WP4: Climate Change Resilient City Planning and Climate-Neutral
Infrastructure
Revised Workplan December 2011
Objectives
•
Based on the challenges identified and the data collected in WP1, the overall objective of WP4 is to
plan an integrated approach to climate change resilient city planning and the development of
climate-neutral infrastructure to reduce a city’s overall “ecological footprint” (impact on the
environment and ecosystem services). This integrated approach will address challenges related to
flood risk management practices, rain water management, treatment and recycling of water,
ecological sewage systems, municipal energy systems based on renewable energies and more
sustainable transport management practices.
•
For each of these individual challenges, new approaches to climate change planning and the
development of climate neutral infrastructure will be proposed and where feasible tested (or
modelled).
•
The final objective is to measure impact and results of pilot actions or models in the participating
case study areas and to use this data to develop visions, feasible strategies, spatial scenarios and
guidance tools that would enable adaptive governance, collaborative decision-making, and
behavioural change contributing to improved climate change resilient city planning and climateneutral infrastructure throughout the TURaS project network and in a wider European context.
Participants and MMonths
Deliverables to EU
EU Deliverable 4.5: Report on climate change resilient city planning, due month 36
T4.1 Workpackage kick-off meeting
Lead Partner: VU-IVM, UEL, LjubU; RDA-LUR
A meeting will be planned around June 2012 Rotterdam with all groups involved in WP4 to discuss and
plan the various sub-tasks of the work package. At this meeting, all cases will present a report with an
inventory of
(1) stakeholders requirements
(2) extended description of methods
(3) Overview of available data and required additional data
Over the course of the TuRAS project the annual project meetings will also be attended by the parties
involved.
T4.2 Urban planning and adaptation to flood risk (VU-IVM)
Lead Partner: VU-IVM. Partners involved: UEL, LjubU; RDA-LUR, BioAzul.
Main contact: Hans de Moel (hans.de.moel@ivm.vu.nl)
Contact LjubU: Primoz Banovec ()
Description:
The main objective of this WP is to assess current and future trends in flood risk in coastal cities. For this,
we first perform an assessment of international flood risk management practices with a focus on Flood
damage reduction. The research activities will focus developing a spatial planning strategy for the City of
Rotterdam, which combines urban development with flood protection, such as combinations of
embankments with urban development, new building codes to flood-proof houses in relation to risk zoning
and possibilities to combine urban (re-) development and new properties with dike reinforcement.
Flood damage models generally have three components (1) hydrological characteristics (2) damage
potential (3) stage damage functions. These functions describe the relation between the hydrological
characteristics (e.g. flood depth and velocity) and potential flood damage. For Rotterdam, we propose to
modify the existing HIS-SSM model, which is now used on a national scale. After setting up the model,
we propose test the spatial planning strategy and elaborate on assessing uncertainty in the results. The
City of Ljubljana and Ljubljana urban region have also developed a flood damage model. Exchange of
methodologies with other partners will improve the approach to the flood damage model leading to
improved use of flood damage function and flood hazard scenarios.
Activities IVM:
This task will focus on creating a methodology and tool to evaluate flood-damage reducing measures.
Activities carried out within this task include:
1. Case study report with inventory of::
a. Flood damage modeling methods
b. Empirical flood damage data
c. Damage reducing measures that can be undertaken, along with information on their
effectiveness and costs
2. Develop Flood risk model: Create a general flood damage modeling framework that is flexible
enough to include several hydrological drivers (inundation depth; velocity; duration), types of
damage (direct, indirect) and measures (both spatial, as building specific). Identify possible flood
characteristics (maps denoting e.g. inundation, flow velocity) and land-use characteristics (i.e.
building types, land-use classes).
3. Test effectiveness of spatial planning and building code measures (Outer and inner dike areas)
Apply model on case study area using scenarios related to urban developments (see task 4.3)
and use of adaptation measures to assess the effectiveness. We propose to use optimization or
MCA techniques to assess the effectiveness of measures
4. Expand on the modeling framework by incorporating indirect effects.
Activities University of Ljubljana:
In the framework of the listed task the exiting knowledge on flood management in Ljubljana urban region
(NUTS 3) will be upgraded. Current situation is characteristic for many EU cities and countries in which
EU Flood Directive (2007/60) is under implementation. Flood hazard maps are mostly prepared, and the
flood prone areas well identified. But this is only the beginning of the process which should initiate
development of adequate mitigation measures which are leading towards the long term reduction of flood
risks. The next steps: identification of measures, their selection, design, financing, implementation, and
performance monitoring, should follow with necessary public participation. Foreseen input of the UL-FGG
in the flood management issues will be focused in this direction.
