From July 7–11, the BUILDSPACE project proudly participated in the 12th International Conference on Urban Climate (ICUC12), one of the world’s leading gatherings of experts focused on understanding and addressing climate challenges in urban environments.
Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, partner of the project, participated in three sessions and showcased BUILDSPACE’s contributions to urban climate resilience, citizen science, and building energy performance, demonstrating how data-driven tools and modeling are helping shape the climate-smart cities of tomorrow.
Thermal Mapping with 3D Drone Models:
In the first session, BUILDSPACE presented a novel methodology for thermal evaluation of buildings, combining RGB and thermal imagery captured by drones to generate high-resolution 3D models. This innovative approach allows for precise identification of heat loss areas, thermal bridges, and insulation issues in buildings.
Developed in part within the BUILDSPACE framework, this technique enhances how cities can monitor building energy efficiency, offering a powerful tool to support renovations, retrofitting, and climate-adaptive design.
2. Citizen Weather Stations and Urban Heat Mapping:
The second presentation focused on the use of Citizen Weather Stations (CWS) in Madrid, exploring their potential to fill data gaps in urban climate research. The talk highlighted challenges related to uneven spatial coverage and presented solutions being developed within BUILDSPACE’s Service 4 (SE4).
Using data collected from CWS, the team demonstrated how urban climate severity maps were created to identify local hot spots and vulnerable zones. These insights contribute to better-informed urban planning and emphasise the value of citizen engagement in climate monitoring efforts.
Urban Weather for Energy Modelling (UWEC):
The third session introduced the Urban Weather for Energy Calculations (UWEC) approach, a technique designed to reflect intra-urban heat variability in building energy models. The method was tested in Madrid and applied in Piraeus through SE4 of the BUILDSPACE project. Results revealed that depending on urban microclimates, energy demand could vary by up to 40% for cooling and 20% for heating across different city zones.
BUILDSPACE’s contribution to ICUC12 highlights the project’s ongoing commitment to data-driven urban climate solutions. From advanced 3D modelling to citizen-powered sensing and energy simulation tools, the project is pushing the boundaries of how technology can support sustainable urban transformation.
By participating in global forums like ICUC, BUILDSPACE not only shares its innovations but also strengthens connections with researchers, city leaders, and fellow innovators working toward a shared goal: building cities that are smarter, greener, and more resilient.
To stay updated on the latest developments and progress of the services and pilots of #BUILDSPACEproject, visit our website and follow us on our social media.
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