ValiGreen - Validation of climate adaptation potential and optimization of blue-green infrastructure functions in urban areas

Blue-green infrastructure such as green buildings is considered a key measure for adapting cities to climate change—for example, against heat, drought, and species loss. However, the expected effects, such as cooling, water storage, or promoting biodiversity, often fail to materialize. This leads to uncertainty among municipalities, investors, and operators, as there is a lack of reliable data and evaluation criteria to assess the actual function of these complex systems. This is where the ValiGrün project comes in: its goal is to make the climate impact of green buildings measurable. To this end, indicators and measurement methods are being developed to evaluate the climate protection and adaptation functions of different building types. These are being used in demonstration areas and urban spaces and validated with the help of innovative sensor technology. A particular focus is on the development of a practical concept for intelligent, climate-adapted irrigation control. On this basis, recommendations for action and an application-oriented assessment tool are being developed to support local authorities in the planning, promotion, and further development of building greenery. An accompanying training and transfer concept ensures that the results are put into practice and that social acceptance is strengthened.

Project partners:

• Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ):
  • Department of Systemic Environmental Biotechnology (Project Coordinator)
  • Department of Monitoring and Exploration Technologies
  • Department of Urban and Environmental Sociology
• Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTWK)
• Dresden University of Technology
• Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)

Funding:

This measure is co-financed with tax revenue based on the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament (No. 100758418).