Climate change is particularly noticeable in cities during the summer months. The main square in Freistadt is no exception: all too often it has become a heat island on hot days. The north-eastern corner at the entrance to the castle courtyard, which is exposed to direct sunlight until late in the afternoon, is particularly affected.
In order to counteract this, the municipal council of Freistadt unanimously set the political course for a climate-friendly main square on Monday evening. Four trees in the area of Foxi’s tavern, the Lubinger confectionery and the farmer’s shop will bring shade and noticeable cooling from next year. They are planted according to the innovative “sponge city principle”: Due to a specially prepared soil which – like a sponge – stores water very well, the trees can grow faster and are also healthier. On hot days, water evaporates from the porous substrate, which helps cool the environment. When it rains heavily, however, the trees absorb water and relieve the sewage system.
Involvement of all those affected
This decision was preceded by a workshop of city politics with the company “cuulbox”, in which representatives of all political groups took part. The team of experts from “cuulbox” relies on innovative, sustainable solutions and has already supported several cities in making their streets suitable for the climate. “It was important to me to involve the residents affected,” said Mayor Christian Gratzl (SP), referring to discussions with the residents who were directly affected. This path has now been taken in order to prepare the main square for a climate-friendly future: “The best air conditioning is still our nature.”
In the implementation, Freistadt is supported by the energy district (EBF) and receives funding from the community climate change adaptation program (GeKAP) and the climate and energy fund. In the longer term, more trees could follow and the main square could become greener and more shady step by step. The number of parking spaces on the main square remains unchanged.
Source: Nachrichten
