THE CHALLENGE

Watering Green Spaces Efficiently

Environment

Water

Watering Green Spaces Efficiently

Drought and extreme heat are increasing significantly as a result of climate change - temperatures COURSES OF ACTION above 50°C are now no longer uncommon in southern European cities. It is therefore all the more important to take efficient measures soon - for example, storing rainwater or reduce temperatures. The preservation and maintenance of green spaces and especially of trees is a particular challenge for municipalities in the face of increasing heat and water scarcity.

Data-based solutions for tree irrigation offer the opportunity to use water precisely and, thus, sparingly. Instead of the watering-can principle on already saturated soil, the necessary water requirement per tree is calculated from various data such as tree species, age, weather forecast and/or soil moisture. In this way, the trees are neither over- nor under-watered and the tree population is secured.

APPROACHES

Weather-resistant sensor technology on every tree.
Linking data platform with various data sources (including real-time data, tree cadastre).
To combat water scarcity: linking with water collection devices.
Sponge furniture or sponge floors are high-maintenance and require higher initial costs or detailed planning.
Irrigation involving citizens may involve risk of using wrong water resources (tap water).

Opportunities

Save resources: more efficient use of water.
Save resources II: Reduce burden of time on maintenance offices or irrigation service providers.
Save money: Replacing a city tree costs about €66,000.
Save money II: according to "Gieß den Kiez" up to 8 € per watering.
Save CO²: fewer watering trips.
Save CO² II: fewer trips to survey the condition of the trees.
By-product: data on soil quality (-> de-icing salt).
Improve urban climate and air quality.
Improve health of citizens.
Engage citizens.

Solution(s)

Data

Which SDGS are addressed?

In order to create globally sustainable structures, the member states of the United Nations have set themselves 17 goals by 2030, which are set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.