City logistics and Smart City: Climate analysis Cologne and the climate emergency - Building-integrated photovoltaics and Smart Columbarium - Cologne climate-active

➡️ The “Smart Columbarium” – the innovative solution that is still completely unknown in Europe and more

In a groundbreaking decision, the Cologne City Council declared a “climate emergency” on July 9, 2019, underscoring the paramount importance of combating climate change in city politics. This important declaration states that climate change must be taken into account in all decisions. The city of Cologne supports the goals of the Paris Agreement and the findings of the 2018 IPCC special report on “1.5 degrees of warming”. The central objective is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The city has set itself the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This requires extensive efforts in various areas.

Commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions

The city of Cologne not only found words, but also took concrete measures to achieve its climate goals. These measures are reflected in the introduction of six key initiatives:

Regular reporting on greenhouse gas emissions

To ensure transparency and accountability, the city has decided to regularly report on its greenhouse gas emissions. This step makes it possible to closely monitor progress towards carbon neutrality.

Strengthening the “Cologne Climate Active” plan

The “Cologne Climate Active” plan will be expanded to cover a wider range of activities to promote sustainability. This shows the city's commitment to environmentally friendly practices in various areas of life.

Assess climate impacts of administration proposals

In the future, the city of Cologne will evaluate the climate impacts of administrative proposals to ensure that decisions are in line with climate goals. This step guarantees that climate protection is anchored in all political considerations.

Promoting renewable energies and sustainable mobility

Promoting renewable energies

Cologne relies on renewable energies to sustainably cover its energy needs. This is an important step to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral future.

Developing a plan for carbon neutral energy in urban buildings and photovoltaic use

The city is working on a comprehensive plan to use carbon-neutral energy in city buildings. The integration of photovoltaic systems is a central part of this strategy to generate clean energy and reduce the ecological footprint.

Promoting the transformation of mobility and expanding the charging infrastructure

The city of Cologne is pursuing ambitious goals in the area of ​​sustainable mobility. The “Köln Mobil 2025” concept lays the foundation for sustainable mobility. The promotion of electromobility and the expansion of the charging infrastructure are central elements.

Integration into the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP)

All of these measures have been carefully integrated into the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). This plan acts as a strategic guide for the development of a sustainable mobility structure in Cologne and ensures that all initiatives work seamlessly together to shape a carbon-neutral future.

Cologne on the way to sustainability and climate protection

The city of Cologne has taken bold steps to address climate change and promote sustainability. By declaring a climate emergency and introducing six key measures, Cologne is demonstrating its determination to take a leading role in climate protection. These comprehensive initiatives will ensure that Cologne does its part to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The integration of these measures into the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) ensures coordinated and efficient implementation to secure a green and sustainable future for Cologne.

➡️ Building-integrated photovoltaics - aesthetics, ideal for new architectural design options and reduction of urban heat islands

➡️ City solar carport modules for photovoltaic parking spaces with translucent solar modules

➡️ City Pergolas, the ideal concept for the green smart city of the future

➡️ Smart Columarium - up to 90% green spaces in the city centers for a feel-good factor and a 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 of saving up to 90% of the cemetery area and using the freed-up green space for other uses. This energetic and space-optimized burial site was developed by logisticians from Japan and Germany. The “Smart Columbarium” is an innovative way of burial where urns are stored in a space-saving and technologically advanced manner. This reduces the space required for traditional graves and frees up valuable green space. These areas can then be used as a valuable contribution to improving the living environment and quality of life of residents.

The combination of protecting and promoting existing green spaces, careful inner-city densification and innovative concepts such as the “Smart Columbarium” could help cities and municipalities find a balance between urban development and environmental protection. By specifically relying on green infrastructure and developing new ways of using land, the city can preserve the positive bioclimatic conditions in residential areas and at the same time improve the climate in heavily built-up regions.

Learn from the Japanese: 91% of the population already lives in urbanized areas

More about it here:

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

Smart Park: New green parks thanks to Smart Columbarium - Image: Xpert.Digital

The Smart Columbarium concept describes the possibility of reducing the space required for cemeteries by an impressive 90%. This innovative solution creates valuable space that can be used to create green leisure and recreation parks. This measure aims to increase the culture of well-being in the community and to provide residents with an attractive environment for their leisure activities.

More about it here:

• Smart Park: New green parks thanks to Smart Columbarium
  Access code / password : daifuku

Innovations for sustainable urbanization: From climate analysis to smart columbarium - cities of the future: Smart city approaches for sustainable city logistics and quality of life

In an increasingly urbanized world, the optimization of city logistics and the development of intelligent cities, also known as smart cities, is becoming increasingly important. An outstanding example is the climate analysis in Cologne and the city's response to the climate emergency.

Climate analysis Cologne: Insights into the challenges

The climate analysis in Cologne is a groundbreaking project that examines the effects of climate change on the city's infrastructure and the quality of life of its residents. The analysis includes temperature data, air quality, green space distribution and traffic load. The data collected provides important insights into heat-related stress and supports urban planning in developing solutions to adapt to climate change.

