Water is an important resource whose importance and availability is strongly influenced by climate change and urban development measures. Climate change is bringing with it an increase in heavy rainfall events and longer periods of drought. How can cities like Zittau implement effective water management that takes into account both heavy rainfall and falling groundwater levels during prolonged periods of drought? What approaches are there to make better use of rainwater in the city, prevent flooding and at the same time strengthen water retention in the area? The aim is to develop concepts that harmonize water storage, land sealing and drinking water use. (Focus on water, heavy rainfall, groundwater levels)
Green spaces and water features play a central role in the climate resilience of cities, as they contribute to cooling and retain water. A lack of space and land use conflicts limit the possibility of creating extensive green spaces and parks in densely populated cities. Against this background, green roofs and façades are of particular importance. The greening of buildings ensures better ventilation, has a cooling effect and thus leads to a better urban climate. In densely built-up urban areas, especially in historic or listed areas, greening and sustainable measures often conflict with the protection of listed buildings. How can such areas be made climate-resilient at the same time through greening and innovative water solutions? What role do innovative technologies or nature-based solutions play in promoting biodiversity and reducing urban heat generation at the same time? There is also an area of tension between green roofs and the use of renewable energies such as photovoltaics. How can monument protection, greening and the installation of solar systems be combined to promote the sustainable development of the city? Develop solutions that promote biodiversity, preserve historic monuments and improve water resilience without hindering the expansion of renewable energies. (Focus on soil, biodiversity, water management, heritage protection)
Urban development requires a fundamental transformation of the energy supply in order to ensure both climate protection and security of supply. Cities like Zittau must increasingly focus on the intelligent integration of various renewable energies such as solar energy, wind power and geothermal energy. How can the use of these renewable energies be expanded and improved in existing infrastructures? How can photovoltaic systems be installed on the roofs or facades of listed buildings? What role do smart energy networks play that use waste heat or enable energy storage using technologies such as battery storage or hydrogen?
Solutions should be developed that make the urban energy supply flexible and resilient, even in times of crisis or fluctuating energy production. At the same time, the interaction between building greening, water management and biodiversity must be taken into account in order to create energy-efficient and climate-resilient urban districts. What role does the integration of district storage, microgrid solutions and charging infrastructure for electric mobility play in this context?
The aim is to develop concepts or technological solutions that make the urban energy supply more sustainable, efficient and resilient across the board, while making optimum use of renewable energies and integrating them into urban development.
(Focus: renewable energies, smart grids, energy storage, cross-sector solutions)