Adapting from the Ground Up: Climate-Resilient Construction in Herne, Germany

Key Learnings

• Embedding adaptation in planning ensures long-term resilience: By integrating the climate adaptation measures into city planning and development procedures, Herne made climate adaptation a legally binding element of urban policy. This mainstreaming approach ensures early incorporation of climate considerations in every building and planning decision.
• Evidence-based planning improves coordination and accountability: The use of climate maps, checklists, and an adaptation catalogue enables evidence-based decision-making across departments. These instruments help identify local vulnerabilities, guide suitable measures, and ensure transparent, consistent implementation throughout the planning process.
• Practical approaches raise awareness among homeowners: The city’s climate-proofing form encourages homeowners to include adaptation measures, such as green roofs, façade greening, and flood prevention, when constructing or renovating. This approach raises awareness and translates citywide adaptation goals into individual action.

Summary

The city of Herne has taken a proactive and coordinated approach to addressing climate risks such as heatwaves and flooding by embedding climate adaptation into its urban planning and building processes. Through its Climate Adaptation Plan, Herne has made adaptation legally binding in local planning, ensuring that every new development considers long-term climate resilience. The climate-proofing form for private construction empowers homeowners to adopt practical adaptation measures – from green roofs to rainwater reuse – linking individual action with citywide goals. Supported by evidence-based information, like climate maps, checklists, and an adaptation catalogue, Herne promotes transparency, cooperation, and accountability across departments. This approach increases the city’s resilience and raises public awareness, setting a strong example for other European cities and municipalities that seek to incorporate adaptation into their everyday planning and decision-making.

Contact

Stadt Herne, Fachbereich Umwelt und Stadtplanung:

Kerstin Agatz (Kerstin [dot] agatzherne [dot] de (Kerstin[dot]agatz[at]herne[dot]de)), Julia Landowski (Julia [dot] Landowskiherne [dot] de (Julia[dot]Landowski[at]herne[dot]de)), Daniel Wirbals (Daniel [dot] wirbalsherne [dot] de (Daniel[dot]wirbals[at]herne[dot]de))