Unsealing of Surfaces

This program targets non-public property and building owners in the State of Bremen, including private individuals, businesses, and associations, to support voluntary measures for the unsealing of surfaces. The overarching goal is to contribute to decentralized rainwater management and improve the local climate and natural balance.

The funding aims to reduce the risk of heavy rainfall through backflow and flooding and to enhance the quality of life in urban areas.

The funding program supports measures for the unsealing of impermeable surfaces and their conversion into unsealed or water-permeable paved areas. Crucially, this involves the complete disconnection of the unsealed area from the sewage system and ensuring that rainwater infiltrates on-site without posing any risk to soil and groundwater.

The program offers financial support in the form of a non-repayable grant for the unsealing of surfaces. The funding covers a portion of the eligible costs, with a maximum funding amount set per measure and per square meter. The goal is to create incentives for voluntary ecological measures.

To receive funding, certain conditions must be met, including the complete disconnection of the unsealed area from the sewage system and the exclusion of any risk to soil and groundwater. The measures must be voluntary and not already required by legal obligations. Furthermore, obligations regarding the overall financing and the retention of the unsealed surfaces for a period of 10 years must be observed.

The application procedure for the “Unsealing of Surfaces” funding program requires the submission of complete documents, including detailed plans and cost estimates, to Bremer Umwelt Beratung e.V. The approving authority reviews the technical, ecological, and economic viability of the project to determine eligible costs and issue the funding commitment.

This funding program is based on a specific funding guideline of the State of Bremen and is underpinned by relevant environmental laws. These legal foundations ensure the legitimacy and adherence to environmental standards in the implementation of unsealing measures.