ManagEnergy Expert Mission #11: Driving Climate Action in Mannheim

The Climate Action Agency of Mannheim (KSA), founded in 2009, plays a pivotal role in advancing the city’s ambitious climate goals. As the city's dedicated Climate Action Agency, KSA focuses on raising awareness, facilitating citizen participation, and administering a wide range of subsidy programmes aimed at reducing the city's carbon footprint. The Agency manages around €2 million in funds annually, which trigger investments of over €10 million in climate action initiatives.

Seamus Hoyne, ManagEnergy Coordinator and Dean of Flexible and Work Place Learning at the Technological University of the Shannon (IE), spent three days at the Mannheim Agency as part of the 11th ManagEnergy Expert Mission, which took place from 15-17 October 2024. The mission focused on strategic planning for KSA’s future, exploring the development of a One Stop Shop (OSS) and discussing its critical role in Mannheim’s broader climate action ecosystem.

Key Role in Supporting Citizens and Local Action

KSA manages a complex array of subsidy programmes that support energy retrofitting, heat pump installations, district heating connections, photovoltaic (PV) systems, green roofs, and climate adaptation measures. These initiatives empower citizens to take concrete steps toward energy efficiency and sustainability.

One of the standout features of KSA’s public engagement efforts is the “model flat”—a unique tool used to educate citizens, especially young people, about sustainability practices. This model flat has been set up in various locations around Mannheim and will soon be re-located to KSA’s new offices, creating a one-stop resource hub where citizens can receive comprehensive advice and support.

"KSA plays a key role in enabling citizens to actively engage in the energy transition. Through various programmes and initiatives, the Agency connects local action with the city's policy ambitions."

Seamus Hoyne - ManagEnergy Expert

Collaboration with Local Climate Action Teams

Mannheim’s climate goals are supported by a broader, innovative climate action ecosystem, including the city’s Climate Action Department and a newly established Local Green Deal Team. The Green Deal team, created in 2023, works across departments, focusing on energy, biodiversity, mobility, and sustainable food systems. Deep collaboration between these entities, along with KSA, is crucial for the city to meet its carbon neutrality target by 2030.

"The Expert Mission was highly valuable in exploring how the KSA can strategically grow and expand its services, particularly in the development of a One Stop Shop for retrofitting and heating decarbonisation." 

Seamus Hoyne - ManagEnergy Expert

The Future of KSA: Expanding Services and Decarbonisation

KSA’s future plans are ambitious. They include the development of a dedicated One Stop Shop, focusing on retrofitting and heating decarbonisation, along with potential growth into mobility-related activities. The Agency is also looking to strengthen its collaboration with other city teams to maximise its impact on the city’s climate action strategy.

KSA’s dynamic team of experts, coupled with a strong policy framework within the city, enables them to continue playing a vital role in ensuring Mannheim’s citizens are active participants in the city's energy transition.

"It is very valuable and extremely enriching to exchange ideas with an expert like Seamus about successful strategies of European energy agencies. With Mannheim as an EU Mission City, awarded the Mission Label, and as a Local Green Deal Pilot City, the KSA has an important role as an interface to citizens and companies, for which we now feel even better equipped."

Agnes Schönfelder, Managing Director of the KSA