Herlicek is fighting for more green: Simmering is becoming a flower paradise!

Herlicek is fighting for more green: Simmering is becoming a flower paradise!

In the latest episode of “Herlicek’s Adventure,” the Simmering district is given the green light. The quirky fictional character Herlicek, a true fighter against the pitfalls of everyday life, addresses the upcoming changes in the cityscape. The city of Vienna is planning to green Simmering with 50 new trees, which will not only improve the urban space, but also result in a densification of the greenery. In an impressive poem, Herlicek compares his home district with green Semmering and shows how important nature is in an urban environment. The new episodes are exclusive to Today.at available, both for reading and listening.

But that's not all that's going on in Simmering. The city is pursuing an ambitious goal: the facades of five other municipal buildings will now also be covered in greenery. The new locations include Dommesgasse 1-7 and Geiselbergstraße 27-31. This measure uses climbing plants, ground-covering plants and low shrubs. The goal is clear: to create cooler facades and a better microclimate, explains Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky. These measures were inspired by citizens' ideas from 2022 and were recommended for implementation by a jury. District leader Thomas Steinhart and his deputy Ramona Miletic are enthusiastic about the tangible results.

Green and sustainable: An important step for Simmering

Facade greening is part of a broader strategy by the City of Vienna to improve the quality of life in urban areas. Last year, a residential complex at Herbortgasse 42 was greened, which is showing the first positive effects. Daniel Milovic-Braun, deputy director of Wiener Wohnen, emphasizes how important these climate change adaptation measures are for existing municipal buildings.

The need for such measures is underpinned by urban development. By 2050, it is estimated that 68% of the world's population will live in cities. This requires innovative solutions to the challenges of climate change. Sustainable urban greening, as is being implemented in Simmering, is a key strategy for improving air quality and reducing urban heat islands. Together with local organizations and citizen engagement, the quality of city life will be significantly increased. Projects such as the “High Line” in New York or green facades in Paris also show how important sustainable concepts are in order to remain livable in the future.

The green way into the future

Such greening strategies not only massively improve living conditions, but also create habitats for biodiversity. Plants act as natural carbon sinks, produce oxygen and help purify the air. Studies show that areas with dense vegetation have lower concentrations of pollutants, resulting in a healthier living environment. Access to green spaces can reduce stress and promote the mental well-being of city residents.

The developments in Simmering are an excellent example of how urban greening not only protects the environment, but also promotes social interaction. While the city is investing in green ideas, it remains to be seen what other creative approaches will be brought to life by residents. With a good hand in planning urban green spaces, Simmering may be on the verge of a new green era.