Circular EconomyHorizon 2020

UPSURGE

UPSURGE

City-centered Approach To Catalyze Nature-based Solutions Through The EU Regenerative Urban Lighthouse For Pollution Alleviation And Regenerative Development

Website: https://www.upsurge-project.eu/

ABSTRACT

Air pollution and ambient pollution, carbon-related issues ranging from GHG emissions to carbon shortages in soil, the opportunities provided by NBS and the intricacies of urban ecosystems present an extremely complex set of interdependent problems and opportunities that have to be addressed as such – interactively, mutually and innovatively. Upsurge is considering all these aspects and is providing evidence-based targeted responses that will enable EU cities to transition into a more regenerative future. At its core, Upsurge is presenting the European Regenerative Urban Lighthouse, which will enable cities to unlock their regenerative potential and provide them with knowledge and guidance in regenerative transition.

Supported by an innovative continuous self-check progress mechanism (Regenerative Index) and by the Clearing House as a knowledge nerve centre, Upsurge will motivate cities and other clients through its networking activities to engage and step aboard the regenerative transition under Lighthouse’s leadership. Upsurge is demonstrating technical excellence through a multimodal adaptable sensing system, through integrated and integrative digitalisation environment supported by IoT and AI, several real-life demonstrations and based on extrapolated criteria conducted simulative demonstrations showcasing the viability, feasibility and implementability of proposed technical solutions.

The knowledge core of Upsurge will be introduced within the quintuple helix verification model bringing together all relevant factors affecting the implementation of NBS and thus regenerative change. Quintuple helix approach will truly enable the assessment and exploration of complementary beneficial effects provided by project solutions.

Project Budget: 9,320,400€

Leitat Budget: 477,750€

Financial Framework: HORIZON 2020

Contract number: 101003818





Start Date: 01/09/2021

End Date: 31/08/2025

Leitat

Main role & contribution in the project:

  • Leitat will study the registry of NBS for air quality and climate neutrality and also will take care of the selection of plant species for enhancing NBS performance;
  • Coordinate all cities’ efforts in close coordination with QUB, the cities themselves and with the cities’ supporting partners.;
  • Coordinate the Environmental NBS Functionality Assessment of Collected Data, where Leitat will assess the functionality of the implemented NBS considering the evaluated KPIs, focusing on air quality and climate change mitigation but also on other side benefits, such as health improvement, community cohesion, etc.

Partners:

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 under grant agreement No. 101003818.