Sustainable settlements and neighbourhoods

Focal points→Buildings, neighbourhoods & living→Sustainable settlements and neighbourhoods

Implementing sustainable and affordable housing projects is a far-reaching challenge for many municipalities. The experience gained in the SIR, the network and examples of best practice can facilitate implementation and promote mutual learning in the area of housing estates and neighbourhoods. New residential construction projects must always be considered in the neighbourhood context – developments are increasingly taking place in already built-up areas (conversions, renovations, brownfield developments, closing gaps between buildings). The conditions, qualities and deficits of the neighbourhood are therefore important aspects for the development of new projects. Every new intervention should also have positive effects for the neighbourhood or district.

Offers

Overview

In the field of sustainable settlements and neighbourhoods, the SIR offers:

Basic studies, inventory analyses, housing needs surveys, housing satisfaction surveys
Process support, moderation and quality assurance of concrete implementation projects
Scientific support, monitoring and documentation
Information on sustainable settlement standards (klimaaktiv) with a focus on projects in the urban environment.
Networking with funding bodies, scientific partners and other projects and stakeholders to promote sustainable and socially inclusive neighbourhood development

Innovative residential construction in Salzburg

We have been offering our expertise in the development of major construction projects for over 20 years under the slogan ‘Innovative housing in Salzburg’. In a first step, we prepare the foundations for project development and support the formation of a steering group – a consortium of property developers, local authorities and experts. The focus is not only on the specific construction project, but also takes into account the conditions in the immediate neighbourhood. We support and moderate steering and working groups, information and participation processes. We acquire funding projects at national and international level and provide support in their realisation. We manage innovative aspects (energy systems, climate change adaptation, urban sustainability and mixed utilisation, new forms of housing, etc.) and ensure independent quality assurance. The results are then documented in the brochure of the same name. If required, we also monitor the projects during the utilisation phase.

All brochures in the Innovative Housing series can be found in our download area.

The climate active-standard for settlements and neighbourhoods

The klimaaktiv Settlements and Neighbourhoods programme is part of the federal government’s climate protection initiative and supports the planning, implementation and quality assurance of climate-neutral and liveable settlements and neighbourhoods. To this end, advice, tools (klimaaktiv criteria catalogue) and networks are offered to support municipalities, property developers and consultants.

As a regional partner, the SIR offers advice and support throughout the entire planning and construction process as well as expertise in project development. Quality assurance and verification is the basis for successful award of the ‘climate-neutral settlement’ or ‘climate-neutral neighbourhood’ label by an external expert commission on behalf of the Federal Ministry.

The SIR is also head of the klimaaktiv Siedlungen und Quartiere programme and in this role organises the further development of the standard, informs and advises steering groups throughout Austria and ensures networking between the various stakeholders.

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