Climate adaptation in Risvangen

Creation of new green areas, Creation of semi-natural blue areas, Maintenance and management of urban nature

"The City of Aarhus and Aarhus Water have a goal of "creating time and space for water" on the surface." (Ref. 2) "The sewer system is to be revised to separate domestic sewage from rainwater, and Aarhus Water and the city council want to make the most of the opportunity to use the water for recreation. Risvangen has therefore been designated as an LRD area. If possible, rainwater will be delayed and stored in ponds and watercourses to improve quality of life, and to act as a buffer in the event of a sudden deluge." (Ref. 1) Specifically: -To set up local rainwater solutions intended to created beneficial value in the area, e.g. permeation and green elements on private and public ground. -To create project ownership amongst landowners and other stakeholders. -To use the area as a demonstration of climate adaptation solutions. -To improve water quality in the bay off Risskov, by preventing overflow of wastewater to the aquatic environment. (Ref. 2)

Set up small pools and a dike in the "grass gardens" on both sides of Risvang Allé, these measures aim to manage rainwater in the area. (Ref. 3) "Apart from the 50 hectares that primarily consist of built-up areas, the project will involve water management of the adjacent urban development area of Bryggervej. A total of 63 hectares of urban area is to have a cohesive plan for the collection and recreative use of rainwater." (Ref. 1) Around 100 trees are going to be planted in Risvang Allé (for recreational purposes). (Ref. 3) The project in Risvangen is the first large residential area in Denmark, where rainwater and wastewater are separated and the rainwater is instead handled on terrain.In addition to being a climate adaptation project, the project in Risvangen has added value to the area, so it is not just pipes in the ground. The added value consists of blue and green areas for the benefit of the area's residents. In addition to climate adaptations, the blue and green areas also form the basis for insect hotels, football pitches and traffic calming. The rainwater in Risvangen is delayed, evaporated or drained at the pace that is appropriate for the recipient of the rainwater. During normal rainfall, rainwater seeps into the underground drains. In the event of heavy rain, the drains will be filled with water and the various surface solutions will slowly be filled. The rainwater in the area ends in Risskov Bæk and in the sea at Den Permanente. (Ref 9)

• Local government/Municipality
• Private sector/Corporate/Company
• Citizens or community groups