Fighting climate change: Edible balconies cool Vienna's urban climate!

Fighting climate change: Edible balconies cool Vienna's urban climate!

Vienna is facing a huge challenge: climate change is having a noticeable impact on the quality of life in the city, with rising temperatures and the formation of heat islands and more frequent heavy rain events. The ESSBAR research project aims to counteract these developments and at the same time promote self-sufficiency among city residents. The approach is innovative: Retrofittable balcony systems with vertical greening elements are intended to bring a breath of fresh air into the city and offer residents the opportunity to create their own edible balcony gardens. This reports oekonews.at.

Sustainable construction methods alone are not enough. A large proportion of the buildings in the city already exist, which is why subsequent solutions are necessary. The practical implementation of balcony gardens can be observed in a pilot project at Karmarschgasse 59-63 in Vienna-Favoriten, where pre-assembled balconies can be quickly installed on existing facades. A sophisticated rainwater management system with a 15,000 liter tank feeds the vertical beds with vegetables, herbs and salads, which not only contributes to increasing the quality of life, but also to improving the urban microclimate.

Cooling and biodiversity

The project simulations show that the new balcony systems improve eight out of twelve microclimate indicators. This includes a noticeable cooling of the environment and also a relief of the sewage system during heavy rain events. Drinking water is saved and biodiversity is promoted - a holistic approach that not only gives residents space for self-sufficiency, but also focuses on their health and well-being.

According to the Federal Environment Agency study on “Sustainable building air conditioning in Europe”, it is essential to take measures to avoid heat islands and to create a pleasant indoor climate. Among other things, large stands of trees and shading elements have a positive effect on temperatures in urban areas. These plans are necessary to increase the resilience of urban neighborhoods to the summer heat. Greenery, such as that promoted in the ESSBAR project, can make a decisive contribution here. The Federal Environment Agency In his study, he names several measures that promote thermal comfort in outdoor spaces.

Green space as a solution

Self-producing food in urban areas not only offers ecological benefits, but also social ones. After all, around 75% of people in Europe live in urban areas, where the effect of heat islands is particularly pronounced. Increasing green space by just 10% could reduce temperatures by up to 3°C on summer days, like Catella determines. These changes would not only be a benefit for the microclimate, but also for the quality of life of city residents who have suffered from rising temperatures in recent years.

In order to meet the further challenges of climate change, the active involvement of residents in the development of urban solutions is crucial. The ESSBAR project shows how commitment and innovative approaches can go hand in hand to make urban spaces more livable and sustainable.