Joensuu developed a model for sustainable urban planning

The University of Eastern Finland, together with the City of Joensuu and Karelia University of Applied Sciences, has developed the Weather Vulnerability Index, a model that helps to identify the highest-risk areas in cities and target measures to where they are needed most. The WVI model involves dividing the city into sectors of 62,500 square metres, each of which is assessed by using exposure factors such as the number of inhabitants, sunlight and wind speed, as well as sensitivity factors such as building temperatures or porosity.

Professor Jouni Pykäläinen from the University of Eastern Finland says that a similar operational model has never been seen before in the world.

“The analysis distinguishes between the coping capacity of individual buildings and entire neighbourhoods. This makes it possible to assess how the weather vulnerability of different city districts can be prevented, for example, by improving the thermal insulation of the buildings,” he describes.

The added value of the model comes from the fact that it makes use of several different variables. The analysis of, among other things, land surface temperature, solar exposure, wind force, and the vegetation index provides a comprehensive picture of vulnerabilities.

Joensuu offers an exceptional environment for the development of the WVI model, as forests extend throughout the city, from the outskirts to the city centre. Furthermore, Finland’s detailed tree data reveals what kind of planting arrangement is best suited for each area.

Read the article: When the climate poses a problem, data responds – Joensuu developed a model for sustainable urban planning – Joensuu