In Garching, Unterföhring and the other municipalities in the north of the district of Munich, the town halls set an example for the careful use of electricity. In view of the Russian war against Ukraine and the associated energy shortages, the municipalities will forego Christmas lights in the streets and public squares this Advent. The procedure has been agreed in the eight cities and municipalities of the Northern Alliance – in addition to Garching and Unterföhring, this also includes Ismaning, Unterschleißheim, Oberschleißheim and Eching, Hallbergmoos and Neufahrn near Freising – said Garching Mayor Dietmar Gruchmann (SPD) on Tuesday in the building committee.
So that nobody has to worry about the Christmas spirit, at least the Christmas trees in the town centers will be lit, although the number will be reduced in some cases and the lighting will be limited in time. The municipality of Unterföhring is also discussing not building the ice rink in front of the community center that was actually planned for winter this year in order to use less energy. The administration has already drained the fountains in front of the town hall and in the wider municipal area and made them winterproof. In addition, architectural features of the community such as the historic parish villa or the market roof are no longer illuminated at night; the municipality has installed motion detectors for path lighting. Since September 1st, there has also been an energy saving regulation for public buildings nationwide.