Spatial and Settlement Development Adapted to Climate Change in Strasshof an der Nordbahn (Lower Austria)

Climate change, increasing urbanisation and densification, not only in inner-city areas, require new approaches and solutions to improve liveability and act against the consequences of climate change, primarily noticeable in cities and their surrounding areas. The introduced projects "Strasshof 2021" and "Strasshof. Klimafit!" (both funded by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund, Klima- und Energiefonds, under the Smart Cities Initiative in Austria) deal with climate change adaptation measures, exemplified by the Austrian municipality of Strasshof an der Nordbahn, using instruments of spatial planning, such as land development plans, construction plans, zoning plans etc., focussing on soil bioengineering measures to infiltrate rainwater as well as climate-effective design of roadside greenery using a selection of plants appropriate to the climate. Within the exploratory project "Strasshof 2021. Preparation of climate change-adapted planning instruments and processes for a Smart Village" the municipality of Strasshof examined in cooperation with the project team, how certain climate change adaptation measures could be specifically requested and regulated in the municipality's development plan, including how compliance and implementation of these measures could then be monitored by the municipality. At the level of the land development plan, criteria were developed suitable for implementing climate change-adapted settlement developments. Existing experiences were transferred to Strasshof and measures and options for climate change-adapted rainwater management were developed. For example, potential implementations of the sponge city principle, adapted to the local conditions (no canal for draining rainwater, very permeable soil) were examined in Strasshof. Based on the assessment of potential areas to establish green structures and roadside greenery in Strasshof, measures and options for climate change adapted planting and vegetation in public spaces and on buildings were analysed. A list of "climate-fit" trees (trees that are well-adapted to the changing climate) for public areas as well as for private gardens was drawn up. "Strasshof. Klimafit! Strasshof as a lighthouse: EVAPO+ green walls, green infiltration troughs, empowerment and practical transfer" is a lighthouse demonstration project that stimulates processes for climate change measures by empowering other municipalities and small towns. The project aims to implement resilient, multifunctional and "climate-fit" solutions that respond to heat and heavy rain, improve the microclimate, increase the quality of life and living while promoting biodiversity and species diversity in existing areas of the municipality. With these measures, Strasshof can act against climate change consequences and improve the liveability of the population. The transferability of the demonstrations shall be guaranteed with the help of various regional, national and international exchange forums. In cooperation with other Austrian municipalities, the lessons learned from Strasshof will be reflected and transferred to the regional network "Climate-Fit Small Towns and Municipalities" along with step-by-step instructions for climate-fit municipalities