Centre for Urban Epidemilogy, Insitute for Medial Informatics, Biology, and Epidemiology Improving urban green in the neighborhood: the case of Salford, Great Britain

In the project, green urban space in Salford (GB) had been enhanced in order to use its positive effect on the health of urban citizens. Additionally, criteria which make urgan green space beneficial for citizen's health have been abducted:
Health benefits of urban green spaces are widely recognized. However, efficient use of urban green is related to different challenges associated with their availability and accessibility. While in some neighborhoods insufficient number or inappropriate size of the urban green may have as a result congestion, in other neighborhoods urban green may go underused due to insufficient maintenance.
Key lessons for creating interactive and shared green spaces were taken from Salford in the Greater Manchester metropolitan region. As a part of urban regeneration efforts, existing green areas were improved and new green areas were created in joined efforts of citizens and city government. That has resulted in better availability and accessibility of neighborhood green areas and their efficient use.

Topic 3 European Green Capital: Urban Green Space

Centre for Urban Epidemilogy, Insitute for Medial Informatics, Biology, and Epidemiology Traffic Noise and Depression Symptoms - Results from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study

Research has shown that urban green spaces positively impact mental health and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes type 2, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This is because green space is a valuable resource for physical activity, social interaction and visual stimulation. The potential of green spaces, particularly in the context of urban health, is a topic that needs to be explored to understand the various effects and benefits of urban green space for the population.
The major main aim of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of how urban green spaces can systematically be quantitatively and qualitatively characterized. Additionally, the different types of green spaces during planning processes for healthy urban areas shall be considerd. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from satellite imagery and land use maps based on zoning regulations are two approaches which can be applied to measure greenness, but they need to be critically analysed.
Therefore, the methodology i.e. accuracy of different measurement methods, is analysed while exploring the spatio-temporal variability of greenness across the Ruhr region on city and district scales. The data generated is additionally used to explore possible relationships of green spaces with health indicators from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study.

Topic 3 European Green Capital: Urban Green Space

Centre for Urban Epidemilogy, Insitute for Medial Informatics, Biology, and Epidemiology Residential Surrounding Greenness, Self-Rated and Mental Health

Research suggests that green environments can positively influence health through different mechanisms. Underlying mechanisms imply that green environments are more likely to be seen as esthetic contributing to satisfaction and well-being and facilitating social interaction. To gain a further insight into the complex relationship between the built and social environment and health, we investigated the association of residential surrounding greenness and self-rated health as well as mental health (depression). Furthermore, we aimed to explore the neighborhood environment (neighborhood satisfaction, perceived safety) and social relations (social satisfaction, neighborhood social capital) within this context. Therefore, we investigated the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study – a German based population Study – using data from 4,800 participants aged 45-75 years in Bochum, Essen and Mülheim/Ruhr.
Surrounding greenness was measured by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). So far we observed that NDVI was positively associated with neighborhood satisfaction and high neighborhood social capital. On the other side, poor self-rated health was negatively associated with neighborhood satisfaction and neighborhood social capital. Further, our results indicate that less surrounding greenness is associated with a higher risk for depressive symptoms. Overall, our results help to better understand the possible beneficial impact of the social and built environment on self-rated and mental health. However, the complex interrelations need to be further evaluated to enable health-promoting urban development strategies.

Topic 3 of the European Green Capital:  Urban Green Space

Centre for Urban Epidemilogy, Insitute for Medial Informatics, Biology, and Epidemiology Urban Health in the Ruhr Area

Urban health in the Ruhr Area
The extensive ecological, social and economic changes of the old industrial and densely populated Ruhr metropolis have been analyzed from the perspective of many scientific disciplines. So far an accurate, and above all, a small-scale description of public health in the Ruhr area is missing which takes the different economic, social and urban factors into account
It is known that social factors contribute to health disparities within urban areas; nevertheless, the built environment such as green spaces, leisure facilities, walking and cycling trails, or walkability in various parts of the city can also affect healthy living. The aim is to understand how intra urban differences can shape people’s health within the Ruhr Area.
Therefore, indicator-based data (indicator set) is used to identify regionally interesting and health-relevant topics which are then linked and mapped with the help of geo-information systems. Both inter-regional as well as intra-urban (small-scale) health disparities and similarities are shown, hypotheses are generated and cartographic visualization possibilities and methods further developed.

