"The methodology developed is transferable to other cities facing similar climate challenges, as long as quality data is available”
We have carried out an analysis of climate hazards in Vitoria-Gasteiz to identify where to develop new actions and assess the effectiveness of specific solutions
In response to climate change threats, Vitoria-Gasteiz continues to develop innovative climate change adaptation measures within the framework of theLIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 initiative, in conjunction with TECNALIA.
The analysis carried out as part of the initiative focuses on the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz and divides the work into four key phases:
- Identification and registration of nature-based solutions (NBS) that have already been implemented or are in the pipeline.
- Climate hazard modelling: use of advanced tools to map the main climate hazards at a meso (city) level.
- Design and implementation of new NBS according to the modelling results.
- Ongoing assessment of interventions to ensure their effectiveness and optimisation.
Climate hazard modelling
Following the development of theNBS Catalogue for the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz by the Centre for Environmental Studies(CEA), TECNALIA has mapped climate hazards at a meso level.
As a result, cartographic maps have been obtained related to the analysis of the city’s urban climate and thermal stress; and the flood risk due to surface run-off (rain flooding). To do so, Ihobe’s 2019 'High Resolution Regional Climate Change Scenarios for the Basque Country' study has been used.
Simulations show that the urban morphology of Vitoria-Gasteiz significantly affects both thermal stress and the dispersion of pollutants, such as NOx. The neighbourhoods around the Old Town have higher temperatures in the afternoon and evening due to the lack of vegetation and continuous sun exposure. The implementation of NBS in these areas, accompanied by emission reduction strategies, could mitigate urban heat.
The industrial areas of Júndiz and Gamarra and the neighbourhood of Lakua-Arriaga have been identified as critical points with a high risk of rain flooding, affecting the operation of key infrastructures. NBS, such as improving natural drainage systems, will be key to reducing this vulnerability and improving soil and air quality.
The study concludes that nature-based solutions not only increase resilience to climate change, but also provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits.
Furthermore, the methodology developed is transferable to other cities facing similar climate challenges, provided that quality data and the appropriate resources are available for accurate modelling.
Design and implementation of interventions
Based on the results obtained in the climate threat analysis, TECNALIA has identified the areas of the city in which the development of new interventions through NBS is a priority.
Then, prioritisation was carried out in conjunction with the CEA, based on technical and economic feasibility criteria and the opportunity to carry out the intervention within the time-frame of the LIFE Urban Klima 2050 initiative.
As a result, two locations have been selected for micro-scale modelling exercises to assess the effectiveness of various NBS in terms of thermal comfort and surface run-off under climate change scenarios:
- Cantón de Carnicerías (butcher’s area) in the Medieval Quarter.
- The Luis Elejalde / Rogelia de Alvaro public school playground.
In the final phase of the initiative, the focus will be on the definition, design and implementation of greening solutions in the previously modelled Medieval Quarter. Subsequently, the impact of this transformation on thermal comfort, biodiversity and perception of the space will be assessed.
