Every Wednesday, we present an article on a climate and/or environmental topic on our website, but also on our Facebook page.
We hope you enjoy reading and discovering!
2024
The ClimateTeam Niederanven is looking for motivated people who live or work in the Commune or are involved in an association. The team is currently a small and productive group, looking for reinforcements to be able to realise their future activities. If you are interested in contributing to the sustainable development of the commune, do not hesitate to contact us:
- by e-mail via kevin.becker@niederanven.lu
- by filling out our form about residents' participation
Mobility week in the Commune of Niederanven - We look back on a great programme: distribution of pastries to the Pedibus children and the residents who take the bus, the Mobility Day last Saturday and our information campaign on social media about the mobility options in the commune!
We are one of 18 communes to be certified Gold in the Climate Pact. Take a look at our great video explaining the various actions we have developed on the way to Gold.
Together with the Commission for Environment, we are again organising some great activities this year as part of European Mobility Week. These include a citizens' workshop on planning a communal ring bus route, as well as our traditional Mobility Day.
For more information, have a look at our flyer on the European Mobility Week!
Have you ever seen a yellow ribbon on a tree? You can pick apples, quinces, cherries, pears, plums or even grapes from fruit trees marked with this ribbon. Help yourself and help to prevent masses of fruit from rotting in gardens and public spaces every year! Below you will find the locations and fruit varieties available in our commune.
Did you know? The state not only supports private individuals with the installation of photovoltaic systems, but also companies with the installation of larger systems. For this reason, a tender for large-scale photovoltaic systems is currently running until 31 October 2024, for which the state is providing a maximum budget of 23 million euros.
Find more infos here: guichet.public.lu.
The advantages of auto-consumption
A photovoltaic system produces electricity that you can either consume directly or feed into the grid in return for a fee. Using your own electricity to run electrical appliances, a heat pump or charge an electric car can make economic sense, especially if your supplier's electricity price is higher than the income generated by selling your solar-generated electricity back into the grid.
What's more, adding storage batteries can give you added value for auto-consumption: it allows you to use surplus solar electricity at night. However, given the resources consumed in producing the battery and the considerable cost involved, we recommend sizing the battery carefully.
Collective auto-consumption is another interesting option. It allows you to share the electricity produced with your neighbours, thereby improving the profitability of your solar installation.
More information on auto-consumption: klima-agence.lu/pv
Self-service tools of the Klima-Agence
To assess the feasibility and profitability of your project, we recommend using the national solar cadastre available at energie.geoportail.lu. This tool identifies the locations best exposed to solar radiation and offers a self-consumption function, enabling users to estimate their consumption and determine the optimum investment.
To simulate the amount of state, communal and energy supplier support available in just a few clicks, go to aides.klima-agence.lu.
Free and independant advice of the klima-agence.lu • 8002 11 90
With the growing challenges of climate change, responsible use of water resources is becoming indispensable. In the latest infographic from the EBL, you can find out in four languages how you can use rainwater cleverly.
Spotted them yet? At all our streams you will currently find signposts giving you the name, course, length and further information. This campaign was developed by the ''Flusspartnerschaft Syr'' with its member communes on the initiative of our commission for environment.
Did you know that there are more than 300 species of wasps in Luxembourg and that only 2 species represent a potential conflict for us humans? Wasps are useful animals and play a fundamental role in the balance of nature. How do you recognise a wasp, how should you protect them and what is the best way to live with them? You can read all about this in the detailed wasp guide from the Ëmweltberodung Lëtzebuerg.
Are you taking part in the "Vëlosummer" this year? Between the 27th of July and the 25th of August, you have the opportunity to discover our little country by bike on 14 different routes. One of them is the Sir-Uelzechtdall-Tour, which also passes through our commune. Try it out!
Did you know that your collected raw materials are turned into high-quality compost and renewable, climate-friendly energy at Minett-Kompost? However, this is only possible if you throw your organic waste into your organic waste bin and avoid plastic materials. Information and tips on how to separate organic waste correctly can be found in your letterbox this week and here below!
