Hamburg is investing in green schoolyards: 2.8 billion euros by 2029!

Hamburg is investing in green schoolyards: 2.8 billion euros by 2029!

In Hamburg, the school landscape is facing a change that will bring a breath of fresh air. By 2029, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg will be investing a whopping 2.8 billion euros in school construction, including the design of the outdoor facilities. A central element of this initiative is the newly published practical manual “Natural Building Standards”, which aims to better plan and implement green schoolyards and natural open spaces. How hamburg.de reports, the handbook was created as part of a project that was developed by the team from Elbkinder, SBH and NaturGarten e.V.

The manual is divided into two main parts: The first provides an overview of the different types of vegetation, assesses the current status of these areas and uses a traffic light system to distinguish between ideal (green), desirable (yellow) and undesirable standards (red). The second part contains practical instructions for natural play installations as well as technical details for designing play areas. The extensive work comprises 247 pages and is handed over to the responsible planners. External interested parties have the opportunity to purchase the handbook as a PDF for 19.90 euros, a fabulous resource for anyone interested in natural landscaping. Naturgarten.org also emphasizes that this initiative is a response to the often monotonous and neglected spaces in daycare centers and schools.

Natural outdoor areas for children and young people

We all know that children who spend a lot of time in schools need engaging and varied outdoor spaces. These are not only places to play, but also crucial for healthy development. This is documented, for example, by insect monitoring at the Sternschanze all-day elementary school, which impressively shows the contribution that natural design makes to promoting biodiversity. According to the Center for School Biology and Environmental Education, a third of the area of ​​new buildings and renovations will be designed in a natural way in the future, with the participation of the school community being integrated into the process from the start li.hamburg.de.

Such measures become even more important, especially in times when there is increasing alienation from nature. The Green School's plant collection program also provides impetus to increase biodiversity on school grounds through wild perennial projects. 80,000 euros are available annually for the natural design of school grounds. However, funding applications must be submitted by December 31st to secure funding for the project.

A look into the future

Overall, the practical manual “Natural Building Standards” not only introduces a new standard for the design of schoolyards, but also sends a signal that environmental education is taken seriously. The combination of an innovative planning approach and practical implementation will bear fruit in the long term and help our schools to have a green, vibrant environment. And that's exactly what children and young people need: a place where they feel comfortable, can discover nature and learn for the future.