More green for Simmering: new facades green community buildings!

More green for Simmering: new facades green community buildings!

In Simmering, the urban greening initiative is further advanced through new facade greening. The facades of two other municipal buildings have now been planted with different plant species, including ranking plants, ground -covering plants and low shrubs. These new locations are located on Dommesgasse 1-7 and Geiselbergstrasse 27-31. The goal is clear: to create cooler facades and an improved microclimate, which seems more urgent in view of the climatic challenges with which cities are faced. Press Vienna reports that the residential complex at Herbortgasse 42 was successfully planted last year.

Climate Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky emphasizes the advantages of building greening that not only improve the quality of life of residents, but also contribute to biodiversity. Vice Mayor and Councilor Kathrin Gaál also emphasizes the importance of natural cooling through the newly created green areas. Last but not least, this project is the result of the participation of the citizens who initiated the greenery project in Simmering in 2022 in a jury. The implementation was coordinated by Wiener Wohnen, represented by Vice Director Daniel Milovic-Braun. He explains that the greening measure is to be understood as part of the climate change adjustment of existing municipal buildings.

Viennese climatic team and green vision

The Viennese climate team is pursuing a visionary strategy for greening urban areas, which was developed in the districts of Margareten and Simmering in cooperation with experts in 2023. An outstanding example of these efforts is the project at the elementary school at Hundsturm 18 in Margareten, which will be implemented in November 2024. Here the focus is on the entrance area with tendrils and an automatic irrigation system for the climbing plants. Such measures contribute to reducing the heat load for pupils and residents.

In Simmering, the “Greening of Community Construction” project started in the summer of 2024 with the planting of a total of four residential complexes, including Römersthalgasse 9 to 17. Further greening for 2025 on Simmeringer Hauptstraße 106-108 and Geiselbergstraße 27-31 are planned. These greening projects promise many advantages: cooler rooms in summer, warmer heating efficiency in winter and the creation of new habitats for animals. The saving of heating costs is also another positive aspect that is funded by these projects. The Viennese climate team emphasizes that the green measures are made possible by the cooperation of various urban offices.

Urban adaptation to climate change

Climate change forces cities to rethink their living conditions. In particular, higher maximum and average temperatures represent a challenge. The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that greening, such as roof and facade greening, is cost-effective measures in order to adapt urban space to climate change. While other infrastructure projects require high investments, green spaces enable an important form of relaxation, improve the quality of life and help to reduce the risk of floods.

In summary, it can be said that the promotion of green spaces and the greening of facades are an important step in order to counter the challenges of climate change and at the same time to improve the quality of life in urban areas.