The  reserch refers to topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Urban  Green  Space

Centre for Urban Epidemilogy, Insitute for Medial Informatics, Biology, and Epidemiology The Potential of Green Spaces to Support Health in Urban Areas

Past research has shown that urban green spaces have an impact on mental health and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This is because green space is a valuable resource for physical activity, social interaction and visual stimulation. The potential of green spaces, particularly in the context of urban health, is a topic that needs to be explored to understand the effects and benefits for the population in different ways. The main aim of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of how urban green spaces can be qualitatively characterized so that different types of green spaces can be considered while planning healthy urban areas. The NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) derived from satellite imagery as well as land use maps based on zoning regulations are two approaches which can be applied to measure greenness, but they need to be critically analyzed. Studies which have applied the NDVI to measure greenness over large areas or in smaller buffers (e.g. 100m, 300m Buffer) have to cope with inaccuracies due to the use of different satellite sensors or the varying resolution of the imagery. On the other hand, land use maps have their own inaccuracies due to strict landuse definitions and delineations. Therefore, we try to examine the methodology i.e. accuracy of different measurement methods while exploring the spatio-temporal variability of greenness across the Ruhr region on city and district scales. The data generated is additionally used to explore possible relationships of green spaces with health indicators from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study.

Topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Green Urban Space

Biology "urban gardening" practical course

Since 2016, teacher students of biology have started to create a garden at Bonnekamphöhe, Essen Katernberg, which shall grow to an ecological circle system in the future. The project is led by Dr. André Matena.
In the summer semester, basic skills are educated, which are necessary to create an own school garden. In this context, each week different topics are dealth with in the summer months. From seeding to planting and harvesting, the teachers are taught everything they need to produce their own fruits and vegetables from an ecological point of view. Chemical and artificial additives are completely forbidden. Instead, biological fertilizers from stinging nettle and comfrey are used. Even the "waste" is recycled in a self-built biogas digester. Pest control is also tackled biologically. A further component of the urban gardening internship are the creation of nesting boxes and insect hotels and supported by the NABU.

The internship takes place from May to July at the Bonnenkamphöhe, Essen Katernberg.

The internship is not public, but the site of the Bonnekamphöhe can be visited at any time. If you  are interested to get an insight into  the university garden, the community garden and/or the entire project, please contact André Matena via  0174-96 58 00 6.

The  reserch refers to topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Städtische Grünflächen

Institute for Business and Economic Studies Quantitative Modeling of Energy Market with Focus on the Impact of Renewable Energy

Sustainability, energy transition and renewable energies are important topics at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE). They are researched and taught extensively. The energy transition has got an enormous influence on the changes of today's electricity market, as more and more renewable energy is produced. Dr. Florian Ziel is a new assistent professor for environmental economics, especially economics of renewable energy at the Faculty of Economics at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He investigates the influences of energies as well as developments in the energy sector with the research focus on quantitative modeling and forecasting of energy markets. The main focus is on electricity feed-in of renewable energies as well as fundamental and econometric modeling and forecasting procedures for electricity markets. The results increase the efficiency of energy trading and help to improve the security of the electricity supply.

The  reserch refers to topic 3 and 11 of the European Green Capital: Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

Centre for Urban Epidemilogy, Insitute for Medial Informatics, Biology, and Epidemiology Risk factors, evaluation of coronary calcium and lifestyle (Recall) across two generations of families living in the Ruhr urban area in Germany: the Heinz Nixdorf Recall and the Heinz Nixdorf Recall MultiGeneration Study

The Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study is a population-based research study and since the year 2000, participants form the metropolitan Ruhr region (Essen, Bochum and Mülheim/Ruhr) returned continuously to the study center to assess health status und to determine the risk factor profile for coronary artery diseases. Additionally, environmental conditions like air pollution or the influence of built environment on health were assessed. For instance, analysis showed that long-term exposure to air pollution and night-time traffic noise are independently associated with atherosclerosis, the chronic disease that remains asymptomatic for decades and can lead to cardiovascular disorders such as stroke or heart attack. This long-term study includes about 4800 people.
Additionally, we hypothesize that clustering of lifestyle-related, social and environmental factors or social relationships are important factors in the emergence of atherosclerosis and subsequent events as well as other diseases. Therefore, the Heinz Nixdorf Recall MultiGeneration Study was designed with a unique clinical, psychosocial and environmental approach to create a broad and comprehensive knowledge base for research by recruiting children and spouses/partners of the original participants of the HNR Study. These family study began in 2013 and approximately 2900 people were assessed and interviewed in detail.

