🏙️🌟 Smart City: More than just a concept! 🌟🏙️

Veröffentlicht am: 4. August 2023 / Update vom: 4. August 2023 – Verfasser: Konrad Wolfenstein

➡️ Here is the German version 😊 | Here is the English Version on LinkedIn 😊

Energetic Urbanization: Climate analyses, the ‚Masterplan 100 % Klimaschutz‘ (Masterplan of 100% Climate Protection), and the Climate Emergency Declarations of Cities and Municipalities in Germany

💡 Smart City is not just a concept, but a source of inspiration for all of us – from private households to small businesses. It offers innovative ideas and solutions that can make our cities more sustainable and livable.

🏢 Even small businesses can benefit from the possibilities of a Smart City. Intelligent technologies can make processes more efficient and save resources.

🚛 An exciting example from logistics is the „Smart Columbarium“. Here, innovative solutions are being developed to make the final journey of our loved ones a respectful and environmentally friendly experience.

Let’s work together on a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.

Energetic Urbanization and its significance

➡️ The „Smart Columbarium“ – the innovative solution completely unknown in Europe and more

➡️ „Masterplan 100% Climate Protection“ using the cities of Kiel, Münster, and Heidelberg as examples

Energetic urbanization refers to the process of making cities and municipalities more energy-efficient and sustainable. In light of advancing climate change and the increasing global challenges associated with energy consumption, energetic urbanization is of great importance. Cities are responsible for a significant proportion of global emissions, but they also offer enormous potential to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon society.

Energetic urbanization aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in cities by focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and sustainable mobility. In this process, social and economic aspects are also considered to create a livable and resource-conserving environment for residents.

Climate analyses for cities and municipalities

Climate analyses play a crucial role in developing and implementing measures as part of energetic urbanization. These analyses provide important information about the current climate in a city or municipality, identify climate-related risks, and help identify potential measures to adapt to climate change. They are an essential tool to understand the interactions between urban development and climate and develop appropriate strategies.

Climate analyses can cover various aspects, such as temperature and precipitation patterns, air quality, extreme weather events, and vulnerability to climate-related risks. Using these data, cities and municipalities can better prepare for climate-related challenges and make long-term plans that promote climate protection and urban resilience.

In relation to this:

• Impact of Urbanization: Urban heat island (UHI) – Possible actions

Synergies between energetic urbanization and climate protection

Energetic urbanization and climate protection go hand in hand and offer numerous synergies. Sustainable and climate-friendly urban development can not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also improve people’s quality of life. For example, promoting public transport and cycling not only leads to fewer emissions, but also to less traffic congestion and a higher quality of life due to cleaner air and less noise.

The energetic renovation of buildings contributes not only to reducing emissions but can also lower energy costs for residents and improve living comfort. Green spaces and urban gardens not only contribute to climate adaptation by reducing heat islands but also provide recreational and experiential spaces for the population.

Energetic urbanization and the 100% Climate Protection Master Plan for cities and municipalities represent a promising opportunity to actively combat climate change, improve the quality of life in urban spaces, and shape a sustainable future for future generations.

The ‚Masterplan 100 % Klimaschutz‘ (Masterplan of 100% Climate Protection) for Cities and Municipalities

The Masterplan 100 % Klimaschutz is a program of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Germany by 80 to 95 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. In the context of energetic urbanization, the master plan plays a central role for cities and municipalities.

The Masterplan 100 % Klimaschutz offers cities and municipalities a clear strategy and action framework to decarbonize their energy supply and achieve climate goals. Implementing the Master Plan requires a broad range of measures, from promoting renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency to promoting sustainable mobility.

For cities and municipalities participating in the Master Plan, various support measures and funding programs are available. This includes financial support for creating climate analyses and developing action plans. The exchange of best-practice examples and experiences between participating cities also plays an important role in learning from each other and spreading successful approaches.

