Municipalities want to be fit for climate change - model projects

Cities need concrete examples, not abstract concepts

"The great response to the applications submitted shows that many municipalities - whether small towns or large cities - want to better prepare their city and town centers for heat, heavy rainfall and drought. And what is particularly pleasing is that they also see their concepts as a kind of "blueprint" for practicable examples for other cities," explained Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar. The aim is to improve the climate on the street, in the school playground, in the town center and on the town square. The concepts show how good planning and its implementation can create concrete improvements for local people.

Leipzig wants to build a "water-sensitive" street

In the case of Leipzig, the issue is precipitation. As part of the district heating expansion, a section of Steinstraße in the Südvorstadt West district is to be redesigned. The plan is to create a "water-sensitive" street area in which rainwater can seep away directly on site. Components are being tested that can also be used in other road and pipeline construction projects. The Free State of Bavaria is funding the project with 250,000 euros.

Schoolyard in Nossen to be redesigned "blue-green"

In Nossen, the almost completely sealed schoolyard of the Dr. Eberle secondary school is to be greened again and redesigned with "blue-green" infrastructure. The so-called blue-green infrastructure connects water and green spaces in cities and municipalities. In the case of the schools, for example, shade is to be provided by trees and awnings. Pupils are to be involved in the planning. The state is also providing 250,000 euros for this.

Ottendorf-Okrilla implements sponge town concept

The same amount is available to Ottendorf-Okrilla for its sponge town concept. The idea behind this is to collect and store rainwater on site instead of discharging it unused via the sewer system. Through evaporation, the water acts like a natural air conditioning system. At the same time, the "sponge" protects against flooding during heavy rainfall.

Square in front of Dresden's Kulturpalast to become greener

In Dresden, the square in front of the Kulturpalast is to be greened and temporarily shaded - with intelligent use of the fountains. At the same time, an electrically operated bio-air filter is to be used. The project will be scientifically supported and supplemented by various educational and participatory formats. Saxony is providing 198,000 euros for the project.

On June 25, the model projects will be presented at a specialist event in Oschatz during the first "Building Culture Week".

Cities need protection from heat, drought and heavy rain

The aim of "blue-green infrastructure" is to better protect neighborhoods from overheating, drought and heavy rain. This includes unsealed surfaces, new green spaces, green roofs and facades, renaturalized streams, retention areas or facilities that store rainwater and release it with a delay.

The handling of precipitation plays an important role. Where possible, rain should not flow into the sewer system immediately, but remain where it falls. This allows water to seep away, be stored and contribute to cooling via plants. This improves the urban climate and can also relieve the burden on sewers and waterways during heavy rainfall.

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