1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Århus
Region
Europe
Native title of the NBS intervention
Klimatilpasning i byområdet Risvangen
Short description of the intervention
“Cooperation between, residents, businesses and the local authority to facilitate the adaptation of a large urban area in Aarhus for more rainfall in the future. They will be able to influence urban development in the direction of more attractive use of rainwater. Local Rainwater Drainage (LRD) is a current trend derived from the political desire to deal with some of the expected increase in extreme rainfall by collecting and using it for recreational purposes. Society will thus be able to adapt to climate change better whilst providing more recreational facilities and environmental improvements.” (Ref. 1)
Address

Risvangen
Århus
Denmark

Area boundary
POINT (10.2033 56.183884)
POINT (10.203836 56.184015)
POINT (10.21802 56.181089)
POINT (10.217677 56.180767)
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Risvang+Allé+34,+8200+Aarhus,+Denmark/@56.182642,10.2043943,967m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x464c3fb56f28032f:0x2374129a5325de1b!8m2!3d56.1831137!4d10.2102093
Total area
500000.00m²
NBS area
500000.00m²
Type of area before implementation of the NBS
Please specify “other type of area” before implementation of the NBS
Along the Risvange Alle road (Ref 1)
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2013
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2013
End date of the intervention
ongoing
Present stage of the intervention
Please specify "other" stage of the intervention
Sewer renovation started in 2013, and a residents' meeting in April 2014 marked the involvement of local landowners. (Ref. 2)
Note: The 2013-16 Waste Water Plan designated Risvangen as a new LDR area. (Ref. 1)
As of 2020, it seems the rainwater catchment infrastructure is built by constructing rain beds along the roads, infiltrating the rainwater into green depressions or discharging it via green ditches to areas that can withstand being flooded. The project has been developed over 3 years from 2013-2016 and carried out over 2-3 years since 2016 (Ref 9), but it is difficult to tell whether the project is completed or ongoing.
Goals of the intervention
"The City of Aarhus and Aarhus Water have a goal of "creating time and space for water" on the surface." (Ref. 2)
"The sewer system is to be revised to separate domestic sewage from rainwater, and Aarhus Water and the city council want to make the most of the opportunity to use the water for recreation. Risvangen has therefore been designated as an LRD area. If possible, rainwater will be delayed and stored in ponds and watercourses to improve quality of life, and to act as a buffer in the event of a sudden deluge." (Ref. 1)
Specifically:
-To set up local rainwater solutions intended to created beneficial value in the area, e.g. permeation and green elements on private and public ground.
-To create project ownership amongst landowners and other stakeholders.
-To use the area as a demonstration of climate adaptation solutions.
-To improve water quality in the bay off Risskov, by preventing overflow of wastewater to the aquatic environment. (Ref. 2)

Quantitative targets
Around 100 trees are going to be planted in Risvang Allé (for recreational purposes). (Ref. 3)
Monitoring indicators defined
Number of trees planted for recreational purposes in Risvang Alle (Ref 3)
Climate change adaptation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Implementation activities
Set up small pools and a dike in the "grass gardens" on both sides of Risvang Allé, these measures aim to manage rainwater in the area. (Ref. 3) "Apart from the 50 hectares that primarily consist of built-up areas, the project will involve water management of the adjacent urban development area of Bryggervej. A total of 63 hectares of urban area is to have a cohesive plan for the collection and recreative use of rainwater." (Ref. 1)

Around 100 trees are going to be planted in Risvang Allé (for recreational purposes). (Ref. 3)

The project in Risvangen is the first large residential area in Denmark, where rainwater and wastewater are separated and the rainwater is instead handled on terrain.In addition to being a climate adaptation project, the project in Risvangen has added value to the area, so it is not just pipes in the ground. The added value consists of blue and green areas for the benefit of the area's residents. In addition to climate adaptations, the blue and green areas also form the basis for insect hotels, football pitches and traffic calming. The rainwater in Risvangen is delayed, evaporated or drained at the pace that is appropriate for the recipient of the rainwater. During normal rainfall, rainwater seeps into the underground drains. In the event of heavy rain, the drains will be filled with water and the various surface solutions will slowly be filled. The rainwater in the area ends in Risskov Bæk and in the sea at Den Permanente. (Ref 9)
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Blue infrastructure
Lakes/ponds
Green areas for water management
Rain gardens
Sustainable urban drainage systems
Grey infrastructure featuring greens
Alley or street trees and other street vegetation
What is the level of innovation / development of the NBS related to water management?
