Green walls for heat: Viennese university revolutionizes urban climate!

Green walls for heat: Viennese university revolutionizes urban climate!

In the heat battle of the cities, a lot is happening. Today, on July 15, 2025, an exciting pilot project at the University of Natural Resources and Load (Boku) starts in Vienna. Under the direction of Professor Rosemarie Stangl, the Institute for Engineering Biology and Landscaping is working on reducing heat poles caused by glass facades. Specifically, retrofitting of office buildings and supermarkets in Währing and Tyrol should ensure a more pleasant city climate. The idea is as simple as it is awesome: climbing plants should be used as natural shading.

These plants are not only decorative, but also have the potential to significantly reduce the temperatures in the cities. Winter light permeability and summer shadow formation are the main goals. Three years ago, four plant species were chosen for the greenery, which now have an effect. According to the results, you can hold up to 90% of direct sunlight, which not only improves the indoor climate, but also optimizes the light requirement in winter. The green walls also bring a fresh wind into the cityscape and increase the well -being of passers -by, as the Krone reports.

Stadtklima in change

The challenges for urban rooms are immense. Urbanization is progressing, heat islands and high fine dust pollution are increasingly a problem. Cities worth living are more likely than ever. In this context, greening is no longer just a niche issue. As can be read on Building guide , filtered green facades are shadowed by the air and nitrogen oxides at the same time shade and cooling. The evaporation of water also contributes to reducing the ambient temperature, which reduces the need for air conditioning systems.

Numerous cities, including Vienna, are already relying on funding programs for such greening measures. Particularly impressive: an area covered with ivy or wild wine of only 10 m² can bind up to 500 g of fine dust every year. An aspect that not only speaks ecologically, but also economically.

advantages of the faith greening

The positive effect of green facades is diverse. They offer noise protection, create habitats for insects and birds and contribute to biodiversity in our cities. They also have a dampening effect on street noise. From thermal insulation in winter to cooling in summer - the advantages are undisputed. Also on ethikguide is pointed out to the many plus points that offer green facades and roofs, including the storage of rainwater and the improvement of air quality.

The selection of suitable plants is crucial and should be adapted to the climatic conditions and the desired effect. However, challenges in implementation, such as statics and maintenance, can be mastered with the correct planning.