Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The measures were introduced to help the country avoid blackouts during the winter
This week, the German federal law mandating energy-saving measures in municipalities is about to run out. The date is 15 April and officials have not announced amendments or extensions to the bill, however, some city officials have said that they will keep a version of the energy austerity measures for the foreseeable future.
Originally, the law was introduced in October and aimed to limit the use of energy and natural gas, after Russia suspended natural gas deliveries through the Nord Stream pipelines. Also, it followed the direction of an EU decision to limit energy consumption by 15%.
Some of the energy-saving measures for municipalities included lowering the temperature of public swimming pools and many prominent buildings had to go dark while some cities even had streetlight curfews.
Moreover, some municipalities even published guides on what to do in the event of a prolonged blackout. Yet, the winter turned out to be quite mild and savings targets were easily met. According to preliminary data, electricity consumption in Germany fell by around 4% compared to 2021 and gas consumption fell by 14% and can currently boast a gas storage capacity full to around 60%.
Cologne Cathedral, which went dark during the winter months, was illuminated again to celebrate Easter on 9 April. Moreover, according to a report by Tagesschau, the city’s chief architect explained that the Cathedral now has a LED light system which uses 50% to 70% less energy compared to conventional lights.
Yet, the city plans to continue to save energy through public lights on buildings and monuments. City Director (Stadtdirektorin) Andrea Blome pointed out that a change would send the wrong signal considering the climate crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine, putting global pressure on the energy supply.
The city of Hilden, in the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia, had turned off hot water in schools, gyms and public buildings last summer. While the warm water was turned back on in October for schools and gyms, the city’s admin building taps still only deliver cold water.
According to local officials, this will remain the case for the time being. Mayor Claus Pommer pointed out that the city managed to use 27% less gas in all municipal buildings, compared to the year before.
On the other hand, Dortmund, for instance, plans to turn street and public lights back on to help citizens with their sense of security.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
The benefit will last until the Dutch parliament adopts the transgender law
Experimenting with public transport provision in Germany is clearly in a state of creative fervour
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
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An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team