In relation to this:

• Climate Analysis for Urbanization: The Master Plan 100% Climate Protection using the examples of Kiel, Münster, and Heidelberg

Interesting solutions that we (Xpert) offer to cities, municipalities, and businesses

➡️ Building-integrated photovoltaics – aesthetics, ideal for new architectural design possibilities as well as reducing urban heat islands

➡️ City Solar carport modules for photovoltaic parking lots with translucent solar modules

➡️ City Pergolas, the ideal concept for the green Smart City of the future

➡️ Smart Columbarium – up to 90% green spaces in city centers for a feel-good factor and Green City

The „Smart Columbarium“ as an innovative solution for space saving and urban development

A novel and exciting solution is the „Smart Columbarium“. This concept offers the possibility to save up to 90% of the cemetery area and use the freed-up green space for other purposes. The „Smart Columbarium“ is an innovative type of burial, where urns are stored in a space-saving and technologically advanced way. This reduces the space requirement for traditional graves and frees up valuable green spaces. These areas can then be used as a valuable contribution to improving the living climate and the quality of life of the residents.

The combination of protecting and promoting existing green spaces, thoughtful inner-city densification, and innovative concepts like the „Smart Columbarium“ could help cities and municipalities find a balanced balance between urban development and environmental protection. By strategically focusing on green infrastructure and finding new ways of using land, the city can preserve positive bioclimatic conditions in residential areas while simultaneously improving the climate in heavily built-up regions.

Learning from the Japanese: Already 91% of the population live in urbanized areas

There’s more here:

• The Smart Columbarium concept as a partial solution for city planning and urban development (Smart Urban / Smart City)

 

 

Municipalities in Germany that have declared a climate emergency

Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. More and more cities and municipalities in Germany recognize the importance of climate protection and have declared a climate emergency. In this article, we introduce some of the German cities that have taken this important step.

Konstanz – The pioneer in May 2019

The city of Konstanz was the first municipality in Germany to declare a climate emergency in May 2019. With this action, it sent a strong message and placed climate protection at the top of its agenda. Since then, Konstanz has inspired many other cities to follow this example.

Marl, Horstmar, Saarbrücken, and other cities join in

After Konstanz declared a climate emergency, many other cities and municipalities in Germany followed suit. They committed to prioritize climate-friendly solutions in their decision-making processes. Some of the cities that have declared a climate emergency include Marl, Horstmar, Saarbrücken, Herne, Neumünster, Wiesbaden, Fehmarn, Marburg, Mainz, Koblenz, and Munich.

Continued growth of climate emergency declarations

In 2019, several cities and regions in Germany already declared a climate emergency. This trend continued in the following years, with more municipalities joining in 2020 and 2022. It is gratifying to see how more and more people and communities recognize the urgency of climate protection and take active measures.

Climate protection as a priority

The climate emergency is an important instrument in the fight against climate change. Cities like Konstanz have shown with their bold step that they are willing to make climate protection a priority. Other municipalities followed this example and declared a climate emergency. This is a ray of hope for the future and shows that climate protection is gaining more and more importance in Germany.

List of German places and municipalities that have declared a climate emergency

There’s more here:

• Wikipedia

Recognition of the climate emergency rejected in the Bundestag, but still significant

On June 28, 2019, a groundbreaking roll-call vote took place in the Bundestag to decide on the „Recognition of the Climate Emergency.“ The importance of this vote for climate protection and the implementation of the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement should not be underestimated.

Prioritizing climate protection in political decisions

Supporters of the proposal emphasized the urgent need to prioritize climate protection in political decisions. Given the increasing threat of climate change, measures must be taken to reduce emissions and limit global warming. Only by consistently considering climate protection in all political decision-making processes can we maintain the chance to mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change.

Achieving the climate goals of the Paris Climate Agreement

The Paris Climate Agreement of 2015 aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this ambitious goal, all countries must take concrete actions to reduce their CO2 emissions. The recognition of the climate emergency is an important step to raise awareness of the urgency for action and strengthen the political will for effective climate protection measures.

The need for comprehensive climate protection legislation

As an immediate measure to address the climate crisis, the roll-call vote called for the adoption of comprehensive climate protection legislation. Such a law would establish clear guidelines and commitments on how to achieve the climate goals. It would define the framework for expanding renewable energies, promoting energy-efficient technologies, and transitioning to climate-friendly transportation. Such climate protection legislation would be a milestone on the path to a climate-neutral society.

Support from various political factions

The roll-call vote showed an interesting dynamic within the Bundestag. The Green and Left Party factions voted unanimously in favor of the proposal, highlighting their clear stance on climate protection. Surprisingly, some Free Democratic Party (FDP) members also supported the proposal, as did the independent MP Marco Bülow. This illustrates that the issue of climate protection is gaining importance in other political factions and is perceived as a central concern of society.

