Heat-Relief Spaces in Treptow-Köpenick: Introducing Refreshingly Cool Rooms for Summer Comfort
In the hot summer months, Treptow-Köpenick has upped its game in fighting heat-related issues, announcing a host of measures to combat the scorching temperatures. As part of their "Heat protection for all" initiative, they've been working tirelessly to roll out a diverse set of public health measures since last year.
Carolin Weingart, the district councillor for social affairs, health, work, and participation, highlighted the gravity of these measures, stating, "We've been putting in the extra effort to shield Treptow-Köpenick from heat, and now we're launching an assortment of low-threshold public health initiatives - like offering communal facilities for those affected by the heat."
Klaus Reinhardt, president of the German Medical Association,echoed the importance of heat protection during the heat action day, warning, "Heat waves pose a significant threat to human lives – and they're becoming more common, longer, and intensified. It's crucial we're ready, and Germany needs binding heat protection plans, clear responsibilities, and targeted support for vulnerable populations."
Beginning June 1st and lasting until August 31st, 2025, residents will have access to cool rooms at KIEZKLUBs, which offer respite from the heat. These rooms boast heat-reflecting films and are designed to provide both cooling and opportunities for social interaction. The KIEZKLUB staff has received special training to handle heat-stricken individuals, particularly focusing on at-risk groups.
In collaboration with Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich and the eco agency, training sessions will take place in June and July, with a focus on heat protection for pregnant women, newborns, infants, young children, and the elderly. Professional staff from social and health-related fields will be trained to disseminate vital information and promote preventative measures.
Treptow-Köpenick is paving the way for comprehensive federal and state government support, as district councillor Weingart advocated, "United, we'll face these challenges, and Treptow-Köpenick has taken the initial steps towards this, which must be reinforced and continued."
A number of KIEZKLUBs have been designated as cool rooms, including KIEZKLUB Allende, Alte Schule Adlershof, Bohnsdorf, Altglienicke, and Rahnsdorf. You can find these locations at Salvador-Allende-Straße 89,Doerpfeldstraße 54/56, Dahmestraße 33, Ortolfstraße 182-184, Fürstenwalder Allee 362, respectively.
The KIEZKLUB at Rathaus Johannisthal (Sterndamm 102) and Vital Friedrichshagen (Myliusgarten 20) are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, although hours may vary based on room occupancy. The Regional Meeting Center South of the Volkssolidarität e.V. at Baumschulenstraße 31 is also available as a cool space.
On June 17th, 2025, from 16:00 to 17:00, there will be an online lecture by expert Debora Grosskopf-Kroiher on protecting children's skin and eyes from UV radiation. Parents, kindergarten, and primary school staff are invited to attend this free event to learn practical recommendations and simple measures to reduce UV radiation risks.
It's important to note that, while Treptow-Köpenick's immediate focus is on heat protection, Berlin as a whole is also concentrating on environmental and energy-related initiatives, like the SolarCity 2025-30 masterplan to boost solar energy production, that could indirectly aid efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.
- The science of heat protection has become a significant focus in Treptow-Köpenick, with their "Heat protection for all" initiative incorporating measures from both health-and-wellness and environmental-science fields.
- As part of the district's efforts, fitness-and-exercise plays a role in promoting overall health and wellbeing, particularly during heat waves, while also encouraging residents to seek thermal respite in the KIEZKLUB's cool rooms equipped with heat-reflecting films.
- Furthering their commitment to public health, Treptow-Köpenick is implementing targeted therapies-and-treatments for at-risk groups, such as expectant mothers, newborns, infants, young children, and the elderly, in collaboration with Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich and the eco agency.
- Moreover, through educational events like Debora Grosskopf-Kroiher's lecture on protecting children's skin and eyes from UV radiation, mental-health awareness is being fostered, making the community more prepared for potential heat-related risks.
