Plants4Cooling project tests climbing plants to combat urban heat

The Plants4Cooling project is testing the use of climbing plants on specialized trellises to mitigate urban heat. Because narrow street spaces often lack the room required for traditional tree planting, researchers are exploring climbing plants as an alternative to provide shade and cooling through evaporation.

In collaboration with Natur im Garten, the cross-border Interreg project has developed standardized steel pipe trellises designed to meet strict safety, structural, and legal requirements for urban environments. These structures are being tested at various locations using fast-growing, drought-resistant species specifically selected for their ability to thrive in city climates.