Vegetation Type
Please specify how many trees were planted
100 (Ref 1) (100 trees were meant to be planted to help with the rainwater seepage in the ground (Ref 2))
Please specify other amenities offered by the NBS
The blue and green areas also form the basis for insect hotels, football pitches and traffic calming. (Ref 9)
Amenities offered by the NBS
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Provisioning services
Water (surface and ground water for drinking and non-drinking purposes)
Regulating services
Flood regulation
Water purification / filtration
Cultural services
Aesthetic appreciation
Recreation
Scale
Spatial scale
Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level
Sub-microscale: Street scale (including buildings)
Beneficiaries
Please specify other local relevant strategy
Water water: The 2013-16 Waste Water Plan designated Risvangen as a new LDR (Local Rainwater Drainage) area. (Ref. 1, 4)
Local Rainwater Drainage - is a current trend derived from the political desire to deal with some of the expected increase in extreme rainfall by collecting and using it for recreational purposes. The method has been known in Denmark since the 1990s. (Ref. 1, 5)
Governance
Non-government actors
Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital)
Private sector/Corporate/Business
Coalition with multiple of the above
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
"The City of Aarhus and Aarhus Water have a goal of "creating time and space for water" on the surface." (Ref. 2)
Aarhus Water is working on a collaborative project in the area, bringing together the utilities, landowners, local authority and businesses providing technical solutions for water management to develop urban spaces of value to the local community. (Ref. 1)
Aarhus Water is host for the project. Relevant departments of the City Council within urban planning, urban development, roads, emergency services, water and the environment are taking part to ensure maximum cohesion. (Ref. 2)
Two consultancies under contract to Aarhus Water, EnviDan and Orbicon, are consultants to the project. EnviDan also handles project planning and will ensure that the project works according to the plans the stakeholders agree on. (Ref. 1)
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Local government/municipality
Public sector institution
Citizens or community group
Private sector/corporate actor/company
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Unknown
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
The 2013-16 Waste Water Plan designated Risvangen as a new LDR (Local Rainwater Drainage) area. (Ref. 1, 4)
Also, the water vision, ‘Vand Vision 2100’ for Aarhus City. (Ref. 7)
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
The 2013-16 Waste Water Plan designated Risvangen as a new LDR (Local Rainwater Drainage) area. (Ref. 1, 4)
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify the general plan with GI/NBS section
The vision for a CO2 neutral Aarhus by 2030 includes goals and measures regarding protection from flooding caused by heavy rain fall. (Ref. 6). Local Rainwater Drainage - is a current trend derived from the political desire to deal with some of the expected increase in extreme rainfall by collecting and using it for recreational purposes. The method has been known in Denmark since the 1990s. (Ref. 1, 5)
If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme / type of the plan.
