CSA Brașov

Brașov Metropolitan Area

Central part of Romania

The main issue tackled is water scarcity generated by drought and socio-economical development in the area, but we are also focusing on extreme events associated with water-related hazards (water deficit and excess) and heat waves. Based on these findings coupled with the main outcomes on the other case studies the IDSS will be developed to support the local decision-makers in order to go beyond a linear science–policy–practice and strengthen climate resilience at the local and regional level.

Green roofs and walls projects impact will be assessed through modeling with modified physical properties for the artificial surfaces(albedo, transmissivity, heat capacity).

Increasing the surfaces covered with vegetation (parks ) in the areas where the urban heat island is the most intense, brownfield areas. Rain harvesting tanks to capture and store rainwater to be further used as grey water for multiple needs. NBS for protecting water quality in the case study area (reforestation, developing vegetation on slopes).

The “Marin Drăcea” INCDS is Romania’s primary forestry research institution, addressing significant sectoral challenges through best-practice guides, technical norms, studies, and sustainable management solutions. With over 700 staff, it helps shape forest policies and strategies, pioneering technologies that enhance forest resilience against pollution and climate change, and supports biodiversity. The institute actively contributes to initiatives on pollution control, climate adaptation and mitigation, greenhouse gas assessments, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. Its work spans forest species preservation, protected areas, and ecosystem services, aligning with societal needs and advancing sustainable forest management.

The justification for adopting the current case study is related to the necessity of supporting stakeholders towards more sustainable decisions related to water management in the area, considering also previous forecasting of decreased water scarcity by 21% under land use, forest management, societal, and climate change scenarios.

Installing living lab will help decision-makers to understand the urban area behavior, its strengths and weaknesses and how its resilience can be improved under future climate challenges.

Using IDSS outcomes will facilitate the development of a framework to build resilience and enhance risk management at the metropolitan level, specifically, to co-design climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including NBS.

Mapping Heat Islands: Developing targeted plans to mitigate urban heat islands.

Water Runoff and Flood Management – Detailed 3D building models allow for accurate simulations of water runoff during heavy rainfall, identifying potential flooding zones around structures. Integrating permeable surfaces and rainwater harvesting features in the models enables better planning for water resource management, supporting resilience against both water scarcity and excess.

Access to precise data on water availability and usage patterns and with a precise 3D model of the area will Enhanced Water Management.

The fusion of meteorological data with 3D models can generate Simulation of natural ventilation in cities. Using weather data such as wind speed and direction, airflow patterns around buildings can be simulated to see how they affect natural ventilation and how they can be optimized to reduce the need for air conditioning.

  • The mayors in the Brașov metropolitan area (local authorities)
  • Brașov Metropolitan Agency (an association that manages the collaboration processes in the Brasov metropolitan area)
  • Brașov Water Management Agency (responsible for surface and groundwater management)
  • Water public company Brașov (the leading supplier of water and sewage disposal services)
  • Local Environmental Protection Agency (manages the regulation of economic activity in relationship to environmental protection)
  • Transilvania University with subsidiary faculties
  • Forest administrators