Together with the TURAS partner Regional development Agency of Ljubljana Urban Region (RDA LUR)
existing flood risk maps of LUR will be joined (now they are dispersed as their development is performed
by local communities / NUTS 5 /LAU 2 municipalities) and analysis of possible mitigation measures
identified. The measures will follow on the basis of previous and active EU FP projects (FLOODsite,
CORFU). Appropriate selection of measures cannot be performed within the local community as they
should be analysed on a basin scale, they will be analysed in spatial temporal frame (short, term long
term) providing an example and shared experience of the TURAS project and as demonstration and
dissemination framework. The measures involve constructive as well as non-constructive measures with
special focus on expected flood damage evaluation.
Basic outputs will therefore be: (1) integration of existing knowledge on flood management which is
currently dispersed among different local communities, (2) definition and evaluation of suitable flood
mitigation measures, (3) public participation in the evaluation of measures and programming of the
measures (4) sharing the experience and applied methodologies with other TURAS partners involved in
flood management and water management in cities.
The lead of these activities will be taken by IVM-VU. Input from other partners involved is envisaged to be
related to data collection (activity 1: LjubU) and testing of the develop model and methodology in other
cities (like the City of Ljubljana).
T4.3 Urban planning support through land use modelling (VU-IVM)
Lead partner: VU-IVM Partners involved: UEL
Main contact: Peter Verburg (peter.verburg@ivm.vu.nl)
Description:
This task will build on existing approaches for land use modelling and ecosystem service assessment in
city environments to analyze potential conflicts and strategies for urban planning accounting for climate
resilient measures (identified in tasks 4.1, 4.3 and 4.4) and other urban green components. An innovative
methodology will be developed to map the spatial distribution of climate resilient services in city
environments with a specific focus on services related to climate adaptation and climate neutral
infrastructure. Resulting maps will show possible synergies in urban functioning and possible conflicts
which diminish the functionality of the incorporated measures. Land use modelling will be incorporated to
account for autonomous changes in the urban environment affecting the urban functions. Visualisation
tools will be developed to provide input for stakeholder discussion on possible urban planning strategies.
Finally, the results of the model simulations will be used to provide guidelines for urban planners to
develop a plan for climate resilient city.
Activities:
This task will focus on creating tools to a tools and methodologies targeted to optimize green
infrastructure and planning policies in urban environments. Activities carried out within this task will be
performed in close collaboration with spatial planners of the case-study area in order to optimize its
potential use. Activities include:
1. Creating an urban land-use model for the case-study area (Rotterdam), by identifying distinct
urban land-use classes and their relation with factors driving urban land-use. Input from UEL
2. Create and model autonomous urban land-use change scenarios as baseline
3. Identify measures to create climate resilient city, related both to mitigation and adaptation
4. Incorporate adaptation measures related to flooding (T4.2), green infrastructure (T4.4) and the
identified measures (from previous step) into the modeling framework to assess their potential
and effectiveness and to simulate the most effective scenario for urban developments in the area
(related only to flooding, only to green infrastructure, and by incorporating all measures).
The lead of these activities will be taken by IVM-VU. Input from other partners involved will be related to
green infrastructure measures to be incorporated in the modeling framework (UEL)
T4.4 Urban water management (UEL)
Lead partners: UEL Other partners involved: VU-IVM, BioAzul.
Main contact: Darryl Newport: Darryl@UEL-Exchange.uel.ac.uk
Description:
In WP4, the University of East London Sustainable Research Institute proposes to bring together work
disseminating from WP1 and WP2 as a quantitative geo-spatial analysis of the potential contribution of
retrofit green roofs to storm water attenuation across urban landscapes. High density urban living creates
numerous environmental consequences. Of particular global concern is the large expanse of impervious
surfaces which lead to rapid rainwater run-off and overloading of storm drains and increases the tendency
of rivers to overtop their banks and flood surrounding land. Such impacts are accentuated where cities
are developed within existing floodplains and in areas with high annual rainfall. Restoration of green
infrastructure is a potential intervention for these problems. Establishing biodiversity-focused green
infrastructure provides numerous ecological and economic benefits including water management.
Building on the urban spatial mapping of WP1, the proposed model would use the case study area of
Greater London for spatial analysis of the potential area available for retrofitting green roofs (public,
residential and office buildings). Once established, variable green roof coverage scenarios for this area
would be combined with quantified storm water attenuation values disseminating from WP2 (innovative
design of green roof systems to maximise ecosystem services). Using this state-of-the-art urban geospatial model, the potential contribution that green roof retrofitting could make to annual urban storm
water management could be quantified. Once established, this model would be transferable to other
urban areas throughout the TURaS network and beyond. BioAzul will complement this activity by looking
into the possibility of the treatment and recycling of ‘grey-water’ using biofilm plants to return cleaned
waste water to the water cycle.