Please specify other vegetation type
blue and green areas, rainwater (Ref 9)
"grass gardens" (Ref 3)
ponds (Ref 1)
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
“Aarhus Water and the city council have joined the Water in Towns and Towns in Water Balance partnerships with 100 other members and stakeholders with interests in water, coordinating and collaborating on research, knowledge-sharing and innovation. The aim is to prepare and adapt Denmark as much as possible to ensure that rising rainfall provides opportunities, rather than problems, whilst increasing import potential for the water industry.” (Ref. 1)
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
Through the partnership with Water in Towns and Towns in Water Balance, coordinating and collaborating on research, knowledge-sharing and innovation takes place. (Ref. 1)
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Yes
Please specify
financed by tariffs, which consist of road water subsidies for municipal and private roads, standard connection grants and a consumption-dependent water discharge tax (Ref 4)
Co-finance for NBS
Unknown
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Financing
Total cost
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
While exact cost of the project are unknown, broader information regarding Aarhus water management are available. Aarhus Water's expenses are financed by tariffs, which consist of road water subsidies for municipal and private roads, standard connection grants and a consumption-dependent water discharge tax. 750 000 EUR (7.5 million. DKK) per year is devoted to solving environmental problems (e.g. "regnvandsbassiner", rainwater basins), from 2013 to 2016. (Ref. 4)
Source(s) of funding
Please specify other source of funding
financed by tariffs, which consist of road water subsidies for municipal and private roads, standard connection grants and a consumption-dependent water discharge tax (Ref 4)
Please specify other type of fund used
financed by tariffs, which consist of road water subsidies for municipal and private roads, standard connection grants and a consumption-dependent water discharge tax (Ref 4)
Non-financial contribution
Yes
Type of non-financial contribution
Please specify other type of non-financial contribution
Residents and landowners will be able to influence urban development in the direction of more attractive use of rainwater, whilst businesses will be able to sell their climate solutions on a large scale (through meetings). (Ref. 1)
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Please specify technological innovation
"The sewer system is to be revised to separate domestic sewage from rainwater, and Aarhus Water and the city council want to make the most of the opportunity to use the water for recreation. Risvangen has therefore been designated as an LRD area. If possible, rainwater will be delayed and stored in ponds and watercourses to improve quality of life, and to act as a buffer in the event of a sudden deluge." (Ref. 1)
Please specify social innovation
"LRD – Local Rainwater Drainage - is a current trend derived from the political desire to deal with some of the expected increase in extreme rainfall by collecting and using it for recreational purposes. Society will thus be able to adapt to climate change better whilst providing more recreational facilities and environmental improvements." (Ref. 1)
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
"A similar project in Brabrand – although on a much smaller scale and with a less problematic soil strata - provided useful experience with regard to getting landowners involved by handling rainwater locally. Orbicon and EnviDan contribute their expertise to the project from consultancy on climate adaptation and dealing with increased amounts of rainfall in Middelfart and Copenhagen. The project will build on the networks formed under vandibyer.dk and byerivandbalance.dk." (Ref. 2)
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
“An important secondary goal of the project is to generate more knowledge of LDR solutions in large urban areas and contribute to knowledge-sharing and innovative strength inherent in the national partnership.” (Ref. 1)

"The project will involve water management of the adjacent urban development area of Bryggervej." (Ref. 1)
Impacts, benefits
Description of environmental benefits
The project in Risvangen is the first large residential area in Denmark, where rainwater and wastewater are separated and the rainwater is instead handled on terrain, avoiding the polluting of the rainwater. By constructing rain beds along the roads, infiltrating the rainwater into green depressions or discharging it via green ditches to areas that can withstand being flooded, it is possible to manage the rainwater. Thus, the water ends up in a kind of 'water transport routes' that during cloudbursts can quickly lead the water to where it does not do damage, for example on a sports field or a green area.The rainwater in Risvangen is delayed, evaporated or drained at the pace that is appropriate for the recipient of the rainwater. During normal rainfall, rainwater seeps into the underground drains. In the event of heavy rain, the drains will be filled with water and the various surface solutions will slowly be filled. The rainwater in the area ends in Risskov Bæk and in the sea at Den Permanente. (Ref 9) 100 trees were meant to be planted to help with the rainwater seepage in the ground (Ref 2)
. In addition to climate adaptations, the blue and green areas also form the basis for insect hotels, football pitches and traffic calming. (Ref 9)
Economic impacts
Please specify other socio-cultural impact
the blue and green areas also form the basis for insect hotels, football pitches and traffic calming. (Ref 9)
Description of economic benefits
Unknown
Description of social and cultural benefits
In addition to being a climate adaptation project, the project in Risvangen has added value to the area, so it is not just pipes in the ground. The added value consists of blue and green areas for the benefit of the area's residents. In addition to climate adaptations, the blue and green areas also form the basis for insect hotels, football pitches and traffic calming. (Ref 9)
the blue and green areas also form the basis for insect hotels, football pitches and traffic calming. (Ref 9)
Type of reported impacts
Indicators
Unknown Indicators.
