Gießen tests rainwater irrigation system as Ingolstadt pushes tree‑planting program

The city of Gießen has launched a pilot project using the Pluvara rainwater collector. The system captures up to 3,000 L of rain per year per unit, stores it in standard IBC containers and supplies it directly to nearby trees and green spaces through automated sub‑surface irrigation. The aim is to reduce reliance on potable water, cut transport costs and assess the practicality of decentralized water use for municipal landscaping.

In Ingolstadt, the CSU faction of the city council has tabled a proposal to revitalize the 1‑million‑tree programme. The motion calls for mandatory assessment of climate‑resilient tree planting during road renovations, a review of the city’s tree stock, and the expansion of a smart‑irrigation system that was piloted in 2024. The goal is to protect existing trees, add new shade‑providing plantings, and lower water consumption through data‑driven watering.

Both initiatives reflect German municipalities’ efforts to make urban greening more water‑efficient and climate‑resilient.