Motivation and research question

Adapting cities to the effects of climate change is essential in the coming years. In the state capital Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, higher temperatures and an increased occurrence of urban heat islands in areas with high surface sealing and building density can also be expected in the future. Based on the results of the ADAPT-UHI climate study, an urban heat island in the city will be mitigated and at the same time energy will be produced on site in an innovative way. The project is based on precisely this research question.

The goals of the demonstration project GREENsChOOLENERGY were:

• Testing innovative combination construction methods of solar/greening combinations for cooling buildings and outdoor spaces using the example of the HTL1 Klagenfurt-Lastenstrasse.
• Raising awareness for students and teaching staff
• Lighthouse function and showcase for various innovative technologies

Initial situation/status quo

At the center of the GREENsChOOLENERGY project is the HTL1 Klagenfurt Lastenstraße, which is faced with severe overheating due to a generously sized, south-facing glass facade and a sealed area in the main entrance area as well as a conventional flat roof above. These conditions cause serious restrictions on the physical and mental performance of students and teaching staff during heat waves.

Project contents and objectives

In the present project, on the one hand, the urban heat island effect is to be reduced there with strategic greening of the forecourt and the flat roof and, on the other hand, the high solar radiation is to be used for local electricity production. Parts of the forecourt, a large part of the glass facade and the flat roof already mentioned are ideal here. Experimental PV systems are used that are not yet ready for the market.

The flat roof is equipped with vertical/bifacial modules that are intended to absorb load peaks in the morning and evening hours. These PV elements on the roof are combined with extensive greenery and plant species that are as bright as possible in order to increase the albedo radiation and achieve an additional increase in yield.

The elements of the glass facade are replaced with sun-tracking and movable modules and cooled with spray mist and climbing plants underneath in order to achieve increased yields. Greening measures on the forecourt are intended to increase the liability. An artificial watercourse will also be created, and electricity will be generated in the nearby area using additional PV modules.

Methodical procedure

Work packages 3 (greening systems), WP4 (photovoltaic systems) and WP5 (supply and control) deal with the development and implementation of the planned greening and PV systems as well as their necessary control and supply. These work packages are closely interwoven and develop the respective concepts, detailed planning and implementation.

Test reports and maintenance protocols must be created for internal quality control. Work package 6 (monitoring, modelling, evaluation, business models) ensures the preparation and processing of the data collected at the test facilities. For this purpose, on the one hand, energy yields from the experimental PV systems are examined, vegetation-ecological characteristics are monitored (wild bee numbers, soil parameters on the green roof, etc.), micro- and room-climatic data are collected (including ZAMG weather station), and the entire project is analysed in terms of costs/benefits. Relation used to create business models.

Results and conclusions

In line with the Smart City strategy of the state capital Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, the project helps to reduce the urban heat island effect in the vicinity of the school and contributes to a tolerable urban climate. In addition, local electricity production increases the proportion of renewable energies and contributes to climate protection.

The construction of the different, innovative PV systems in combination with greening measures contribute to the generation of knowledge in the technical implementation as well as the market readiness in real operation, from the beginning of planning, through construction, to completion and accompanying monitoring is determined.

Outlook

The results of the project have already been integrated into a subsequent research project (E³@SCHOOL) and deal with the sustainable and innovative use of the electricity generated on site in the current project. Furthermore, experiences in the area of PV systems are used in combination with green buildings and scaled up in the city if possible. The two projects will also be incorporated into the new cross-departmental training program at HTL1-Lastenstraße - the Green:energie Ingenieur:in (HTL1-Lastenstraße, 2024).

Project management

IPAK - International Project Management Agency Klagenfurt on Lake Wörthersee GmbH

Project or cooperation partners

• Verein zur Förderung der HTL Lastenstraße
• Grünstattgrau Forschungs- und Innovations GmbH
• Citygreen Gartengestaltungs GmbH
• Stadtwerke Klagenfurt AG

IPAK - International Project Management Agency Klagenfurt on Lake Wörthersee GmbH
Dr. Wolfgang Hafner
Neuer Platz 1
A-9010 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel.: +43 (464) 537-4885
E-mail: wolfgang.hafner@klagenfurt.at
Web: https://ipak-klagenfurt.at