Urban logistics and smart cities: Climate analysis of Cologne and the climate emergency – Image: S.Borisov|Shutterstock.com
The city of Cologne is changing: Climate protection and sustainability are at the heart of policy.
➡️ 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 municipal policy. This important declaration stipulates that climate change must be considered in all decisions. The City of Cologne supports the goals of the Paris Agreement and the findings of the IPCC's 2018 Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. The central objective is to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The city has set itself the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This will require extensive efforts in various sectors.
Commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
The city of Cologne has not only spoken but also taken concrete steps 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 report regularly 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 Action” plan is being expanded to cover a broader range of activities promoting sustainability. This demonstrates the city's commitment to environmentally friendly practices in various areas of life.
Assessing the climate impact of administrative proposals
The city of Cologne will in future assess the climate impact 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.
Promotion of renewable energies and sustainable mobility
Promoting renewable energies
Cologne is relying on renewable energies to sustainably meet its energy needs. This is an important step towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
Development of a plan for carbon-neutral energy in urban buildings and the use of photovoltaics
The city is working on a comprehensive plan to use carbon-neutral energy in municipal buildings. The integration of photovoltaic systems is a key component of this strategy to generate clean energy and reduce the environmental 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 "Cologne Mobility 2025" concept lays the foundation for future-proof mobility. Promoting electromobility and expanding the charging infrastructure are key elements of this plan.
Integration into the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP)
All these measures have been carefully integrated into the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). This plan serves as a strategic guideline for developing a sustainable mobility infrastructure in Cologne and ensures that all initiatives work together seamlessly to create a carbon-neutral future.
Cologne on the path 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 implementing six key measures, Cologne is demonstrating its commitment to taking a leading role in climate protection. These comprehensive initiatives will ensure that Cologne contributes to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and achieves carbon neutrality by 2050. Integrating these measures into the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) guarantees coordinated and efficient implementation to secure a green and sustainable future for Cologne.
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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
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The Smart Park or Smart Columbarium concept
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.
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- Smart Park: New green parks thanks to Smart Columbarium
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Energy generation of the future: Building-integrated photovoltaics and architectural aesthetics
Innovations for sustainable urbanization: From climate analysis to smart columbariums – Cities of the future: Smart city approaches for sustainable urban logistics and quality of life
In an increasingly urbanized world, the optimization of urban logistics and the development of intelligent cities, also known as smart cities, are gaining in importance. A prime 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 pioneering project investigating the impacts of climate change on the city's infrastructure and the quality of life of its residents. The analysis encompasses temperature data, air quality, green space distribution, and traffic volume. The collected data provides crucial insights into heat-related stresses and supports urban planning in developing solutions for climate change adaptation.
Climate emergency: Take action for a sustainable future
In light of the urgent climate crisis, many cities, including Cologne, have declared a climate emergency. This symbol of commitment to climate protection calls on the city administration to take measures 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 urban logistics
Smart city concepts integrate technology, data analysis, and networking to make cities more efficient and livable. In the context of urban logistics, this means introducing intelligent transportation systems, optimizing supply chains, and promoting environmentally friendly modes of transport such as electric vehicles and bicycles. Cologne has launched initiatives to consolidate deliveries, reduce delivery traffic, and encourage the use of public transportation.
Building-integrated photovoltaics: Energy generation and architecture in harmony
Integrating photovoltaic systems into building structures offers an innovative way to generate renewable energy without requiring additional space. This approach revolutionizes both energy supply and architecture.
Renewable energy generation: Photovoltaics in the city
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) utilizes facades, roofs, and even window surfaces to convert solar energy into electricity. This not only contributes to reducing 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 without compromising aesthetic design.
Architecture and aesthetics: The fusion of form and function
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is changing the perception of buildings as mere structures, focusing on a harmonious fusion of architecture and energy generation. 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 one example of how innovation is changing the funeral industry.
Digital Remembrance Culture: Smart Columbarium
A smart columbarium is a modern approach to the interment of urns. Using digital technologies, relatives can visit interactive memorial sites. These can contain photos, videos, stories, and memories of the deceased. This creates a new form of remembrance that goes beyond the traditional grave.
Sustainability and space saving: The advantages of smart columbaria
Smart columbaria enable more efficient use of the limited space available in cemeteries. Because the urns are housed in compact units, space is saved. Furthermore, digital solutions offer the possibility of visiting 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 demonstrate how technological innovations can make cities more sustainable, intelligent, and people-friendly. They exemplify how societies are responding to the challenges of the modern world while simultaneously developing future-oriented solutions.
