Showcase of Sustainable Communities – SolarCity, Linz of Austria   ( 2014/09/11 )

As mentioned in our previous issue of “Showcase of Sustainable Communities”, we are now in Linz, an Austrian town situated in the narrow area between the Traun and Danube Rivers! Different from Hammarby Sjöstad in Sweden which focuses on waste and sewage management, SolarCity, as its name suggests, relies heavily on solar energy. The design of buildings is based on the principles of solar architecture. Residents can enjoy sunlight to enhance health, social warmth and energy, and integrating nature with leisure. However, it is no doubt that solar technologies are costly, hence, only individual infrastructure buildings had incorporated solar electricity generation. Along with the principles of energy, air, waste and water, the project aims to protect nature, provide adequate recreation and allow the two to complement each other. The 60 hectares residential area was completed in 2005, providing living spaces for approximately 4000 citizens in its 1300 apartments, together with necessary facilities and parkland. There are a couple of green strategies SolarCity has adopted: Energy One-third (at least 34%) of the hot water in the SolarCity housing developments is provided by means of solar energy, the remaining portion is generated by district heating  Active and passive solar energy as well as possible renewable energy sources are used to generate electricity  All buildings are summer heat resistant  Low energy construction combined with solar panels allows the building to require less heating than conventional homes Waste Water  The goal of SolarCity is to be wastewater-free  88 dwelling units and an elementary school are equipped with urine separating toilets to recover urine as fertiliser for agricultural purposes  Grey water, including water from showers, dishwashers and washing machines, is clarified in a constructed wetland on site and ultimately discharged into the nearest stream  Rainwater is managed through gutters, retention hollows and vegetated swales Social Infrastructure Mixed forms of legal tenure (rent, purchase, hire-purchase)  Diverse age groups as well as availability of many different forms of activities to ensure social cohesion Recreation A landscape plan carefully outlines the types of recreation that can be performed in different areas in and around SolarCity  The unique multi-functional use of outdoor spaces combines aspects of greening with water In our next issue of “Showcase of Sustainable Communities”, we will fly to England and check out an environmental friendly residential area with an interesting and unique design. Stay tuned! Photo Source: City of Linz, Austria

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