, the boards are
also used to tet people know when and where E-Team meetings are to
take place and to announce forthcoming activities/events/competitions.
3.3.2 Energy competitions
These inter-class competitions motivate students to participate, espe
cially when attractive prizes are on offer. Ideally the award would be
given to the class that saves the most energy. Given that it is difficult
to assess what energy is being saved in specific classrooms, the prize
is instead awarded to the class that is seen to be implementing en
ergy-saving techniques most consistently (e.g. points are awarded for
opening all the windows to give the room a short airing during the
5-minute break or for switching off the lights during the main break).
The preparation of these awards includes providing information about
energy-conscious behaviour. These competitions have pr<:)ved to be very
effective and, at the same time, enjoyable.
3.3.3 Prompts
Prompts are small signs attached to the window handles or beside light
switches. These are used as reminders to air rooms, to monitor tempera
ture, and to ensure that lighting is used only when necessary. The most
effective signs are the ones made by the pupils themselves (e.g. in art
classes). These last longer than prefabricated or bought ones.
Construction of solar models to demonstrate the possibilities of solar
energy. The organization of an energy quiz in the school is another
possibility to involve more students and even parents at an open day
in a school.
Internal communication could also be the composition of an energy rap,
an energy theatre or an energy dance performance. Nearly all subjects
in the school can integrate energy issues into their lessons so that climate
protection becomes an essential part in school ljfe.
23
Education: E-Team Project
3.4 Communication between schools
Fig. 14
Pupil's drawing -Power
from water. wind and sun
Communication inside the participating schools is
also supplemented by a great deal of communication
and netw orking activities in the wider region. The
Environmental Office (organizes meetings for schools
once a year to allow thl~m to share their experiences.
These project advisory council meetings are designed
not only to enable information to be shared, but also
for people to give each other new ideas. They offer
an opportunity to discuss difficulties and provide ad·
vice on how to make the project successful.
Of course it is also important that the public at large is kept informed
about the E-Team Project. E-Teams participated in conferences/school
exchanges. e.g. the winning E-Team made a trip to Apeldoorn or took
part in conferences in Kumamoto, Stockholm. Brussels, Vienna etc.
3.5 Support of the City: Energy Controlling System
In order to draw up balance sheets showing the success achieved by the
E-Teams and to monitor consumption in municipal buildings, the Energy
Controlling System (ECS) has been introduced. It allows heat, electricity
and water consumption to be exactly recorded. ECS enables transparent
dissemination of results from E-Teams and is also indispensable for elec
tricity-saving competitions and other campaigns throughout Heidelberg.
3.6 Communication of the E·Team Project
with the citizens
Events are the main instrument for communicating the idea of
the E-Teams in the City.Over the last 16 years we have organized lots
of events e.g .
24
• The Mayor's official handing over of the bonus to the energy-saving
teams
• Celebration Party for the 10th anniversary of the E-Team Project
• Day of Renewable Energies organized with E-Teams in 200S and 2006
• Organization of solar boat competitions
• Organization of the Energy Triathlon on the Neckar (competition of
schools with paddling, roaring and driving solar boats)
• Organization of the "Tour d'energie" with sport clubs
• Participation of E-Teams in the Energy Days
• Installation of solar systems with displays on roofs of schools
• Announcement of an Environmental Award in 2007 for activities
concerning environmental education in schools, sports dubs
and NGOs
• Solar-lee-Mobile that can be hired by schools
• Trips for school classes on solar boat etc.
• Energy Caravan
• Agenda Days/Energy Days with input from
schools
• Solar cooking with schools
• Testimonial Campaign with photos of E-Teams
• Lecture Courage for Sustain ability
• Mobility Days in Schools
• Walk to school days/weeks
• Fair Football Game
• Theatre with energy issues for schools
• Project called energy bridges -Arts and
energy -painting renewable energies
and energy justice
Fig, 75 Events offer great opportunities to inform
parents, relatives, friends about the activities
of the E-Teams in schools, Events communicate
technical issues in a joyful and exciting way
without the wagging finger,
Energy Teams -Participation
in the testimonial campaign
2S
4 Sustainable management in simall and
medium-sized enterprises
Nachhaltiges
Wirtsc haften
4 .1 !;ummary
The project "Sustainable manage·
ment in small and medium·sized
enterprises in Heidelberg" subsi·
dized by Deutsche Bundesstiftung
Umwrelt (DBU -German Federal
Environmental Foundation) was
started in June 2001. It is basically founded on recommendations made
by the "Sustainable Management Round Table" set up in 1998, on which
the Heidelberg City Administration, associations and major companies
from Heidelberg have a seat.
