Nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation in scholar and social buildings: Concepts and pilot solutions for Portugal and Spain

This study presents the LIFE-MyBuildingisGreen project, its objectives, and expected results. The project focuses on the building sector, specifically on the public buildings dedicated to education and social services existing in all cities and towns in Europe. It aims to implement 3 prototypes (building adaptation) of nature-based solutions (NBS) on walls, roofs, exterior surfaces, and car parking of 3 selected pilot buildings in Spain and Portugal. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to increasing the resilience of these buildings by implementing in them NBS as prototypes of climate adaptation and improved well-being.

The execution of the project is expected to result in, but not limited to, the well-being improvement and thermal comfort for around 1,000 citizens in the 3 pilot buildings and respective communities; reduction in the production of 27 Ton of CO2/ year and 144 kg of NOx (reduction 20% and 7% respectively); 2,700 cubic meters of rainfall collected per project; and a reduction of 50% of the energy cost for cooling and 10% for heating. The overall conclusion is that NBS can be a technical and scientific solution for this type of building allowing a more affordable and energy-efficient solution for the adaptation to climate change in Mediterranean regions.