Climate Emergency: Acting for a Sustainable Future

In view of the urgent climate problem, many cities, including Cologne, have declared a climate emergency. This symbol of commitment to climate action calls on the city government to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices. In Cologne, citizens' initiatives and NGOs have played an active role in promoting climate-friendly policies and raising awareness.

Smart city approaches for sustainable city logistics

Smart city concepts integrate technology, data analysis and networking to make cities more efficient and more livable. In the context of urban logistics, this means introducing intelligent transport systems, supply chain optimization and promoting environmentally friendly means of transport such as electric vehicles and bicycles. Cologne has launched initiatives to bundle deliveries, reduce delivery traffic and promote the use of public transport.

Building-integrated photovoltaics: Energy generation and architecture in harmony

The integration of photovoltaic systems into building structures opens up an innovative way to generate renewable energy without taking up additional space. This approach revolutionizes energy supply and architecture at the same time.

Renewable energy production: photovoltaics in the city

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BiPV) uses facades, roofs and even window surfaces to convert solar energy into electricity. This not only helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also makes cities more energy self-sufficient. Innovative technologies enable the seamless integration of solar cells into various building materials, which does not affect the aesthetic design.

Architecture and Aesthetics: The Fusion of Form and Function

BiPV changes the perception of buildings as pure structures and relies on a harmonious fusion of architecture and energy production. This technology opens up new possibilities for creative building design and architectural innovation. Buildings can not only generate energy, but also make aesthetic statements.

Smart Columbarium: Digital technologies in the funeral industry

The cemetery as a place of mourning and remembrance is being transformed through the use of digital technologies. Smart Columbarium is an example of how innovation is transforming the funeral industry.

Digital culture of remembrance: Smart Columbarium

A Smart Columbarium is a modern approach to urn burial. Digital technologies allow relatives to visit interactive memorials. These can include photos, videos, stories and memories of the deceased. This creates a new form of remembrance culture that goes beyond the traditional grave.

Sustainability and space saving: The advantages of Smart Columbaria

Smart columbariums enable more efficient use of the limited space available in cemeteries. Because the urns are housed in compact units, space is saved. Additionally, digital solutions offer the opportunity to visit graves from anywhere, which can reduce the need for physical visits. This contributes to the sustainability of cemetery operations.

Future-oriented solutions

Overall, these developments in urban logistics, renewable energy generation and the funeral industry show how technological innovations can make cities more sustainable, smarter and more people-friendly. They are examples of how societies respond to the challenges of the modern world while developing future-oriented solutions.

In an impressive decision, the Cologne city council approved the “KölnKlimaAktiv 2022” program on February 14, 2019. This groundbreaking program includes 19 different measures from seven areas: general climate protection, urban planning/development, energy-efficient renovation, electricity saving, photovoltaics, sufficiency and mobility. These actions, led by the Climate Action Coordination Office in collaboration with various departments and subsidiaries, aim to implement 19 concrete actions by 2022. In order to achieve Cologne's climate goals, around 3.9 million tons of CO2 emissions must be reduced annually. The main goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990.

Diverse measures for climate protection

The approved program makes a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate protection goals. “KölnKlimaAktiv 2022” complements existing Cologne climate efforts such as the Green City Masterplan, the expansion of district heating supply and the promotion of bicycle traffic. At the same time, additional climate protection measures for the coming years will be presented. Many measures focus on the city implementing its initiatives as a role model. Measure 7.2 deals with sustainable mobility in the city administration, including employees' commute to work. Numerous measures also aim to inform, motivate and involve other actors. Initiatives in the areas of photovoltaics, electricity saving, renovation, mobility and sufficiency are aimed at citizens, companies and various interest groups through information and incentives.

Significant contribution to CO2 reduction

“KölnKlimaAktiv 2022” contributes to reducing greenhouse gases by around 11,678 tons per year. Given the need to save around 3.9 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030, it is clear that the program is making a modest contribution. Further ambitious activities are required due to limited municipal capacity. Achieving climate protection goals and limiting global warming require joint efforts that motivate various actors and set processes in motion.

Energy-efficient renovation and sustainable mobility

The “Energy Efficient Renovation” area focuses on increasing renovation rates and reducing energy consumption in buildings. This includes reducing electricity consumption in households and the commercial sector while increasing efficiency. The program also promotes climate-friendly electricity generation through photovoltaics. The mobility sector emphasizes a resource-efficient lifestyle to achieve ambitious climate goals. The focus is on communication and incentives for sustainable mobility behavior.

Promote climate protection

“KölnKlimaAktiv 2022” impressively shows Cologne’s determination to advance climate protection. The variety of measures and the focus on sustainable mobility, energy efficiency and renewable energies help to support the city on the way to a climate-friendly future. The coordinated efforts of government, companies and citizens are essential to achieve the goals set and to leave a livable environment for future generations.

