COOLIFEALMADA: Facing heat waves through 4D cooling actions in Almada hotspots

Introduction

Risks of extreme weather events such as urban heat waves in Almada will be a major problem and need to be tackled through cost-effective and multifunctional adaptation measures with high replication potential in the medium term.

Objectives

With such aims, COOLIFEALMADA aims to increase the adaptation capacity to endure heat waves through the implementation of best practices and innovative solutions that will deliver an overall reduction in air temperature in key urban public areas of up to 3ºC.

Urban Green Corridor

The main solution to adopt is the creation of an urban green corridor (0.5 km) that will connect two existing urban parks and will create natural ventilation. The expansion of green area will be done using nature-based solutions such as:

1. High-density vegetated areas
2. Vegetated swales along the sidewalks
3. A green cooling retention basin

Aside from adaptation, these actions will provide support for urban biodiversity and stormwater management (Cool Soil).

Infrastructure Adaptation

It is planned that the adaptation of key buildings and grey infrastructure will occur through:

• The installation of green roofs and green facades, which will reinforce the green infrastructure
• The application of cool coatings to a flat roof (Cool Buildings)

Innovative Practices

In complement, COOLIFEALMADA also aims to test an innovative practice by implementing a Geothermal Open-Air Passive Cooling Prototype for cooling the outdoors. Based on Provençal Wells, this prototype is a passive energy technique that uses the energy differential between the underground and the surface to cool the air above during the summer.

Additionally, tensile shading structures will be implemented in urban places where it is difficult for trees to thrive (Cool Sky).

Climate Shelter and User Awareness

At the same time, to overcome housing’s low energy efficiency and effectively protect the most vulnerable, a specific building will be designated as a climate shelter.

In terms of user awareness, the project includes the COOLIFE app that allows users to register and receive tailor-made warning messages on heat waves (Cool Living).