HSWT project HiT develops heat protection measures for Straubing and the surrounding area
The research project is investigating solutions along a transect from Geiselhöring, Straubing and Mitterfels, taking a holistic view of urban-rural transitions and combining social, ecological and technical measures to create synergies.
Urban and rural areas suffer equally from the effects of climate change - and each face the same challenges: Heat islands, health problems and high protection costs. In addition, rural areas have to contend with declining Agriculture yields and water shortages. Current research is mainly focussed on large cities and neglects rural areas.
With the project "Heat in the transect - challenges and solutions in urban and rural areas (HiT)", the research team at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences led by Prof Dr Klaus Menrad (project manager), Prof Dr Kristian Förster, Prof Dr Simone Linke and Prof Dr Bernhard Schauberger is pursuing the goal of developing innovative heat protection measures for urban and rural areas along a transect in order to overcome the ecological, social and economic challenges of rising temperatures in a holistic manner. Straubing, as a medium-sized city with existing heat protection measures, and the rural district of Straubing-Bogen offer a suitable pilot area.
Consideration of different realities of life
HiT looks at the transitions between rural and urban structures, creating synergies between social, ecological and technical adaptation measures. Important target groups here are the general population with a view to everyday heat perception, the Agriculture sector with a focus on the operational and psychological stress caused by heat, and social institutions, with a particular focus on residents and how heat protection can be improved for them. The project is also focussing on the design of heat-adapted urban and local development and on the connection between the water balance and heat.
Participation of the population desired
In order to obtain a complete picture of the current situation and evaluate transferable solutions, the research team is working closely with local stakeholders. In addition to climate walks, general surveys and space for dialogue, many other activities are planned for the population. Interested parties can find out about planned HiT project events in the HSWT events calendar. Anyone who lives in the Straubing-Bogen region and would like to participate in the project beyond the activities on offer can contact the research team directly.
Project funded by BMFTR
The HiT project is part of the "Research at universities of applied sciences" programme of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), which focuses on application-oriented research, practical training of the next generation of skilled workers and the transfer of research results into concrete applications. The HSWT research project will run until 28 February 2030 and is being funded by the BMFTR to the tune of 1.4 million euros. In addition, four doctorates are planned as part of the HiT project.
On 13 March, all project partners met at the Straubing site to launch the research project. The kick-off meeting included a presentation of the project and all participants as well as an active exchange on the objectives and procedures for the course of the project.
