Erlangen Environmental Award

The Erlangen Environmental Award honors creative and forward-looking projects by young people up to 30 years old who actively engage with environmental, nature, and climate protection as well as education for sustainable development during the period from July 2025 to June 2026. Sponsored by the City of Erlangen in cooperation with Erlangen Stadtwerke, a total prize fund of €5,000 is available, distributed in individual awards ranging from €200 to €2,500. The goal is to strengthen environmental awareness in the Bavaria region and to promote the initiative of children, adolescents, trainees, students, initiatives, associations, and school classes. The competition recognizes both illustrative presentations of complex environmental issues and innovative contributions to energy efficiency, sustainable urban development, and the achievement of the SDGs in the Erlangen area.

Eligible to participate are individuals and groups residing in Erlangen who are not yet fully employed and do not exceed the maximum age of 30 years. Evaluation criteria include creativity, action orientation, relevance to one’s own living environment, exemplary character, and sustainability of the project. Applications must include a detailed project description and optionally a photographic documentation. The submission deadline is June 30, 2026. The jury, composed of representatives from the city leadership, Stadtwerke, the Environmental Office, youth representatives, and partners from science and media, selects the winners. Through this award, responsible and committed approaches to shaping the local living environment are highlighted, and the development of ecological competencies among the younger generation is sustainably supported.