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Rain barrel in Berlin: Citizen engagement for a greener climate!
On October 21, 2025, rain barrel initiatives that promote climate adaptation and environmental protection will be presented in Tempelhof-Schöneberg.
Rain barrel in Berlin: Citizen engagement for a greener climate!
On October 21, 2025, an important step was taken to improve climate adaptation in Berlin. Members of the initiative who initiated the application for the installation of a rain barrel gathered to present their goals. District councilor Dr. Saskia Ellenbeck reiterated the importance of civic engagement in this context. The rain barrel was initiated by the Yorckbrücke forecourt bed community and is intended to help irrigate the city's greenery without the use of drinking water.
The district office's application to approve the rain barrel received a positive response. This facility falls under the “sponge city” concept, which aims to store rainwater on site and use it sustainably. Rain barrels in public spaces not only contribute to improving the quality of living, but also promote environmental and climate protection by relieving the burden on the sewage system.
Goals of the “Sponge City”
The sponge city concept was introduced in Berlin in the 1990s as a pioneering model. Berlin was a pioneer in implementing this idea, which brings together rainwater management and sustainable urban development. Concepts from the sponge city approach are part of urban planning to address climatic challenges. This also includes strategies against urban flash floods and heat, which are documented in the federal government's progress reports.
The German Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (DAS) provides a political framework for such measures. According to the second DAS progress report, significant progress has been made in the investigation of climate impacts and the development of corresponding areas of action. Experts are also calling for an active change in the way water is used in urban development.
Rain barrel as an environmental protection measure
The newly approved rain barrel is one of the measures derived from this approach. It was approved as a special use requiring permission in accordance with Section 11 of the Berlin Road Act. According to the relevant regulation, there are no special usage fees for the environmentally friendly facility. Interested citizens can submit applications for special use by email to the district office.
The use of rainwater can not only reduce costs that would result from flood damage, but also ensure the supply of green open spaces in dry times. This is an essential step in the long-term design of Berlin as a climate-resilient city that is prepared for climatic changes.
The coming months will show how the sponge city idea will unfold in other urban projects. The focus is clearly on keeping the sewage system clean, relieving the burden on sewage treatment plants and improving the urban microclimate.
For more information about Sponge City and the associated initiatives, the following links are useful: Berlin.de, Federal Environment Agency and Green Berlin.