The research refers to topics 3, 5, 6,and 12 of the European Green Capital: Climate Change, Air Quality, Acoustic Ambiente, and Environmental Management

Chair for Management Science and Energy Economics/Faculty for Economic Sciences/IBES enera: the Next Big Step in the Energy Transition (SINTEG)

In 2050, the electrical energy consumption in Germany shall be covered by 80 percent renewable energies. To achieve this ambicious goal, on manyaction fields, new solutions have to be developed. Most of all, it is necessary to keep global warming below the 2 degree Celsius limit and to reduce CO2-emissions. Furthermore, the expansion of renewable energies requires a smart interaction between all stakeholders within the energy sector. In this context, Smart Grids and Smart Markets, as well as intelligent grids and an adapted energy market are of great importance. These tasks shall by addressed by the project enera, which is part of the by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (ger.: Bundesministerium for Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi)) supported programme "Smart Enregy Showcases – Digital Agenda fort he Energy Transition“ (Ger.: „Schaufenster Intelligente Energie – Digitale Agenda für die Energiewende“). Within this programme, a multiannual field test shall deminstrate, how sustainable energy systems can be used extensively. It is planned to include selected market participants of all value-chain steps, to show how these sustainable energy systems can be technically put into practise and which additional economic value they provide. The University of Duisburg-Essen is involved in enera. Its main contribution of will consist in the development of a market design for the trade of regional products; the definition of adequate products; the investigation of more economical and regulatory frameworks; the load forecast from large- and small scale consumers; as well as in the transferability of the results on other regions in Germany and beyond the country.

Topics 1, 11, and 12 of the European Green Capital: Climate Change, Energy Efficiency, and Environmental Management

Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) Beautiful Altenessen (Essen Altenessen-Süd)

The Altenessen railway station and its surrounding area suffer under deficits in waste disposal. This circumstance negatively affects the subjectively experienced safety level and the wellbeing of those citizens inhabiting this area. In spring and winter, the quarter management (City of Essen and ISSAB) develops measures and ideas that contribute to a sustainable development in tidiness and a stable neighbourhood. This undertaking is supported by the participation of the local citizens, for example by urban gardening, actions against litter pollution, and an increased implementation of green areas in the urban space. By doing so, especially the topic of waste disposal and waste reduction is being addressed, aiming at an increase of the attractiveness of the urban area of Altenessen. In context of an introductory event on Saturday, September 2nd, 2017, starting at 11 am, the ideas and measures are publicly discussed and approved within a pilot phase of four weeks. Those activities are accompanied by the University of Duisburg-Essen’s Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) in cooperation with the City of Essen.

The project refers to the third topic of the European Green Capital: Green Urban Space

Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) Citizen-oriented Re-structurization of the Nordpark (Essen North Quarter)

In context of the re-structurization of the Nordpark, a broad citizen participation measure (action research) is organized by the University of Duisburg-Essen’s Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) in cooperation with the city of Essen. On three days, residents got the chance to design the park area with the help of specific furnitureand discuss with each other. The results from this event have been summarized within a draft and became the basis fort he job of architects employed for the restructurization of the area. On July, 9th at 2 pm, the park is officially transfered to the citizens by the mayor of Essen. The festivities will end at 6 pm on that day.

Topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Urban Green Space

Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) Drawing in Green Areas (Altenessen-Süd)

In summer 2017, the motto ”Drawing in Green Areas” (Ger.: „Zeichnen im Grünen“) is set fort he city district Altenessen-Süd. For the promotion of cohesion and creativity, a participation of local stakeholders is planned in the summer vacation days 2017, who are encouraged to draw at local places of the European Green Capital. The results of this undertaking will be published in a brochure in connection of the Tag der Kunstspur. Further creative and ”green” activities take place in the area of the Treffpunkt Süd at Erbslöhstraße 3.

The project refers to the third topic of the European Green Capital: Green Urban Space

Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) Theatre Project Nord Quarter Tresures (Essen Nord Quarter)

In collaboration with the director Claudia Maurer and the puppet player Mariela Rossi, the University of Duisburg-Essen’s Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) organizes a participation process referring to the topic ”Tidyness in the Nord Quarter“ (Ger.: “Sauberkeit im Nordviertel”). Led by the project name “Nord Quarter Treasures” (Ger.: „Nordviertelschätze“), the team searches for hidden ‘treasures’ in wasted places, mark beautiful elements in the quarter, and present changes. Aim of the project is the improvement of the quarter quality, which is, for instance, achieved in creative upcycling-workshops, or stage-managed choreographys. On July, 2nd, the European Green Capital 2017’s “Day of Movement” (Ger.: "Tag der Bewegung"), the “Nord Quarter Treasures” are presented to the public.

