Aided by scientists, the city of Feldkirch has analysed various development pathways to underpin preparation of its climate neutrality roadmap. It is currently focusing on expanding the local heating network, promoting sustainable mobility and starting to plan its Magdalenastraße pilot neighbourhood.
The “pioneering cities” partnership is helping to embed the issue of climate protection even more firmly among Feldkirch’s policymakers and specialist departments, thus forging closer links and strengthening cooperation in a targeted manner. Experts from the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) helped the city to come up with tangible ways to meet its climate targets.
“Our scientific partner AIT applied various models for drawing up energy balances and added flesh to the bones of our energy master plan,” reports Christina Connert, lead on the “pioneering city” project. “This showed us what developments are needed in terms of the individual energy carriers if we are to become climate-neutral by 2040.”
Hydropower and local heating
Hydropower has long been a key component of the local energy supply. Three hydroelectric power plants on the Ill River supply electricity to the city; however, their expansion potential has largely been exhausted. With one major challenge being how to refurbish many historic listed buildings in the Old Town to make them energy-efficient, the authorities are focusing on expanding local and district heating networks to ensure a sustainable heat supply to these buildings. The sewer system in the historic centre, which is over 100 years old, is also undergoing refurbishment.
Strengthening active mobility and e-mobility
The city also wants to get closer to its climate targets in the transport sector. In addition to the local public transport network, which is already extensive and will be electrified further in the coming years, active mobility – such as walking and cycling – will also be a priority. Electric mobility, as an alternative to using private petrol or diesel cars, is another important concern, and efforts to expand the charging infrastructure are to be ramped up.
Spotlight on a pilot neighbourhood
Magdalenastraße, an existing neighbourhood, is being assessed as part of an exploratory study. The area is highly diverse: alongside residential buildings, there is also a farm, the city’s plant nursery, care homes, a nursery school and more besides. The pilot project is covering a wide range of aspects, from energy efficiency and energy supply through to mobility and social issues. The aim is to create a climate-adapted, energy-efficient neighbourhood, improve people’s quality of life and establish a framework for a strong community spirit.
klimaneutralestadt.at/en/projects/pioneer-cities/feldkirch.php
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