Activities:
4.4.1: Case study Report London with an inventory of
(1) general description of the city: geography, socio-economic conditions, etc
(2) stakeholders requirements
(3) extended description of methods
(4) Overview of available data and required additional data
T4.5 Improved climate-neutral infrastructure (BioAzul; Aalborg; LjubU, RDA LUR)
Lead partner: BioAzul Other Partners involved: Aalborg University with Aalborg municipality; LjubU, RDA
LUR
Activities BioAzul: Main contact: Pilar Zapata. pzapata@bioazul.com
(***Possibly this activity will be shifted to Wp6)
Description:
This task will examine the development of innovative solutions to tackle climate-neutral infrastructure for
sustainable waste, water, energy and transport management taking into account where possible the use
of organic materials/products and green processes – inspired by nature (i.e.: biomimicry). Some
measures to be implemented related to the sustainable management of the city and its resources are
listed below and build on state of the art from previous pilot experiences carried out in Freiburg and
Stockholm. Research will follow the concept of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) to achieve a
more sustainable use of transport and infrastructure in a city, and will focus on two areas:
• an examination of ISWM practice which is the use of rubberized asphalt for urban transportation
infrastructure. This concept recycles abandoned tires and combines this with asphalt. This significantly
reduces automobile noise levels, reduces road slickness during rain events, reduces driver glare and
most importantly. In addition it reduces porosity releases thermal energy at a quicker rate – thus
improving the urban heat island effect.
• an investigation of the use of sewage water in a digester mixed with organic house to produce biogas for
both cooking and heating and cars and public transport.
Activities:
4.4.1: Case study Report Seville with an inventory of
(1) general description of the city: geography, socio-economic conditions, etc
(2) stakeholders requirements
(3) extended description of methods
(4) Overview of available data and required additional data
Task 4.5. University of Aalborg
Main contact Bernd Möller (berndm@plan.aau.dk)
Description:
The University of Aalborg will lead the aspect of this task related to climate-neutral infrastructure for
energy. An important means to achieve municipal energy systems based on increasing shares of
renewable energy sources, tentatively up to 100% by the year 2030 or 2050, are advanced district
heating systems as a form of green municipal infrastructure. These district heating systems are fed by
renewable energy such as geothermal heat, biomass, waste to energy, or heat pumps running on excess
electricity in power systems with high shares of fluctuating wind energy. They achieve lower distribution
net losses as they run on lower temperatures, and supply a building stock with low energy buildings and
existing buildings with substantial achievements within heat savings.
Aalborg municipality and Aalborg University will be requested to contribute to this WP with an energy
atlas comprising the current and possible future heat supply and demand of the city and the surrounding
towns and villages. The objective is to make the municipality of Aalborg independent of imported fossil
fuels, at lower costs than in a business-as-usual scenario. Thereby the municipality may become more
resilient to energy crises and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. The energy atlas maps
current and possible future heat demand, the possibilities to connect to district heating, the carbon
footprint of buildings, and also the costs related to this. Users may contribute their recorded energy
consumption and efficiency measures. The energy atlas is designed to be a public planning and decision
support system, which may also be accessible to communities and single households. The municipal
works of Aalborg contribute with extensive data on heat consumption and distribution networks. A link
between urban strategic energy planning and urban planning can be established by using the urban heat
and energy atlases, which comprise a highly detailed spatial database on the urban building stock and
energy infrastructures, to extract spatial relations and parameters such as building density, use and
function of urban neighbourhoods, studies of urban densification vs. sprawl, or other.
Activities:
The case study report is going to be prepared for the geographical extent of the municipality of Aalborg
and in co-operation with the Municipal District Heating company of Aalborg. The case study comprises
the following:
A general description of the city: geography, socio-economic conditions, energy policy and climate
strategy
 General information on geography, socio-economy etc. with geospatial information
 Overview on current local energy policies by the municipality
 Discussion of the recently commissioned energy and climate strategies
A description of stakeholders and their requirements for improved climate-neutral infrastructure
 Public administration
 Public utilities
 Private corporations
 SME’s
 Citizens
 Knowledge institutions
An extended description of methods
 Mapping energy demand and supply by means of energy atlases
 Strategic municipal energy planning
 Consumer interaction with energy atlases
An overview of available data and required additional data
 National building registers




Digital topographical databases
Municipal civic data registers
Utility databases
Data gathered from consumer participation
Task 4.5 University of Ljubljana; City of Ljubljana
Natasa Pichler-Milanović, UL
Robert Rijavec, UL
Maša Šorn, RDA LUR
natasa.pichler-milanovic@fgg.uni-lj.si
robert.rijavec@fgg.uni-lj.si
masa.sorn@ljubljana.si
Description:
The University of Ljubljana will lead the aspects of research related to climate neutral transport
infrastructure and in particular build on the latest research in Intelligent Transportation Systems and
services (ITS), especially Traffic Management Systems (TMS), Public Transport Management System
(PTMS), Traveller Information System (TIS) and Parking Management System (PMS). ITS integrate
telecommunications, electronics and information technologies - in short, ‘telematics’ - with transport
engineering in order to plan, design, operate, maintain and manage transport systems. This integration
aims to improve safety, security, quality and efficiency of the transport systems for passengers and
freight, optimising the use of natural resources and respecting the environment. To achieve such aims,
ITS require procedures, systems and devices to allow the collection, communication, analysis and
distribution of information and data among moving subjects, the transport infrastructure and information
technology applications. The main condition for mutual accessibility of urban areas is the reorganization
of transport (especially passenger transport) with user and environmental friendly transport system.
