Project duration: 01/2024 to 12/2026

Together with the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) and the Institute for Spatial Planning (RER - Regional Development and Risk Management, TU Dortmund University), the project is investigating the extent to which green infrastructure (GI) represents a building block for protecting critical infrastructure (KRITIS) from the negative consequences of climate change. A particular focus is placed on the KRITIS sectors of health and transport.

The aim of the project is to investigate the extent to which green infrastructure can protect KRITIS facilities and systems from the effects of climate change and to anchor this in planning instruments. Based on the functional and spatial interdependencies to be determined between the KRITIS sectors and especially the spatially and functionally concrete protective effects of the individual GI elements, the project aims to

1. improve knowledge of the resilience-enhancing effect of GI for KRITIS;
2. the Ruhr Metropolitan Green Infrastructure Strategy is to be supplemented with objectives for the protective function for KRITIS as an ÖSD;
3. develop a targeted prioritization of the protection and further qualification of those GI elements whose local and systemic importance is decisive for the protection of KRITIS; also in order to be able to define corresponding priority areas in the Ruhr Regional Plan in a factually and spatially determinable manner
4. initial pilot measures are developed and included in the Ruhr Metropolis Green Infrastructure Implementation Program;
5. develop a KRITIS component for the planned resilience check;
6. and the heat action planning based on the RVR's regional climate measurement network be expanded accordingly.

Current processing status:

• Implementation of various participation formats and participation in various specialist events
• Concept for defining regional KRITIS created; initial analyses carried out for inpatient medical care
• Successful survey of cascading effects through workshops and interviews
• Typification of green infrastructure in final revision, publication planned for Q2 2025
• Findings are incorporated into RVR products; events to promote exchange are planned
• Several publications in progress, additional national and international presentations