Rejection by the CDU/CSU, SPD, and AfD

While there were positive signals from some political groups, the CDU/CSU, SPD, and AfD factions voted unanimously against the recognition of the climate emergency. The reasons for this opposing stance are diverse and reflect different political beliefs. However, the rejection also demonstrates that there are still obstacles and resistance when it comes to putting climate protection on the political agenda.

A milestone for climate protection in Germany

The roll-call vote on the „Recognition of the Climate Emergency“ in the Bundestag was a significant event for climate protection in Germany. It highlighted the growing importance of climate protection in the political debate and sent a strong signal about the urgent need for concrete actions to protect our planet. The support from various political factions shows that climate protection is increasingly perceived as a common challenge that requires collective solutions. Despite the opposing stance of some parties, the recognition of the climate emergency is an important step towards a climate-neutral and sustainable future in Germany.

In relation to this:

• Voting results in the Bundestag

Challenges in Focus: Climate Protection, Urbanization, and Supply Gaps

In addition to climate protection, there are other challenges such as population growth (urbanization) and impending supply gaps with Last Mile Logistics, Micro-Hubs, and others to be solved

Climate protection is undoubtedly one of the most critical challenges of our time. Rising greenhouse gas emissions significantly contribute to climate change and require urgent actions to limit global warming and minimize environmental impacts. Through the Paris Agreement, the international community committed to limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. This calls for a radical transformation of our energy and mobility systems towards a low-carbon future.

Population growth and Urbanization

Population growth and the associated urbanization pose another significant challenge. The global population is growing rapidly, and more and more people are moving to cities in search of better living conditions. According to the United Nations‘ estimates, around 68 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. This trend carries enormous social, economic, and ecological implications.

Urbanization can bring both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it offers the opportunity to develop more efficient infrastructures and services that enhance the quality of life for urban dwellers. On the other hand, the increasing demand for energy, housing, and mobility leads to higher resource consumption and a larger ecological footprint.

Impending supply gaps and solutions

Alongside the mentioned challenges, many cities also face the threat of supply gaps. Especially in urban areas with high population densities, supplying energy, water, food, and other essential resources can become problematic. This phenomenon is often referred to as the „Last Mile Problem,“ where the efficient distribution and provision of goods and services in urban areas pose a logistical challenge.

To address these supply gaps while promoting climate protection, innovative solutions are required. Micro-Hubs play a significant role here. Micro-Hubs are small, decentralized distribution centers that enable efficient and environmentally friendly supply to urban areas. They act as interfaces between larger distribution centers and the last miles of the supply chain within the city.

In relation to this:

• Micro-Hub – The Key-Genius Solution? – The prerequisites for Micro-Hubs are already given in Germany

Smart technologies and sustainable mobility

Addressing the challenges related to climate protection, urbanization, and supply gaps requires the deployment of smart technologies and sustainable mobility. Cities can become smarter and use resources more efficiently through digitization and networking.

Sustainable mobility is another crucial aspect. Electromobility, bicycle infrastructures, car-sharing, and public transport systems can contribute to decarbonizing the transportation sector and improving air quality in cities.

Integration of renewable energy and energy storage

To advance climate protection and ensure energy security, the integration of renewable energy sources is essential. Cities must increasingly transition their energy supply to renewable sources like solar energy, wind power, and geothermal energy. This requires investments in renewable energy technologies and their intelligent integration into the power grid.

Moreover, energy storage is a crucial component of sustainable energy supply. Storage technologies, such as batteries or power-to-gas facilities, enable the storage of surplus energy for later use. This helps balance fluctuations in energy generation from renewable sources and ensures stable supply.

Research and innovation as the key to success

Addressing the mentioned challenges requires strong collaboration between science, business, and politics. Research and innovation play a crucial role in developing new technologies and concepts that meet the demands of sustainable and future-oriented urbanization.

Governments and cities should create incentives to promote research and development in climate protection, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility. Targeted funding programs and investments in innovative start-ups and companies can drive forward new solutions and pave the way for climate-friendly and livable urban planning.

Climate Analysis: A Comprehensive Look at Climate

Introduction to Climate Analysis

Climate analysis is an important scientific method for examining the climate in specific regions or globally. It encompasses various techniques and approaches to collect and analyze data that are crucial for understanding the climate.