Based on the analyses of our activities in 2022 and 2023, we renewed our certificate as a Fairtrade commune for the years 2024 and 2025 on Monday, 8 July. We are proud to be a Fairtrade commune and to support our efforts to promote fair trade and bring it closer to our residents!
On Friday the 28th of June, we had the great honour of hosting the second national NaturePact Day in Niederanven. We started in the morning with 4 thematic visits, during which we visited actions for the protection of biodiversity in urban areas on the one hand and the Aarnescht and Mensder Brill nature reserves on the other.
In the afternoon, after a brief exchange of best-practice actions, the certificates for 2024 were distributed. We also received the bronze certification from Minister Serge Wilmes with over 50% and have thus achieved an improvement of over 10% in one year.
Copyright pictures: Klima-Agence
What a great achievement!
We have received the data on residual waste from SIDOR and the statistics clearly show a continuous decrease in the amount of waste that ends up in the grey bin per inhabitant per year. Let's continue together to separate our waste properly!
Always a great opportunity to put your manual skills to the test and give broken items a new life. During last Saturday's Repair Café, 19 of 34 items were repaired and 7 partially fixed.
On Friday, 7 June, we received our certificate as a commune as part of the ClimatePact 2.0. We have implemented over 80% of the measures and are now one of 17 communes with gold certification. In addition to this, we have also received a thematic certification in the circular economy. This makes us only the second commune to receive this combination of gold certifications in the circular economy certification. A big thank you to everyone involved!
© Pictures: Klima-Agence
As one of four communes in total, we have the big honour of participating with a Luxembourgish delegation in the ''Woche der Umwelt'', which is taking place this week in the gardens of Bellevue Palace in Berlin. An interesting specialised programme, constructive discussions and a large exhibition with around 190 exhibitors from the fields of business, technology, research and science await us here.
Have you noticed that there are 2 dog parks in our Commune? If not, then today is the perfect day to discover them with your faithful companion:
- Parc de l'Europe, Oberanven
- Gomscheed II, Senningerberg
At last it's that time again! On Saturday, the 15th of June 2024, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Repair Café will take place in our Commune again. If you have items that need to be repaired, or you like to repair items yourself, then come along!
The Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity (MECB), in collaboration with its partners, is organising the Pollinator Action Weeks in Luxembourg for the third. This event is part of the national action plan for pollinating insects published by the government at the end of 2021, and is an excellent opportunity to discover the fascinating world of pollinating insects during excursions and workshops, and to learn how to protect and promote them.
This year's B&B Action Weeks for our pollinators run from the 17th of May to the 9th June 2024. You can find the programme here: www.bbweeks.lu
As a certified Fairtrade commune, we are again taking part in the Fairtrade Weeks this year!
You can visit the exhibition in the commune building until the 15th of May and, of course, help yourself to the juice and chocolate that we have provided for you.
In addition, our Commission for Environment had an information stand during the last edition of the market in Niederanven and will also have a stand at the Hueschterter Kiermes from the 9th to the 12th of May.
Join the 2nd regional Climate and Biodiversity Day, organised by SIAS on 12 May 2024 at the Munsbach Resource Centre. Experience workshops, an interactive children's performance, stands and live presentations on climate and biodiversity protection, energy, resources, agriculture and nature conservation. Discover new ways to make a big difference with small steps. Everyone is welcome!
- food and drinks all day
- come environmentally friendly - on foot, by bike, train or bus (shuttle bus from Munsbach railway station)
What a great campaign!
On Thursday, the 18th of April, a team from J.P. Morgan took their team day out into nature and organised their own 'Grouss Botz' campaign. Our energy, environment and sustainable development manager helped the team to set up this campaign, defined a trail and provided them with the necessary material to pick up the dirt.
Are you a company in the commune of Niederanven and do you also want to help the environment in the commune? Then contact us and let us organise your personal ecological campaign together with your team.
At a time when the focus is on sustainable solutions, heat pumps are taking on even greater importance. This proven technology not only offers an efficient way of heating buildings but is also proving to be a promising alternative for minimising environmental impact.