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
Please specify other method used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
According to the Act on Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programs (Act No. 936 of 24 September 2009), an environmental assessment has been made of Aarhus Municipality's Waste Water Plan. The environmental assessment is based on the broad environmental concept of the Act, which includes: biodiversity, population, human health, fauna and flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material goods, landscape, cultural heritage, and architectural and archaeological heritage. (Ref. 4)
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
Unknown as of 19 September 2020
Methods of impact monitoring
Methods used to evaluate the impacts of NBS
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Unknown
Presence of indicators used in reporting
No evidence in public records
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
According to the Act on Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programs (Act No. 936 of 24 September 2009), an environmental assessment has been made of Aarhus Municipality's Waste Water Plan. The environmental assessment is based on the broad environmental concept of the Act, which includes: biodiversity, population, human health, fauna and flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material goods, landscape, cultural heritage, and architectural and archaeological heritage. (Ref. 4)
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Yes
Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Please specify other modes of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Cooperation takes place between e.g. residents, businesses to facilitate the adaptation of the urban area, where e.g. residents are able to influence the urban development, and the residents' dialogue meeting in April 2014 marked the involvement of local landowners. (Ref. 1, 2)
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Unknown
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Unknown
References
List of references
Ref. 1. City of Aarhus (2016) Rainwater from cloudbursts to give all-round value in northern Aarhus. Projects. Information obtained: 2017-06-24. [Website not available in 2020]
Ref. 2. City of Aarhus (2016) More details on the project. Projects. Information obtained: 2017-06-24. [Website not available in 2020]
Ref. 3. Aarhus Vand (2017) Nyheder om projektet i Risvangen og Vorrevangen. Information obtained: 2017-06-24. [Website not available in 2020]
Ref. 4. Aarhus kommune (2013) Spildevandsplan 2013-2016. Tekstdel. Natur og Miljø, Teknik og Miljø. Source: https://docplayer.dk/6303035-Spildevandsplan-2013-2016.html [Accessed on 19 September 2020]
Ref. 5. LAR i Danmark (n.d.) LAR - Lokal Afledning af Regnvand. Vand i Byer. Information obtained: 2017-06-24. Source: http://www.laridanmark.dk/lar-lokal-afledning-af-regnvand/om-metoden/27950 [Accessed on 19 September 2020]
Ref. 6. Aarhus kommune (n.d.) Aarhus CO2 neutral in 2030 - tackling climate change in ecocity Aarhus. Source: https://stateofgreen.com/files/download/135 [Accessed on 19 September 2020]
Ref. 7. Aarhus kommune (2010) Vand Vision 2100. Natur og Miljø, Teknik og Miljø. Aarhus Kommune. Source: https://www.aarhus.dk/media/9247/vandvision2100pdf.pdf [Accessed on 19 September 2020]
Ref 8. Aarhus Vand (2020) Nyeheder. Source: https://www.aarhusvand.dk/om-os/nyheder/ [Accessed on 19 September 2020]
Ref. 9. Aarhus Vand (n.d.) Klimatilpasning på terræn Source: https://www.aarhusvand.dk/projekter/vores-projekter/klimatilpasningsprojekter/ [Accessed on 19 September 2020]
Comments and notes
Public Images
Image
Climate Adaptation in Risvangen (2018)
Climate Adaptation in Risvangen (2018)
Inge H Jensen, retrieved 08/22/2018