Frankfurt’s grassroots push wins Germany’s depaving competition
Frankfurt has won Germany’s nationwide Unpave competition for removing the most impervious surfaces per capita. The victory follows years of grassroots efforts by local groups, schools, and climate activists. Their push for depaving transformed public spaces and raised awareness about urban greening.
The city’s success was driven by strong public involvement. A grassroots campaign tied to Klimaentscheid Frankfurt urged officials to join the competition. Without this pressure, Frankfurt might not have participated at all.
Volunteers documented and submitted completed projects during the contest period. One key site was Paul-Arnsberg-Platz, where 1,500 square metres of pavement were removed in 2022. The area now absorbs rainwater, supports new trees, and hosts wildflowers. Other depaving projects took place at Staufenmauer, Goetheplatz, and Walther-von-Cronberg-Platz. These initiatives align with sponge city principles, which aim to manage rainwater naturally and reduce heat. A city official described depaving as essential for improving microclimates, especially during hot weather. The mobility department also backs the efforts, seeing depaving as a way to create greener, more pedestrian-friendly spaces. The award was presented at Paul-Arnsberg-Platz, recognising both the city’s achievements and the role of community action.
Frankfurt’s win highlights how local activism can shape urban policy. The removed pavement has already allowed rainwater absorption and new plant growth. Future projects will likely build on this approach to make the city cooler and more sustainable.
