HeatResilientCity nominated for German Sustainability Award

The jury justifies the nomination of the project as follows: “The jury appreciates the focus on the needs of the residents and especially the vulnerable groups. [...] The breadth of research disciplines as well as the diversity of implementation in the neighbourhoods so far reflect the breadth of the need for action and thus contribute to raising awareness for the topic. The linking of real measurement data with simulations on the one hand and the focus on the temperature effects of adaptation measures on the interior on the other are considered particularly innovative.”

The HeatResilientCity project attaches particular importance to the exchange with residents of the two neighbourhoods studied in Erfurt and Dresden. The project mainly implements measures that they consider sensible. The aim is to increase the acceptance of necessary preventive measures against summer heat. Some measures have already been implemented in the neighbourhoods: In Dresden-Gorbitz, three buildings have been renovated to adapt to the heat. In Erfurt's Oststadt, 50 new climate-adapted trees and shrubs provide more shade and cooling. In addition, drinking water stations were set up in the project, a flowering meadow was planted, and tree sponsorships and irrigation initiatives were launched. Until January 2023, the focus is now on further education. The project team will train employees of administrations, the housing industry and the health sector on the topic of heat adaptation and enable them to implement adaptation measures. It will also develop suitable tools and decision-making aids for urban and open space planning, but also for the individual actions of citizens.