Heat pumps use the thermal energy available in the environment, whether in the air or the ground, to produce heat. To measure this efficiency, we refer to the COP (coefficient of performance), which expresses the ratio between the thermal energy produced (kWh) and the electricity required (kWh). Heat pumps offer a considerable advantage compared to fossil heating systemsthanks to their energy efficiency.
Myths about heat pumps
There are still many myths about heat pumps, such as "heat pumps cannot be used in older buildings". But heat pumps are an option in older buildings, even if you use existing radiators. The only difference is that their efficiency is slightly lower than in new buildings with underfloor heating.
If you are considering installing a heat pump in your home, Klima-Agence has compiled a checklist to give you an overview of the installation process. In this list, compiled by our experts, you will find the elements you need to pay attention to when installing and using such a system: the possibilities for adjusting your installation, the authorisations required, the checks to be carried out, and the different types of heat pump. The document also includes a short glossary explaining the technical terms you are likely to come across. You can also take advantage of Klima-Agence's advice if you have further questions.
Find the checklist here: bit.ly/3J9bLjE
Free, independent advice klima-agence.lu - 8002 11 90
Springtime is garden time! To mark the current season, the Ëmweltberodung Lëtzebuerg gives us a few ideas on how we can improve the quality of life in our gardens for flora and fauna, as well as for ourselves.
Would you like to learn how to create a perennial bed yourself? To mark the start of the gardening season, the SIAS Biological Station is organising the workshop "How do I create a natural perennial bed?" on 13 April. Together with Tom Dall'Armellina from the SIAS Biological Station, participants will create a perennial bed. They will learn all about the different types of perennials, planting, the ideal location and how to care for a perennial bed. Of course, we will also look at how biodiversity, especially butterflies, bumblebees and bees, benefit from such perennials.
13 April from 9:00 to 12:00 in Schuttrange
Please register at t.dallarmellina@sias.lu or 34 94 10 32.
During the weekend of the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of March, around 40 people were active in the 7 villages to collect dirt. In April weather with sun, hail and even snow, the residents worked in small groups through the various villages under the guidance of members of the Commission for Environment and the NatureTeam. A total of around 75 kg of dirt must have been collected!
Do you know about it yet? Natur&ëmwelt has named the common tern bird of the year!
Find more infos on the web site www.naturemwelt.lu.
With the start of spring, spring cleaning is due again in the commune. Join our Commission for Environment and the NatureTeam and take part in the campaign "Grouss Botz" on Saturday, the 23rd of March. You can register via our online form or via christiane.bour@niederanven.lu.
Are you already familiar with the SIAS online agenda "Naturaktivitéiten an eiser Regioun"? If you would like to spend more time in nature alone or as a family with your children, then take a look at the agenda and discover many great nature activities together with the SIAS partners.
Hiking friends take note! Just before the start of spring, the Auto-Pédestre hiking trail in our commune was completely dismantled and reinstalled. The hiking trail now starts at the new water tower in Senningerberg and will henceforth be known as AP Senningerberg. You can recognise the Auto-Pédestre hiking trails by the new white signs with the blue rhombus.
Find more infos on the web site of Visit Guttland.
Broken? In the bin with it! Time and again, we find ourselves throwing away all kinds of items far too quickly when they could perhaps still be repaired. With the series ''fixit! Flécken. Léinen. Notzen'', which was created as part of the ''Rethink'' project, the Mouvement Ecologique regularly provides us with tips and information on sustainable consumption.
Take a look at their website www.meco.lu!