The aim of the project -that is coordinated by the Office of Environ
mental Protection, Trade Supervision and Energy -is to assist small and
medium-sized companies employing 10 to 250 people with the intro·
duction of an environmental management system. It involves the
investigation of internal processes and potentials for optimization, in
particular, regarding waste disposal and power consumption and the
introduction of new, sustainable and cost-·saving work practices. In
addition to improving the efficiency of rE!source utilization, issues of
sustainable development are dealt with, such as new forms of human
resource management, as well as opportunities to participate in coope
ration projects between the North and the South or Eastern Europe.
The theoretical foundation for sustainabl€! management is provided in
six workshops held throughout the year. Furthermore, external experts
inspect each company in order to determine potentials for optimization,
and develop concrete measures.
The first stage of the project, in which 11 Heidelberg-based companies
were involved, was completed in summer 2002 when those companies
who had successfully installed an environmental management system
received awards. Meanwhile seven other stages with 60 further compa
nies were accomplished.
Based on the motto "Offering, not prohibiting", the project opens up
opportunities to the participating companies to perform measures
26
1
that relieve the environment while saving costs -contributing to the
protection of these companies and providing them with legal certainty.
Once the project has been successfully completed the participating
companies.' with only minor additional efforts, may apply for certifica
tion or be validated according to EMAS or ISO 14001 ff.
4.2 Situation before the initiative began
As a rule, small and medium-sized enterprises do not have the personal
or financial resources necessary to introduce a sustainable management
policy. The administration is considered as a supervisory body and not
really a partner with whom one should cooperate. Therefore, costly envi
ronmental protection measures are performed only if required under
the relevant standards. Conventional processes are not questioned.
4.3 Establishment of priorities
The project is designed to provide targeted assistance to small and
medium-sized enterprises (SME) because these companies do not have
the possibility of building up an independent environmental manage
ment system, while playing an important role in the economic develop
ment of a city. The project is intended to create "Win-Win-Situations",
i.e. both the environment should benefit. and cost savings should be
achieved for the companies.
This results in the following project priorities:
1. Improving the efficiency of resource management in the SMEs
2. Reducing environmental impacts caused by SMEs
3. Creating a trustful relationship between the administration and
the companies
4. Improving of the working conditions of the companies' employees
S. Safeguarding jobs
27
a,1
4 .4 Formulation of objectives and strategies
L In order to improve the efficiency of resource utilization, reduce
environmental impacts and (osts, the participating companies are to
build up an environmental management system which provides for
monitoring and continuous improvement of their internal processes with
the assistance of external experts. This indudes internal environmental
policies that define the framework of future development as well as an
environmental programme containing the concrete measures to be
implemented in order to achieve the company's own goals.
In order to support the companies in this process, all theoreti<al foun
dations are provided in six moderated workshops where concrete
examples f rom the companies will be d iscussed, The workshops are
furthermore designed to create trust between the administration and
companies which used to regard the environmental authority mainly
as a supervisory body.
4.5 Mobilization of resources
The project "Sustainable Management in Heidelberg" is based on
recommendations made by the "Sustainable Management Round Table"
set up in 1998. This round table was set up to develop a strategy of
sustainability for the economy in our region. The City of Heidelberg
assumed the role of a mediator in this process which brought stake
holders from industry, associations, and science together. For more
than a year, different options for improved coordination and network
ing in the fields of environmental. economic and social factors were
discussed by the parties involved.
In March 2000, the Office of Environmental Protection, Trade Supervi
sion and Energy of the City of Heidelberg filed an application for project
promot ion with Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU -German
Federal Environmental Foundation), In December 2000, DBU made
28
a positive decision concerning this application, thus ensuring the finan
cial resources for this project for two years. As a result, various trade
companies, car repair shops and car dealers were contacted through
the trade cl'lambers, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and
the ~Car Service Association". Finally, 11 companies were selected for
participation in the first phase of the project.