The project refers to topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Green Urban Space

Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) Quarter Caretaker in Altenessen-Süd and the Nord Quarter

Quarter caretaker (promoted by the Bund-Länder programme “Social City“ (Ger.: “Soziale Stadt“ and component of the Social Services of Katholic Women (Ger.: Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen) are especially supporting the districts Altenessen-Süd and the North Quarter when it comes to the topics quality of urban space, sustainable green urban space and tidiness. In the project Start in the Quarter (Ger.: Start im Quartier), they use regular contact with the neighbours of the quarter to sensibilise activate them in respect of the yet named factors. Also, they are involved in several quarter activities, for instance in the organisation of a “Waste Walk”, which are put into practise and are scientifically accompanied by the University of Dusiburg-Essen’s Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB).

Topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Green Urban Space

Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) Quarter Management in Essen

In Essen Katernberg, Schonnebeck, Stoppenberg, Altenessen-Süd, and the North Quarter, the University of Duisburg-Essen’s Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB), and the municipality of Essen cooperate in quarter management. In this context, the ISSAB is involved both scientifically and practically - as intermediate actor on the fiel as well as in research. In the quarter management, integrated acting concepts are a precondition for funds of the German programme “Social City“ (Ger.: “Soziale Stadt“), which contains the following action fields: Ecology, housing, housing area, traffic, local economy, and social cohesion in the city districts.

The research refers to topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Green Urban Space

Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) Structuralization Open Space at Eltingplatz (Essen Nord Quarter)

In cooperation with the city of Essen, the University of Duisburg-Essen‘s Institut für Stadtteilentwicklung, Sozialraumorientierte Arbeit und Beratung (ISSAB) accompanies the citizen participation processes for the re-structuralization of public space at the Nord Quarter’s Eltingplatz. In this context, the citizens of the Nord Quarter were asked about their opinion towards and suggestions for such a re-structuralization. At the regularly organized „Bürgerstammtische“, a practical- and everyday life-oriented participation forum, information for the implementation of recent building measures and possibilities for the active assistance of the process are discussed and voted by the citizens.

Topic 3 of the European Green Capital: Green Urban Space

Institute for Electrical Power Systems Projects of the Institute for Elecrical Power Systems

The Institute for Electrical Power Systems deals with the calculation, regelementation, and the operation of electric supply networks, especially considering the integration of regenerative energies as wind energy. In ist work, the institute cooperates with different partners form industry and is involved in several projects as Modellregion E-DeMA, or colognE.

For further information about the chair, please consult ist website which also informs about the chair’s research and publications.

Topics 2 and 11 of the European Green Capital: Local Traffic and Energy Efficiency

Chair for Management Science and Energy Economics/Faculty for Economic Sciences/IBES Field of Research: Energy Applications and Innovations

Facing the challenges of climate protection and scarce resources, the importance of an efficient energy use is rising. Additionally, and due to the increasing infeed from fluctuating renewable energy sources, the balance between supply and demand on the electricity market is becoming more and more difficult. Storage is attributed an important role, which can absorb electricity in times of a large supply and inject it back into the system when demand is high. Hence, the Energy Applications and Innovations group at the Chair for Management Science and Energy Economics at the faculty for economic science is particularly concerned both with economic evaluation of storage and load shifting potentials and the integration of electric mobility into the electricity grid.

Topics 1 and 11 of the European Green Capital: Klimate Change and Energy Efficiency

University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) Competence Field Metropolitan Studies

In the future, the University Alliance Ruhr (Ger.: Universitätsallianz Ruhr, UA Ruhr) will put together its urban researach in the competence field Metropolitan Research. The alliance’s universities Bochum, Dortmund, and the University of Duisburg-Essen, will share their knowledge in the heterogenous topics of urban studies, which cover issues like energy efficiency, water circles, diversity, logistics, demographic change, controlling, and participation. A target of the alliance’s work will consist in developing solution strategies to recent urban challenges.

All 12 topics of the European Green Capital