Marburg's Unpave Challenge Aims to Unseal the City for a Cooler Future
Marburg has joined the Unpave competition to encourage the removal of sealed surfaces across the city. Running from 21 March to 31 October 2025, the initiative invites residents, businesses, schools, and public bodies to work with local authorities on unsealing projects. Officials say this will improve air quality, reduce flood risks, and boost the city's climate resilience. The competition builds on Marburg's 2022 Climate Adaptation Concept, which highlights unsealing as a key measure. Sealed surfaces like asphalt and concrete trap heat and worsen flooding, while unsealed soils absorb water and stay cooler. Projects already underway include the redesign of Liebigstraße and the unsealing of school grounds.
Lord Mayor **Dr. Thomas Spies** stressed that reducing sealed areas will enhance both air quality and quality of life. Deputy Mayor **Nadine Bernshausen** added that more green spaces would make the city more vibrant and attractive. The initiative is backed by multiple groups, including the **Climate Network Climate Hub Marburg** and the **Green Office sustainability network**. Marburg's approach mirrors other German efforts, such as **Ulm's *abpflastern*** campaign, where residents log de-sealed areas via an app, and **Soest and Lippstadt's *Aufbruch 2026***. Ulm began its first conversion on **Gutenbergstraße** in March 2026, showing how small changes can have wider benefits.
The Unpave competition runs until 31 October 2025, with the city aiming to restore ecological soil functions. Successful projects could lower temperatures, cut flood risks, and create greener public spaces. Authorities urge all sectors to take part in reshaping Marburg's urban environment.