Are you familiar with "contractual nature conservation"? This is a proven method used by SIAS in cooperation with farmers to guarantee nature conservation and biodiversity in the countryside. You will receive information on this from SIAS this week:
A proven method of nature conservation is the contractual nature conservation through biodiversity contracts :
- Those contracts are being made with the exploitants of greenland or arable land who are willing to take part in nature conservation measures over a span of five years
- As a compensation for potential financial losses that can come with a more extensive land exploitation, the farmers receive an adjustment payment
- In 2024, there are 998 active biodiversity contracts with 143 farmers and winegrowers that have been contracted during the last five years. In 2024 alone, 324 new contracts have been made, which shows the willingness of the farmers to take part in such actions to save our nature
- Because of those contracts, 1571 ha of greenland are under contractual nature conservation, 126 ha of fallow land are being sown with perennial flowers, 400 cubic meters dry stone walls are being restored and over 650 cubic meters of hedges made of deadwood are installed
- All in all, the farmers of the SIAS region receive nearly 2 million euros per year in compensation money for the valuable work they do
As part of World Wetlands Day, there will be a great guided tour of the 'Schlammwiss - Brill' nature reserve on Saturday the 10th of February at 9am. Join them and discover this valuable habitat for animals, insects and birds!
More infos via www.naturemwelt.lu.
On Monday the 29th of January 2024, in the presence of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Mr Serge Wilmes, and the Minister for the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, Mr Lex Delles, the Boards of Aldermen of the communes of Niederanven and Schuttrange invited business companies from both communes to a reception for the first time. Around 120 people, including businesswomen and -men from 56 different companies, found their way to the Centre de Loisirs "Loisi" to forge new contacts and exchange ideas. The focus was on the presentation of the Klima-Agence on measures for the energy transition for companies, before the evening was rounded off with an interesting networking session among the business people, the members of the Boards of Aldermen and Communal Councils of Niederanven and Schuttrange and the ministers.
This weekend participate in the largest ornithological participatory event in Luxembourg, the annual winter bird count. This event allows the natur & ëmwelt team to assess the populations of common bird species in Luxembourg and determine population trends over the years.
Find more infos on the website of natur & ëmwelt.
A conference not to be missed! On Thursday, the 1st of February, the SIAS warmly invites you to the lecture by Sven Plöger on the topic "Dress warmly, it's getting hot". Join us live as the meteorologist and TV presenter tells us more about climate change in a humorous but also serious manner.
The conference will be held in German with simultaneous translation into English and French.
Three new Vel'OH stations have recently been made available for use in the commune! This means that our commune is now even better connected with a total of 5 stations, making the use of Vel'OH even more attractive.
- Senningerberg, Château d'eau
- Hostert, Place Charly
- Oberanven, Rue d'Ernster
- Niederanven, Routscheed
- Niederanven, Rue Laach
Find more info via www.myveloh.lu.
Have you heard? The increase in state aid for photovoltaics, heat pumps, etc. has been extended until 30 June 2024. Take advantage of the state subsidy, as well as the new communal subsidy of 50% for the use of installations promoting renewable energy!
Find more information in our section about the grants and subsidies.
2023
More sport, less chocolate, no more alcohol... How about some environmentally friendly resolutions for the new year? Find out what these resolutions could be below:
At the turn of the year, the use of fireworks, firecrackers and bangers is prohibited on the territory of the commune of Niederanven. You can read about the negative effects of fireworks in our infographic. Make use of great alternatives - the environment and wildlife say thank you!
Christmas is coming closer and closer. Is the Christmas tree already decorated? Have you already got your presents for family and friends? And do you already know what you're cooking for your guests? Before the time comes, we want to give you a few ideas to help you celebrate Christmas in a sustainable way.
Are you still looking for the perfect gift for Christmas? Here are a few more ideas from the Ëmweltberodung Lëtzebuerg to help you find a gift that is also sustainable.
Have a look at the infographic!
After signing the Climate Pact in 2013 and committing to sustainable communal management, we have now achieved gold certification 10 years later with more than 80%. For this reason, we were honoured with the European Energy Award Gold in Lörrach.
As part of the National Tree Day, the Board of Aldermen of the commune of Niederanven, together with the gardening service, the SIAS and the Nature and Forestry Administration, invited on Saturday, the 18th of November, to the planting action for newborns of 2022. A variety of tall trees and shrubs were planted and there was a shrub for each child to plant this year. After the planting, the commune's administration was inviting to a barbecue.