Various partners were employed to provide technical support to the
project. The Institut fur Energie-und Umweltforschung Heidelberg
(ifeu -Institute for Energy and Environmental Research) was responsible
for project management and scientific advice during the first two years
of the project, when it was additionally financed by the DBU. The
Gesellschaft fur Arbeitssicherheits-, QualiUits-und Umweltmanagement
(Arqum -Society for Health and Safety at Work, Quality and Environ
mental Management) is performing a legal and environmental check,
the Klimaschutz-und Energieberatungsagentur Heidelberg-Nachbar
gemeinden gGmbH (KIiBA -Agency for Climate and Energy Counseling
for Heidelberg Neighbouring Communities) an energy check in the
companies.
4.6 Process
The project, which was financed with the help of DBU, provides SMEs
with the know-how required to build up their own environmental
management systems, optimize their internal processes in an enviromen
tally friendly manner, and save costs, through a series of six work
shops within one year and several individual company inspections.
4.6.1 Workshops
The workshops, which take place in turns in the participating companies,
are one fundamental element of this project. In the course of these
workshops, Arqum imparts the knowledge required to build up an
environmental management system to the participants. Meanwhile
Arqum is also responsible for the moderation of the workshops.
29
.ust I hlO ",a" 9 m nt n ~1I .and
m~dlum-x t:ntt:rp
Fig, 16
In workshops materials
such as instructions for
handling hazardous
materials are developed
The workshops dealt with t he issues of purchasing and hazardous
material handling, protection of the climate, waste management and
soil protection, traffic, clean air and the environmentally compatible
design of the companies' own products. Participants were able to
discuss concrete legal issues with the City Administration staff attend
ing the workshops. Furthermore, companies were inspected jointly
in the course of the workshops, providing many opportunities for
informal discussions.
In addition to these issues relating to "resource-saving management",
additional aspects of sustainable company management will be dealt
with, including communication and social responsibility. During these
workshops, companies will receive suggestions as to how they can
become more involved in social projects, or how to present their per
formance in the field of "sustainable management" to the public.
Other issues include new working time models.
4.6.2 Company inspections
Arqum performed the company inspections which serve to reveal
potentials for optimization in the internal processes. Issues covered in
clude business management as well as occupational safety and health,
and environmental protection. The companies thus improve their legal
certainty and discover opportunities to save cost.
The KliBA performed company inspections with a focus on saving energy,
and revealed some significant potential energy-saving possibilities.
30
Fig. 17
Company inspection session
4.6.3 Awards
The companies are currently preparing for the final company in
spections, where they will introduce themselves to a committee and
present the structures and measures introduc;ed to implement a
sustainable environmental management system. Once all defined re
quirements have been satisfied, the companies will be awarded
Fig. 18 Awards for the participants of the project as well as for EMAS-certified
companies are presented by Lord Mayor Dr. Eckart Wurzner and Mayor
Dieter M6rlein at local car dealership NAutohaus Dechent~ March' I th, 2009
"
$u talnable mana e nt In 'Small nd
rnedium-si;red 1t ~I es
a symbol specifically developed for the project in the course of a prize
winners' presentation. The companies may use this symbol to advertise
for their companies and present their special achievement.
4.6.4 "Sustainable Management" working group
Following the successful participation in the project, the companies
will be admitted to a working group whose number of participants will
steadily increase from year to year. In this working group, the prize
winning companies will be provided with basic information to ensure
that initiatives that have been started will be completed with t he
support of the City Administration, and a continuous process of improve
ment within the companies. Furthermore, it is planned that an infor
mation network will emerge that will be continuously updated on fun
damental new legal and technical developments through the input
of external experts.
Fig. 19 Joint fire drill of the working group
"
4 .1 Results achieved
One important element of success achieved through the project is the
creation of & basis of mutual trust between the participating compa
nies and the City Administration, which was repeatedly praised by the
participants. Several participants were able to solve minor problems
by just calling the Environmental Office. Even within the group of par
ticipating companies, project-specific cooperation developed. Fur
thermore, concrete success has already been achieved in different areas,
although the project itself is not really completed.
4.7.1 Company management
In all companies, responsibilities were assigned to create a structure
that ensures continuous monitoring and improvement of the environ
mental protection measures. This guarantees the sustainability of the
environmental programme and its activities.
4.7.2 Resource management
Measures to save drinking water and sources of energy were initiated
by means of individual environmental checks in the companies.
