Project information

About the project

AdobeStock / Piya Pixels / 887742754 / Generated with AI

This image has been distorted for data protection reasons and does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the energy status of individual buildings © ILS/Miramap

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3D thermal images for energy consulting

Rising energy costs for the population and the demand and necessity to become climate-neutral by 2035 are two of the most pressing future challenges facing Dortmund and many other cities. Buildings are one of the main sources of CO2 emissions. CATCH4D uses modern remote sensing and thermography technologies to create a comprehensive three-dimensional model of the energy efficiency of Dortmund's building stock and to identify potential for refurbishment. The resulting 3D heat map is intended to draw citizens' attention to the topic of energy-efficient refurbishment and provides a good overview of energy efficiency in Dortmund's urban areas. Interested property owners also have the opportunity to obtain building-specific 3D thermal images and thus obtain a more detailed view of the energy efficiency of their properties. If required, there is also the possibility of a free initial consultation by the Service Centre for Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection (dlze).

Cool places on hot summer days

Summers in Dortmund are getting hotter and dealing with increasing periods of heat is a major challenge for our city. Heat can have a major impact on our well-being and health. One solution is urban greenery, which has a variety of effects and, in particular, provides cooling. Even though Dortmund is already regarded as a green city, there are many squares and streets that have a higher heat load. By analysing long-term surface temperatures with satellite images and a 3D representation of buildings, trees and their shadows, urban heat islands and areas with few trees and poor shading can be identified and measures for improving urban greenery can be proposed. In this way, heat stress can be reduced, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The 3D shadow map developed by the project is freely available to the citizens of Dortmund as an interactive WebGIS application.

About the project

What is CATCH4D?

CATCH4D stands for Climate Adaption through Thermographic Campaign and Heatmapping. The aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive three-dimensional thermographic model of the city of Dortmund. Innovative methods of laser scanning, thermography and remote sensing enable a detailed analysis of the energy performance of buildings and the extent of urban heat stress. Additional socio-economic data will also be used to identify areas potentially affected by energy poverty and population groups particularly affected by urban heat stress. The results of the data analysis will be used to support climate adaptation measures in urban areas. The project aims to generate a direct benefit for citizens who potentially have difficulties paying energy costs and/or suffer particularly from the effects of extreme heat. These groups will be offered targeted advice on energy-efficient refurbishment and adaptation to summer heatwaves. Temporary measures are also planned to reduce heat stress in selected public places frequented by vulnerable groups.

CATCH4D will be funded from June 2023 to May 2025 as one of seven European projects as part of the Action Fund 2.0 of the international network ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. It is being carried out by ILS Research gGmbH in cooperation with the City of Dortmund.

AdobeStock / Christian Schwier / 162287026

Benefits

Benefits of the project, briefly summarised

Innovative data and technologies

CATCH4D combines innovative methods of laser scanning, thermography and remote sensing with socio-economic data to support the city of Dortmund in solving complex problems such as energy efficient refurbishment, energy poverty and urban heat islands.

Support for vulnerable groups in Dortmund

The data products and tools developed by CATCH4D are aimed directly at the citizens of Dortmund, who can, for example, use the 3D shadow map to find out about cool places in their neighbourhood or the 3D heat map to obtain information on the energy status of their building. Particular attention is paid to vulnerable groups such as children and elderly people who are particularly affected by heat stress or households affected by energy poverty due to rising energy costs.

Direct involvement of local citizens

CATCH4D not only provides innovative data products, but also directly involves the affected citizens through numerous local campaigns such as the Green Room, thermography walks and free energy advice workshops. The aim is not only to raise awareness of the issues of heat in the city, urban greenery and energy-efficient refurbishment, but also to develop solutions to tackle climate adaptation in dialogue with local people.

Close cooperation with the city of Dortmund

CATCH4D closely cooperates with the responsible departments of the City of Dortmund (Environmental Agency, Office for Urban Renewal, Neighbourhood Management). This ensures that the project creates synergies with existing strategies and actions and can also make a long-term contribution to achieving Dortmund’s climate targets.