TopHeAT-HU – Data-based assessment and reduction of heat stress in municipalities

The cross-border Interreg project TopHeAT-HU supports towns and municipalities in the Austrian-Hungarian border region in preparing for increasing heatwaves and rising heat stress in settlement areas. Smaller municipalities in particular often have limited financial and technical resources to implement effective adaptation measures on their own. The project therefore provides practical tools, knowledge transfer and concrete pilot measures to support municipal climate adaptation.

A central element of TopHeAT-HU is the development of an interactive, data-based platform that supports municipalities in assessing heat stress and planning suitable measures. The platform is based on analyses of satellite and climate data that make heat stress visible across the entire border region. In selected project municipalities, high-resolution heat mapping will additionally be carried out to identify local hotspots in detail.

On this basis, municipalities can identify where heat stress is particularly severe and where targeted measures can be implemented. A special focus is placed on nature-based solutions, such as green roofs, shading trees, small water elements or climate-adapted land management at settlement edges. These measures will be planned and implemented together with local stakeholders in selected pilot municipalities and scientifically monitored.

In addition to technical analysis, the project places strong emphasis on participation and awareness raising. Workshops, information events and citizen activities promote exchange between municipalities, experts and the population. AEE INTEC contributes its expertise in geoinformatics, remote sensing, WebGIS development and climate-resilient settlement development and supports the implementation of one Austrian pilot measure.