Water demand of Vertical Greening Systems mitigating Urban Heat Islands

Incorporating strategic green infrastructure such as Vertical Greening Systems (VGSs) into urban environment has a potential to mitigate climate change, urban heat island (UHI) and surface urban heat island (SUHI) effects, reduce energy consumption in buildings, improve air quality, increase urban biodiversity, retain rainwater, and enhance human outdoor thermal comfort, health and well-being in general. In order to ensure the long-term provision of these functions, a sufficiently available water supply for irrigation of VGSs is the key element. Currently, potable water is the main resource for irrigation, which is not a sustainable solution. Rainwater as a sustainable source of irrigation water for VGS is often mentioned as an alternative, yet only a few studies investigated the actual application of rainwater for VGS irrigation and the associated effects on climate conditions. In this project, we will further develop a conceptual model and perform hydrological and climate measurements and modelling in Vienna (Austria) and Novi Sad (Serbia) in order to predict the processes and influencing factors for a holistic investigation of rainwater use for VGS irrigation and climate improvement. The obtained results from the project will showcase how to improve the management of VGS water demand by implementing the rainwater harvesting (as a sustainable irrigation resource) and how to improve the climate conditions in urban areas. The developed model and guidelines can be used by interested stakeholders in their pursuit of creating sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral cities.