Now that the temperatures are dropping and the wood-burning ovens and fireplaces are slowly being lit, the environmental authorities are giving us a few practical tips to keep pollutant emissions low and heat with wood in a more environmentally friendly way.
Do you have books, clothes, toys or hand tools at home that you no longer need? Then bring it to the recycling centre in Munsbach - the second-hand area is open again. Drop by - you can take home up to 3 items per visit!
On Friday, the 27th of October 2023, the new subsidy regulations for sustainable new construction, energy-efficient renovation and installation of renewable energies were voted on. In addition to the increase from 30% to 50% of the amount of the state subsidy, various maximum amounts were also adjusted.
Interested in renovating your home or maybe already planning it? Make sure to check out the subsidy simulator of the Klima-Agence. Here you can find out about the financial support available for your project, with hardly any effort!
Do you want to actively promote the climate and nature in our commune? Then sign up now for our Climate and/or NatureTeam and let's realise great projects and activities together and make concrete contributions to the environment in our commune!
On the 7th of July 2023, the rose "Andethanna" was baptised during a
great ceremony and is supposed to represent and connect the inhabitants
of the commune of Niederanven. In order to honour the rose, the Board of
Aldermen offers a rose to every interested household in the commune.
If you would also like to have one, you can still place your order until Friday the 13th of October via roberta.dario@niederanven.lu (please include the first and last name, the address and a telephone number).
Good insulation increases the energy efficiency of your home and replacing your gas or oil heating system also makes you less dependent on rising energy prices. Take advantage of the independent and free advice from the Klima-Agence now.
Seen it yet? Drinking water dispensers have recently been set up at
three different locations in our commune so you can drink water directly
from the dispenser or fill up your bottle.
For the sake of the environment, we ask you not to waste this precious resource.
- Scouts' Home at Senningerberg
- Jugendhaus Niederanven at Senningen
- Parc de l'Europe at Oberanven
A short review of a great mobility day in our commune. Under good weather conditions, many citizens tried out on foot, by bike or with a rollator the tours we suggested them.
The Syndicat d'Initiative de la Commune de Niederanven (SICN) together with the ORT Centre/Ouest, the Administration de la Nature et des Forêts and the municipality of Niederanven cordially invite you to the inauguration of the Guttland.Trail Aarnescht, on the 24th of September 2023.
Take part in the great programme around the trail through the unique nature reserve Aarnescht and spend a great day in nature with us.
Programme:
Start at the entrance to the ''Groussebësch'', on the parking of the aeroplane monument.
10h00: official inauguration of the Guttland.Trail Aarnescht in the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Lex Delles
10h30: walk on the Guttland.Trail Aarnescht with explanations by the
forestry officer of the municipality of Niederanven, Mr Pit Lacour
ca. 14h00: Friendship drink with barbecue
As part of the European Mobility Week, we're inviting you to take part
in the various tours through the commune on the 17th of September.
Whether you're a pedestrian, in a wheelchair, with a walking aid or on a
bike (mountain bike or racing bike), everyone can take part. The tour
starts at 10 am at the Kulturhaus in Niederanven
But there's more to come. Bring a bite to eat before the tours through the commune and join the Sunday Brunch of the Commission for Intercultural Living Together in the park of the Kulturhaus in Niederanven.
Good news!
From the 10th of September on, the new RGTR bus line 327 will be
running, complementing the bus line 325. The timetables, as well as the
exact itinerary, can be found on www.mobiliteit.lu.
Did you know? It is forbidden to simply pick fruit from a tree. That is why the Ministry of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development, together with the Syvicol, launched the "Gielt Band" campaign in 2021 .
You can also find fruit trees in our municipality, marked with a yellow ribbon - here you can pick apples, quinces, cherries, pears, plums as well as grapes. Help yourself and contribute to preventing huge amounts of fruit from rotting in gardens and public places every year!
Do you also have a fruit tree in an accessible garden? Then join the action and pick up your yellow ribbon at the town hall!
Interactive map with the fruit trees in our commune: http://g-o.lu/3/H8vG