Climate protection in concrete terms: The measures of Cologne Climate Active 2022
In an impressive decision, the Cologne City Council adopted the “CologneClimateActive 2022” program on February 14, 2019. This groundbreaking program comprises 19 different measures across seven areas: general climate protection, urban planning/development, energy-efficient building renovation, electricity conservation, photovoltaics, sufficiency, and mobility. These measures, managed by the Climate Protection Coordination Office in cooperation with various departments and subsidiaries, aim to implement 19 concrete actions by 2022. To achieve Cologne's climate targets, approximately 3.9 million tons of CO2 emissions must be reduced annually. The primary goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
Diverse measures for climate protection
The approved program makes a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate protection goals. “Cologne Climate Action 2022” complements existing Cologne climate efforts such as the Green City Masterplan, the expansion of district heating, and the promotion of cycling. At the same time, additional climate protection measures for the coming years are presented. Many measures focus on the city setting an example by implementing its initiatives. For example, measure 7.2 addresses sustainable mobility within the city administration, including employees' commutes. Numerous measures also aim to inform, motivate, and involve other stakeholders. Initiatives in the areas of photovoltaics, energy conservation, building renovation, mobility, and sufficiency target citizens, businesses, and various interest groups through information and incentives.
Significant contribution to CO2 reduction
“Cologne Climate Active 2022” contributes to reducing greenhouse gases by approximately 11,678 tons per year. Given the need to save around 3.9 million tons of CO2 annually by 2030, it is clear that the program makes a modest contribution. Further ambitious activities are required due to limited municipal capacity. Achieving climate protection goals and limiting global warming requires joint efforts that motivate various stakeholders and set processes in motion.
Energy-efficient renovation and sustainable mobility
The "Energy-Efficient Renovation" sector focuses on increasing renovation rates and reducing energy consumption in buildings. This includes lowering electricity consumption in households and the commercial sector while simultaneously 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. Communication and incentives for sustainable mobility behavior are key priorities.
To advance climate protection
“Cologne Climate Action 2022” impressively demonstrates Cologne’s determination to advance climate protection. The wide range of measures and the focus on sustainable mobility, energy efficiency, and renewable energies contribute to supporting the city on its path to a climate-friendly future. The coordinated efforts of the government, businesses, and citizens are essential to achieving the set goals and leaving a livable environment for future generations.
Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP): Cologne's vision for green mobility
Sustainable mobility development in Cologne: The beginning of the Mobility Council
On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, the first meeting of the Mobility Council took place, thus launching a multi-year process in Cologne. The city's goal is to create the foundation 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 to improve the quality of life. The SUMP includes intermodal strategies and measures to promote the transition to environmentally friendly modes of transport, builds on established planning approaches, and emphasizes cooperation, participation, and evaluation principles. Numerous European cities have already developed similar plans.
The Mobility Council as a driving force for change
The Mobility Council acts as an advisory body to the city administration and policymakers, contributing to the development and quality assurance of the sustainable mobility plan. Transparent dialogue with stakeholders and extensive public participation are essential components of this process. Council members include city employees, council members, representatives from various sectors such as regional cooperation, youth policy, senior citizen policy, disability policy, business, transport services, mobility and transport associations, as well as experts from administrative practice and academia.
Cologne's Deputy Mayor for Mobility, Ascan Egerer, emphasizes the goal of making the city's mobility more sustainable through data analysis and support, thereby 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 aims to provide concrete answers and measures for achieving these goals.
The path to sustainable mobility: The Cologne SUMP
In February 2020, the Cologne City Council tasked the administration with initiating the Sustainable Mobility Plan (SUMP) process to develop a mobility strategy for the next 10 to 15 years. The goal is to encourage residents to switch to sustainable modes 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 established a working group within the Office for Sustainable Mobility to develop the plan. In autumn 2022, a consortium of six consulting, investment, and communications companies was commissioned 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 stakeholder and public participation, develops a communications strategy, and outlines a concept for promoting sustainable mobility to the Cologne population. Funding is provided through the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs' "Immediate Action Program for Clean Air."
Europe-wide support for sustainable mobility plans
The “SUMP” concept, developed about a decade ago, is supported by the European Commission. Discussions are currently underway at the European level to link the financing of mobility initiatives to the creation of sustainable urban mobility plans.
Sustainable transport development
The Mobility Council, comprised of various stakeholders from administration, politics, business, and associations, plays a crucial role in shaping future-proof mobility in Cologne. Through a participatory approach and clear strategic goals, the SUMP (Sustainable Mobility Plan) lays the foundation for sustainable transport development that not only improves the quality of life for citizens but also makes a significant contribution to achieving the city's climate neutrality goals.
Climate Analysis: A Comprehensive Look at the Climate
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 climate emergency declarations of cities, communities and municipalities
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.
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