ECOLOGY

The concept of the “sponge city” aims to retain, store, infiltrate, and reuse stormwater on-site as much as possible, rather than quickly discharging it through the sewer system. To achieve this, measures such as green roofs and facades, unpaved areas, infiltration trenches, retention basins, permeable pavements, and planted areas are used.

In this way, Sponge City concepts can reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, promote groundwater recharge, store water for dry periods, and simultaneously improve the urban climate.
 

Environmental monitoring technology provides the data needed to track and evaluate the water cycle and the effectiveness of “sponge city” measures. Measurements of precipitation, soil moisture, soil water potential, temperature, water levels, and runoff show how stormwater is retained, infiltrated, stored, and released. Additionally, evaporation, groundwater levels, and other meteorological parameters can be recorded. Continuous measurements help determine the appropriate scale of measures, verify their effectiveness under various weather conditions, and optimize them over the long term.
 

Long-term monitoring programs show how “sponge city” measures perform under different weather and climate conditions. They make it possible to track changes in the water cycle over several years, evaluate the effectiveness of these measures, and account for seasonal variations and extreme events such as heavy rainfall and droughts. This provides a robust basis for decision-making by municipalities, planning firms, and research institutions, enabling them to optimize planning and operations and adapt existing concepts to changing climatic conditions.