Slovenian public opinion strongly favours modern trams or Light Rail Transit (LRT) in the city of Ljubljana,
but due to high investment costs it was not applied in Ljubljana in the past. Therefore the research aims
to develop a model for alternative intelligent transport systems and services and to pilot test this model in
the Ljubljana urban region. The research and models will analyse what would happen if new approaches
for sustainable transport management are not introduced and the impact that introducing such measures
would have on reducing a city’s ecological footprint. A pilot will be carried out as a case study on one of
the main Ljubljana's arterial. It will be analysed what will happen in the city centre of Ljubljana, if the cross
section of roadway will be enlarged for one lane or special bus lane with priority bus system will be
introduced. Analyses will be carried out by performing special traffic simulations. To make all this more
and more complex and sophisticated systems to work harmonically, it is necessary to improve on current
system design of ITS on an urban level. It will be called an ITS architecture. The application of the
methodology developed for the LUR region to other regions of Europe will be assessed
and recommendations made.
Activities:
Congested and polluted streets are serious problem for many of Europe’s towns and cities. People are
using private vehicles rather than public transport for journeys. We need for transport more time because
transport is less efficient. This cause more pollution and increase in energy use. We could say that such a
transport could be one of the reasons for climate change.
Before we define the plan of measures we would like to re-open a forum talking about the common city
transport policy. We would like to know the problems and priorities of cities transport objects at least from
decisions makers. In the past there were many EU projects doing that (for example ITS City Pioneers),
but they were successful only in some smart, modern and »big-sized« cities. We must agree that
planning transport means planning land use and vice versa, planning land use means planning transport.
In this case we would like to introduce ITS (Intelligent transport system and services) for »middle-size«
cities and their surroundings which are in development stage.
We would also like to add a task to WP 4.3 Urban planning / Land use modelling. The result will be the
priority list of transport objects from all TURAS cities partners which could be used for land use modelling
and also for transport planning and modelling.
According to WP 4.5 we would like to open a debate about ITS tools and the possibility of common
integration using ITS architecture. We intend to define the priorities of ITS user needs especially with the
object how to change the pollution from transport system. Hypothetically we will model the measure of
changing modal split using state-of the art micro simulation software to detect the pollution change (for
example Synhro/Simtraffic or PTV Vissim). We will map the pollution before and after using GIS software
(for example ESRI ArcGis).
T4.6 Measurement of results and impact leading to recommendations for climate change resilient
city planning and the development of climate-neutral infrastructure in other participating TURaS
partner cities and in a wider European context. (VU-IVM)
Lead Partner: VU-IVM Partners involved: All other WP partners and U STUTT
Main contact: Jeroen Aerts (jeroen.aerts@ivm.vu.nl); Hans de Moel (hans.de.moel@ivm.vu.nl)
Description:
IVM will lead the WP4.6 which aims at integrating the activities and results in WPs 4.2 to 4.5. The main
goal of WP4.6 is to develop guidelines for urban planners that layout building blocks to develop a plan for
a climate resilient city and to reduce the city’s overall ecological footprint. The guidelines will describe
how the innovations in (1) flood risk management, (2) urban water management and (3) climate neutral
infrastructure can be implemented in urban planning Special attention will be paid to (a) the costs of
climate resilient measures, (b) governance aspects such as the involvement of stakeholders and (c) the
use of space each of the resilience strategies require. The land use model developed in WP4.3 will be a
key tool, which integrates the claims on space from new water and energy management strategies and
shows potential areas of conflicts when implementing such a plan. This will be done for one TURaS
partner city (either Aalborg or Rotterdam or Ljubljana depending on the case study results). Based on
these model outputs, the methodological experiences from other WPs and inputs from stakeholders in
partner different cities, the generic guidelines can be developed with their pros and cons.
Activities:
In this synthesis activity, the results from the different tasks will be brought together in a report with
recommendations. The lead of this activity will be taken by IVM-VU. Input from other partners involved is
related to the incorporation of the results of each partner (all).