implementation of the Potential ratio of Green roofs and facades to the adaption of Cityscapes to urban challenges

As a first output PROGREENcity seeks to develop and prepare for market the “PROGREENcity technology”, as an innovative combination of irrigated roof and façade greening systems specified for three mayor climatic European zones, able to mitigate current problems of urban environment such as overheating, energy demand for cooling and heating of buildings and fine particular matter concentration. In addition to these functions, green building architecture represents an aesthetic added value to cityscapes and comfort of home. The second output is an open source modeling system for environmental data that will be developed to simulate various microclimatic effects of the PROGREENcity technology as well as the distribution of fine particular matter concentration. This simulation will be processed for real city environments in Vienna, Frankfurt/Mainz and Madrid, representing the three climate zones. Hence, the impact of the application of the PROGREENcity technology can be quantified and visualized for tailor made planning purposes. Prerequisite for the realistic simulation processes is the acquisition of a comprehensive database. The third output is an internet platform, owned by the PROGREENcity SME consortium that shall be installed to demonstrate the planning process for counteracting urban environmental and societal problems to key stakeholders and general public. Thus a consulting platform will be developed. Background and market application: Greening urban space is increasingly a key technology, helping our cities to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change and environmental pollution. With 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, green roofs and façades are also providing an important refuge for wildlife in the urban environment and make nature touchable for urban inhabitants. The market of green building is currently still in its infancy, but it is strongly growing. Government policies and financial incentives are the primary source of support for the industry in Germany and other countries (Kwik 2002, GRHC 2002). A multi-million Euro market for green roof products and services exists in France, Austria and Switzerland (GRHC 2002). For example, Switzerland has passed a new bylaw requiring that new buildings convert their rooftops to the equivalent area of greenspace lost in the footprint of their building side. In order to mitigate CO2 effects and to reach Copenhagen climate goals, some European cities have already adopted specific regional policies for green buildings in urban development as for example the green roof policies in Copenhagen, London, Basel, Münster, Stuttgart or Linz Since April 2010 the policy of split-flow wastewater has been adopted for whole Germany and will presumably be adopted for Austria too, providing a strong leverage for green building architecture. Not only municipalities are key stakeholders in the market of green building architecture. Also industries, which need to mitigate CO2 emissions, while possessing huge areas of production buildings with flat roofs, are important stakeholders in that market.