The Climate Quarter

In the energy sector, we have completely reimagined the electricity supply: generating energy right where we consume it. In close cooperation with the University of Wuppertal and Wuppertal’s municipal utility, a research project was launched in which networked photovoltaic systems on the neighborhood’s rooftops and a combined heat and power plant would connect entire blocks into a smart, virtual large-scale power plant. Thanks to the WSW Energy Weather—a simple traffic-light system based on the motto “Do laundry when the wind is blowing”—all electricity users can see when there is a particularly high amount of green electricity available on the grid. The goal is a true neighborhood energy exchange where electricity is traded directly within the neighborhood, benefiting both homeowners and renters financially and environmentally. These projects gave rise to a startup that aims to advance the energy transition in neighborhoods with an “energy neighborhood” app.

Under the slogan “A good climate starts with what we eat,” we show that our diet also has an impact on the climate—both the global climate and the neighborhood atmosphere. You can experience this firsthand twice a year at Restaurant Day. Neighbors open a restaurant or café for a day in their apartment, garden, or garage—or even during the weekly food rescue initiative. Hundreds of kilograms of edible food are saved from the trash every week and distributed throughout the neighborhood. A real highlight is the state-of-the-art hydroponic container right in the middle of the neighborhood, where thousands of heads of lettuce are grown right next door—using very little water—for immediate consumption. This “edible Arrenberg” is complemented by a solidarity-based farming initiative in the Wuppertal area, a chicken share program offering organic eggs by subscription, a community olive oil order, and urban gardening in the backyards. Initiatives such as the intercultural cooking event “Tastes of My Childhood,” the “Schnippeldisko” (chopping disco) using food scraps, and sustainable cooking classes in the neighborhood kitchen demonstrated that climate protection and enjoyment go hand in hand.

Of course, a climate-neutral neighborhood also requires new forms of mobility and the mindful use of resources. We’re exploring how modern sharing concepts—from electric cargo bikes to electric neighborhood vehicles—can ease parking pressure and give the streets back to the people. We supported a study on mobility stations in Arrenberg and advocated for additional bike parking spaces. At the same time, we’re sending a strong message against the throwaway culture with our “Müllionäre” campaign. Conserving resources and using products longer has a positive impact on both your wallet and the climate. To enable everyone to repair, tinker with, upcycle, and swap items on their own, we’ve set up the open neighborhood workshop Arrenbergstatt and, together with the Evangelical Church congregation, launched a monthly “Repartaur Café.” On event days like “Pump My Bike,” we repair bicycles together; at “Nähkästchen,” the focus is on collaborative upcycling; at “Fummel-Rummel,” secondhand fashion is swapped; and at “Bücherberg,” used books find new homes.

We collaborate with companies, organizations, and initiatives that are working toward the vision of the Climate Quarter and contribute expertise that we lack. Together with the Bergische Bürger-Energie-Genossenschaft and the Kurs21 association, we share office space at the neighborhood center. The cooperative raises funds and invests in solar panels on public buildings. Kurs21 offers education on sustainable development for students, such as the annual Energy Transition Camp at Arrenberg.

A climate-friendly neighborhood doesn’t thrive on theoretical concepts on paper, but on taking action. The courage to try new things—and even to fail sometimes—is an integral part of who we are, because only those who take the first step can bring about change. Whether you’re passionate about solar energy, want to grow vegetables, enjoy hands-on projects, or are simply looking to meet nice people: every helping hand and every idea counts. Become part of our community, support our projects, or just stop by our clubhouse for a cup of coffee. Let’s shape the future together!