4.7.3 Energy
The energy check in the companies resulted in the following measures:
• Activation of power-saving circuitry in computer systems, and turning
off server monitors when not in use yielded energy savings amount
ing to 125 EUR a year per computer.
• Examination of the lighting system which is outdated in many
companies. By using new lighting systems, up to 75 per cent of the
lighting power can be saved.
• Introduction of energy controlling to identify and initiate changes in
consumption patterns at an early stage in the future.
• Periormance of fuel-saving drivers' training to save up to 20 per cent
of fuel.
"
5 all" bl nanagament ir sm II nr'
modium sized enterpri os
4.7.4 Waste
The amount of residual waste can be considerably reduced, and the
share of recyclable substances can be significantly increased through
L the introduction of an improved waste management system within
the companies. In many participating companies, the residual waste
quantity was lowered to % of the original quantity.
Fig. 20
On-site waste
consultation
An examination in 15 companies, which had taken part in the project
between 2001 and 2003, showed the project to be an enormous success.
The companies saved more t~an 150,000 EUR per year and 275 tons of
CO2 less were emitted to the atmosphere.
4.8 Sustainability
The overall objective of the project was a reorientation of the partici
pating companies towards a sustainable management system while
considering the balance between economic, ecological, and social
aspects. For the companies, increasing the efficient use of resources
as required for a sustainable development is the most important
aspect because of the cost savings achieved. However, the principles of
social equality and fair distribution are important challenges to the
34
companies. The maintenance and further development o·f the measures
taken in these areas even after completion of the project is guaranteed
for the following reasons:
• In their environmental policy, companies commit themselves to
behaviour that is environmentally sound and a steady process of im
provement.
• The implementation of an environmental management system en
sures that a certain person is responsible for continw;>us monitoring
of all environmental data and compliance with chan!;:!ed poliCies.
• In order to fully utilize the potential savings, all environmental
measures must be applied consistently.
• The continued application of the project including regular meetings
and workshops of the partiCipating companies results in an informa
tion network that involves the individua l stakeholders. Therefore,
information concerning new legal aspects or technical developments
concerning resource-saving management practices can be spread
efficiently.
• The cooperation projects with less developed regions introduce new
ways of thinking into the companies.
• The working conditions will be permanently improved through new
met hods of personnel management by which employees are better
integrated.
4 .9 lessons learned
The experiences gained up to now and the feedback from the partici
pants confirms the appropriateness of the project. The compan ies are
extremely willing to cooperate and exhibit great commitment. As all
of them are SMEs, the management is in most cases actively involved in
the performance of the environmental measures, thus ensuring rapid
implementation. The good basis of trust also manifests itself in the
exchange of important company data, e.g. concerning power consump
tion or disposal costs, without any reservations.
"
S lU'''' lei m "01 1 "t" II "<I
11 diu,,", d t 'Pffi.
The inclusion of external partners in the moderation of the workshops
and the performance of the company inspections has also proven worth
while. The professional quality of the project was thus ensured. Further
'more, the representatives of the City Administration could act as equal
partners in the discussions during the workshops.
The mixture of different branches of industry in the selection of partici
pating companies has had a positive effect on the course of the project.
In the meantime, various (Ooperation projects have been established
by individual project participants, which are based on the differences in
know-how between the individual (Ompanies.
4.10 Transferability
The project approach unites significant principles of sustainability;
therefore it is transferable to the global level. It is independent of the
size of the (Ompanies and the individual projects or management
approaches because the efficiency-based entrepreneurial way of think
ing is rooted in all (Ompany structures. The participating (Ompanies
be(Ome familiar with the interdependence of resource efficiency, (Ost
savings, and protection of the business location. On this basis, they are
extremely willing to implement environmental protection measures
far beyond that required by law, from which the local municipality can
benefit.
The City Administration's offer to cooperate on an equal basis and the
economical availability of external experts is an attractive feature,
especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, because they do not
have the personnel or financial resources to build up an environmental
management system, and for such enterprises the continuous control of
legal (Ompliance is a considerable burden.
The project is particularly attractive because of the low financial (On
tributions by the companies, these having been facilitated by the sub
sidies granted. For this reason, financial subsidies are an important
element of the project.
36
I Contact
nn Stadt I Amt fur Umweltschutz, ::=::: Heidelberg Gewerbeaufsicht und Energie
klima such. schutz I
in heidelberg .