Climate Study: Research and Findings

A climate study involves a thorough investigation of climate patterns, weather events, and climate changes over a specific period. Scientists utilize various data sources to identify and interpret long-term trends and short-term fluctuations.

Climate Data Analysis: Evaluation of Historical Records

Climate data analysis focuses on evaluating historical climate records such as temperature data, precipitation amounts, and humidity. By employing modern statistical methods, patterns and trends in the data can be identified, providing essential information for assessing the current climate.

Climate Investigation: Exploration of Specific Phenomena

Climate investigation focuses on exploring specific climatic phenomena such as El Niño, La Niña, or climate cycles. The goal is to better understand the underlying causes and impacts of these phenomena and develop possible prediction models.

Climate Assessment: Evaluation of Climate Conditions

Climate assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation of climate conditions in a specific area. Various factors such as temperature, precipitation, air quality, and solar radiation are considered. The results serve as a basis for climate-related decisions and actions.

Climatic Analysis: Examination of Climate Zones and Regions

Climatic analysis encompasses the study of climate zones and regions worldwide. By identifying similar climatic characteristics in specific areas, comparisons can be made to determine commonalities and differences between various regions.

Climate Observation: Monitoring Current Climate Changes

Climate observation entails the continuous monitoring of current climate changes in real-time. Weather stations, satellites, and other technologies are utilized to collect and analyze data on temperature, precipitation, and other relevant parameters.

Climate Data Evaluation: Utilizing Big Data and Technology

Climate data evaluation involves the use of modern technology and big data analysis. Large amounts of climate data are collected to recognize patterns and trends that contribute to a better understanding of the climate and make climate-related decisions more informed.

Climate Capturing: Data Collection for Forecast Models

Climate capturing focuses on data collection for the development of forecast models. Climate researchers continuously gather data to create models that allow predictions about future climate changes and weather events.

Climate Diagnosis: Causes Analysis of Climate Events

Climate diagnosis deals with the analysis and exploration of the causes of climate events such as heatwaves, droughts, or heavy rainfall. Understanding the underlying factors allows for preventive measures to mitigate potential impacts.

 

➡️ This comprehensive overview of various aspects of climate analysis underscores the importance of this research discipline for understanding and addressing the challenges of climate change. From evaluating historical data to developing forecast models, climate analysis plays a central role in the endeavor to better comprehend our climate and find sustainable solutions for the future.

Summary: Energetic Urbanization

🏙️ Energetic Urbanization and its Significance:

• Process of making cities more energy-efficient and sustainable.
• Cities contribute significantly to global emissions and have the potential to combat climate change.
• Goals: Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and sustainable mobility.

🌡️ Climate Analysis for Cities and Municipalities:

• Critical role in developing measures within the scope of energetic urbanization.
• Provide essential information about the climate, identify climate-related risks, and aid in climate change adaptation.
• Encompass aspects such as temperature, precipitation patterns, air quality, extreme weather events, and vulnerability.

🤝 Synergies between Energetic Urbanization and Climate Protection:

• Sustainable and climate-friendly urban development leads to emission reduction and improved quality of life.
• Promotion of public transportation and cycling reduces emissions and traffic congestion.
• Energetic building renovations lower energy costs and enhance living comfort.
• Green spaces and urban gardens contribute to climate adaptation and recreation.

🌍 Masterplan 100% Climate Protection for Cities and Municipalities:

• Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Germany by 80 to 95 percent by 2050.
• Provides a clear strategy and framework for decarbonized energy supply and climate goals.
• Includes measures to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility.
• Cities and municipalities receive support for climate analyses and knowledge exchange.

🏢 Interesting Solutions for Cities and Municipalities:

• Building-integrated photovoltaics for aesthetics and reducing urban heat islands.
• City solar carport modules for photovoltaic parking spaces with light-transmitting solar panels.
  City pergolas as a concept for green smart cities.
  Smart columbarium for space-saving and green urban centers.

💡 The „Smart Columbarium“ as an innovative solution for urban planning:

• Concept allows up to 90% savings in cemetery space.
• Urns are stored in a space-saving and technologically advanced manner.
• Released green spaces improve the living climate and quality of life.
• Combining green space protection, inner-city densification, and smart columbarium can promote environmentally friendly urban development.

#️⃣ Hashtags: #EnergeticUrbanization #ClimateProtection #Masterplan100 #SmartCity #GreenSpaces