Sustainable mobility development in Cologne: The beginning of the Mobility Council

The first meeting of the Mobility Council took place on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, ushering in a multi-year process in Cologne. The city's goal is to create the basis for sustainable, climate-neutral mobility development, which requires the formulation of a strategic mobility plan. This plan, known as the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), aims to meet the mobility needs of individuals and businesses in the city and surrounding areas and improve the quality of life. The SUMP includes intermodal strategies and measures to promote the transition to environmentally friendly transport, builds on established planning approaches and emphasizes collaboration, participation and evaluation principles. Many European cities have already developed similar plans.

The Mobility Council as a driver of change

The Mobility Council acts as an advisory body for the city administration and politicians and contributes to the content and quality assurance of the sustainable mobility plan. Transparent discourse with stakeholders and extensive public participation are essential parts of this process. The members of the council include city employees, council members, representatives from various areas such as regional cooperation, youth policy, senior policy, disability policy, business, transport services, mobility and transport associations as well as experts from administrative practice and academia.

The deputy mayor for mobility in Cologne, Ascan Egerer, emphasizes the goal of making the city's mobility more sustainable through data analysis and support and creating a more livable and environmentally friendly city. Thorsten Siggelkow, head of the Office for Sustainable Mobility Development, adds that achieving these overarching goals requires broad participation, intensive discussions and a willingness to implement real changes in the city. The Cologne Mobility Plan is intended to provide concrete answers and measures to achieve these goals.

The path to sustainable mobility: The Cologne SUMP

In February 2020, the Cologne city council commissioned the administration to initiate the SUMP process to develop a mobility strategy for the next 10 to 15 years. The goal is to encourage residents to switch to sustainable means of transport in order to improve the quality of life in the city and make a significant contribution to Cologne's climate neutrality by 2035. Following the 2020 SUMP resolution, the city formed a working group within the Office of Sustainable Mobility to develop the plan. A consortium of six consulting, investment and communications companies was commissioned in autumn 2022 to develop the first phase of the SUMP by the end of 2024. This initial phase defines the vision and strategy for Cologne, organizes comprehensive participation from stakeholders and the public, creates a communication strategy and outlines a concept for communicating sustainable mobility to the Cologne population. Financing comes from the “Clean Air Immediate Program” of the German Ministry for Digital and Transport.

Europe-wide support for sustainable mobility plans

The concept of “SUMP”, developed about a decade ago, is supported by the European Commission. Discussions are currently underway at European level to link the financing of mobility initiatives to the creation of sustainable urban mobility plans.

Sustainable transport development

The Mobility Council, consisting of various actors from administration, politics, business and associations, plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable mobility in Cologne. Through a participatory approach and clear strategic goals, the SUMP creates the basis for sustainable transport development that not only increases citizens' quality of life, but also makes a significant contribution to achieving the city's climate neutrality goals.

Introduction to climate analysis

Climate analysis is an important scientific method for studying the climate in specific regions or globally. It includes different techniques and approaches to collect and analyze data that is crucial to understanding climate.

Climate study: research and findings

A climate study involves the in-depth study of climate patterns, weather events, and climate changes over a period of time. Scientists use 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 and humidity. By using modern statistical methods, patterns and trends in the data can be identified, providing important information for assessing the current climate.

Climate investigation: research into specific phenomena

In climate studies, the focus is on researching specific climatic phenomena such as El Niño, La Niña or climate cycles. The aim is to better understand the underlying causes and effects of these phenomena and to develop possible predictive models.

Climate assessment: Assessment of climatic conditions

Climate assessment involves a comprehensive assessment of the climatic conditions in a specific area. Various factors such as temperature, precipitation, air quality and solar radiation are taken into account. The results serve as a basis for climate-related decisions and measures.

Climatic analysis: Study of climate zones and regions

Climatic analysis involves the study of climate zones and regions around the world. By identifying similar climatic features in specific areas, comparisons can be made to identify similarities and differences between different regions.

Climate observation: monitoring current climate changes

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

Climate data evaluation: Use of big data and technology

Modern technology and big data analysis are used to evaluate climate data. Large amounts of climate data are collected to identify patterns and trends, helping to better understand the climate and make more informed climate-related decisions.

Climate recording: data collection for forecast models

Climate sensing focuses on data collection for the development of forecast models. Climate scientists continually collect data to build models that predict future climate changes and weather events.

Climate diagnosis: analysis of the causes of climate events

Climate diagnostics deals with analyzing and researching the causes of climate events such as heat waves, droughts or heavy rain. By understanding the underlying factors, preventive measures can be taken to mitigate potential impacts.

➡️ This comprehensive presentation of the various aspects of climate analysis highlights the importance of this research discipline for understanding and dealing with the challenges of climate change. From evaluating historical data to developing forecast models, climate analysis plays a central role in the effort to better understand our climate and find sustainable solutions for the future.

Energetic urbanization: climate analyzes and the master plan for 100% climate protection - Image: Xpert.Digital

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

More about it here:

• Interesting solutions and synergies between energetic urbanization and climate protection