- 53 degrees celsius
surface temperature measured in July 2022
- Two cities
HEAL project already replicated in two other German cities
- 2022-ongoing
Implementation timeline
Replicability
How participatory design, real-time data and cross-sector collaboration enable scalable solutions
Best suited for
The HEAL app is ideal for replication by municipalities and local governments, particularly in heat-vulnerable cities with dense infrastructure and at-risk populations, alongside climate agencies, urban planners and research partners already implementing heat adaptation strategies. Best suited for collaborative networks with access to real-time data, community engagement tools and participatory planning, it offers a scalable model for cities seeking to integrate data-driven, inclusive mobility solutions into their climate resilience efforts.
Stakeholders' role
Key stakeholders to involve include local municipalities for policy alignment, research institutions for data modelling and heat mapping, and technical partners to ensure real-time functionality. Community groups, particularly networks for older people, schools and non-governmental organisations, are essential for participatory design and testing, as seen in Heidelberg’s workshops and city walks. Engaging with health services and funding bodies further supports scalability and long-term implementation.
Built-in scalable tools
The HEAL project enables scaling up through participatory co-design, using workshops and city walks with older people, schools and local groups to tailor the app to new contexts. Its transdisciplinary approach, combining municipal, research and community input, creates a replicable framework, while real-time sensor data and shadow modelling provide adaptable tools for other cities. Successful transfer to Worms and Walldorf demonstrates its scalability, further supported by alignment with existing heat action plans, allowing integration into broader urban climate strategies.
Funding pathways
Heal project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation as part of the research programme ‘innovations for adaptation to climate change’, an interdisciplinary project involving different research institutions from Heidelberg University.
