How can the urgently needed expansion of renewable energies and the protection of the landscape be harmonised? This question was addressed at the conference "Landscape and ground-mounted photovoltaic systems" on 4 September at the city campus of the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE).

Around 70 participants from administration, science and practice discussed the legal framework for photovoltaic systems in landscape conservation areas as well as planning requirements that take greater account of landscape concerns.

The event was organised by Prof. Jürgen Peters (HNEE) together with the Förderverein Baukultur (Prof. Nagler and Reinhold Dellmann) and BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg (Prof. Weyrauch and Prof. Lundqvist). The welcoming address was given by the President of HNEE, Prof Matthias Barth.

The contributions made it clear that the expansion of renewable energies must not be slowed down, but must be organised responsibly. Careful site selection, binding measures for landscape integration, consideration of topographical conditions and small-scale plant design are crucial. In addition, compensatory measures - such as woodland structures - can help to make large-scale agricultural landscapes more diverse and ecologically valuable.

The conference presentations will be published shortly on the homepage of the Förderverein Baukultur.