IN-PLAN PRACTICE
Online Version
Climate-ADAPT is a collaborative initiative between the European Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA) aimed at facilitating Europe’s adaptation to climate change. Managed by the EEA with the European Topic Centre on Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerability, and Adaptation (ETC/CCA), the platform offers comprehensive data and information on projected climate changes, vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, and practical case studies across Europe. It provides tools for adaptation planning and organises information into key areas such as EU policies, sector-specific adaptation (e.g., agriculture, water management), regional and city initiatives, and research projects. Additionally, it features a searchable database of validated information. Climate-ADAPT also supports tracking the EU and Member States’ progress towards their 2030 climate and energy goals, complementing data available on the EEA website. Of particular interest are the The Adaptation Support Tool – Getting started and the Climate-ADAPT Case study explorer.
Reference: Discover the key services, thematic features and tools of Climate-ADAPT (europa.eu)
i-Tree Canopy is a free online tool that helps estimate how much of an area is covered by trees and other types of land use (like buildings, roads, or grass).
You can either draw the area on the map or upload a file (e.g. a shapefile) to define it. The tool then shows random points within the area, and you choose what type of land cover each point has (for example, tree, pavement, or water). Based on your input, the system estimates the overall land cover distribution. For reliable results, it is recommended to classify between 500 and 1000 points.
The tool can also help estimate the economic value of the benefits provided by trees (like cooling or air cleaning). But outside the U.S., U.K., Ukraine, Sweden, New Zealand, and South Korea, you need to enter your own values to do this calculation.
Reference: i-Tree Canopy
The “RIE” index, developed by the municipality of Bolzano (Italy), aims to introduce environmental mitigation and compensation measures in the municipal land use plan and building regulations. The acronym “RIE” stands for “Riduzione dell’Impatto Edilizio”, Building Impact Reduction, and it aims to:
The RIE index is a numerical value (between 0 and 10) calculated through a given formula and it must be applied to any urban transformation, whether new construction or renovation, with a surface area capable of catching rainwater. The municipal land use plan assigns a minimum RIE value to each area of the territory (“RIE Z”), according to the status quo and land use permitted by the plan, and any building intervention must have a higher RIE value.
Reference: Richiedere la Certificazione RIE (Riduzione dell’Impatto Edilizio) / Servizi / Città di Bolzano – Città di Bolzano (comune.bolzano.it) (Italian only)
Zurich’s climate analysis maps contain information on air temperatures, cold air currents and bioclimatic conditions during the day and at night during a summer fair weather situation. They show at a detailed scale where current and future heat islands and valuable compensation areas as well as important ventilation routes are located. These bases help municipalities and planners to take better account of the issue of heat in urban and local planning.
The planning information maps are differentiated for day and night situations. They contain an area-wide assessment of the climatic stress situations (settlement areas) and relief functions (green spaces, bioclimatic significance) and thus represent the technical basis for weighing up regionally orientated planning. Last but not least, the planning information maps also serve to inform the public so that participation in planning procedures is as well-founded as possible.
The transformation of public spaces in Paris in recent years has garnered significant attention. The drive to create climate-resilient urban areas is guided by key strategic documents, including the Paris Pedestrian Strategy, Paris Resilience Strategy, Paris Climate Action Plan, Biodiversity Plan for Paris, and the recently revised Bioclimatic PLU. The primary goal is to develop public spaces that offer recreation during summer heat and facilitate active mobility. Paris employs natural solutions like evapotranspirant paving materials, rainwater management, trees, fountains, shade structures, and natural ventilation to ensure comfort. Additionally, road spaces are reallocated to enhance walking and cycling infrastructure. Paris aims to significantly increase the percentage of permeable and vegetated surfaces and the amount of public green space per inhabitant to boost social well-being, inclusion, biodiversity, and health. Public space is seen as the backbone of a resilient city.
Reference: Paris-Resilience-Strategy-English.pdf (resilientcitiesnetwork.org)
The project acronym “DICCA” stands for “Danube Island Climate Change Adaptation.” LIFE DICCA’s primary goal is to develop a comprehensive strategy for adapting urban ecosystems to climate change, using Vienna’s Danube Island as a model. Key measures include ecology and wildlife conservation, sustainable maintenance practices, climate-friendly irrigation systems, and effective visitor flow management. These efforts aim to preserve the Danube Island as both an ecosystem and a recreational area for the Viennese population.
Throughout the project, LIFE DICCA implemented sustainable mowing practices, introduced sheep for landscape maintenance, and supported wild bees with 50 beehives. It created new green spaces, revitalised ponds and riverbanks, and established a wind-powered irrigation system. Climate monitoring was enhanced with weather stations, and public awareness was raised through educational programs, climate gardens, and citizen science initiatives. Visitor flow management included information boards and floor markings to protect sensitive ecosystems.
Reference: The LIFE DICCA project (wien.gv.at)
The Trans|formator:in project aims to accelerate the transformation of streets and public spaces over its four-year duration, emphasising increased space for pedestrians and cyclists, greening, and improved public areas. With a diverse team of 23 partners and over 80 experts, the project seeks to make an impact by 2026. It will develop and test successful transformation methods in seven pilot communities, including four of Austria’s climate pioneer cities. The project emphasises public participation, learning processes, and communication, aiming to support policymakers and administrators in implementing significant projects. Trans|formator:in focuses on practical application, drawing insights from real-world examples to inspire and guide successful transformations. To this end, the project has set up a comprehensive living toolbox, featuring tools and best practices in categories such as participation and communication, greening and micro-climate, active mobility and public transportation, financing and law, and impact evaluation.
Reference: Toolbox-Navigator – Trans|formator:in (transformatorin.at)