With a majority our collaborative activities taking place online in 2020, so did the global Climathon organised by EIT Climate-KIC. The annual event is an opportunity for cities to engage citizens in ‘ideathons’ to co-create solutions to local environmental challenges, with winning plans implemented in cities.
The November 2020 edition saw hundreds of cities participate online. ProGIreg, a Horizon 2020 funded project implementing nature-based solutions in post-industrial areas, provided inspiration for the Climathon in Turin. Over 70 participants in 13 teams took part utilising proGireg’s successful nature-based solutions as models in developing a regeneration scheme for an abandoned area in the city.
The winning proposal ‘Green Turin’ set out an innovative and practical plan to create a sustainable future for the area utilising a variety of interconnected nature-based solutions. The proposal transforms the areas entrance avenue into a green corridor, bordered by trees and paved with tiles converting the mechanical energy of walking into electricity to light the path. Throughout the area, Green roofs would be planted to contribute to improve the microclimatic conditions and help absorb pollutants. Further urban gardens would be created and managed by students and neighbourhood associations, with the produce sold at an on-site restaurant. Last but not least - canopies with climbing plants would surround the area providing shade and respite. To make this green dream a reality ‘Green Turin’ will receive support for implementation from Torino University and Polytechnic. The winners will also be treated to an urban horticulture course with proGIreg partner Orti Generali Foundation.
Turin 2020 Climathon winner ‘Green Turin’ – team Sunny People (Pier Lorenzo Murra, Chiara Repetto, Cecilia Re, Pierre Carlos, Giulia Ricci)
In parallel to the Climathon a ‘Young Climathon’ also took place, engaging middle-school students in the challenge, to acquaint them with the local environment, challenges and solutions, fostering engagement and environmental awareness. The Turin municipality sees the Climathon as a great arena for civic participation and collaborative brainstorming to improve the wellbeing of citizens. Read more about proGireg Turin Living Lab’s nature-based solutions here.
