On October 21, the “Germany Study on City Centers 2024” („Deutschlandstudie Innenstadt 2024“) by CIMA Beratung + Management GmbH, in collaboration with the German Association for City and Urban Marketing (Bundesvereinigung City- und Stadtmarketing Deutschland e. V.) and the German Retail Federation (Handelsverband Deutschland e. V.), was officially presented in Berlin. This latest study surveyed over 5,000 citizens. The “cima.monitor Germany City Center Study” was conducted for the second time, following the 2022 study, as a “representative panel on perceptions of ‘city centers,’ ‘shopping,’ ‘accessibility,’ ‘sustainability,’ and ‘leisure, tourism, & living’ in German (inner) cities”. CIMA’s focus is generally on the future of cities, communities, and regions.
source: cima
Urban Areas in Focus
Cities and urban areas are the living spaces of the future. “In 2007, more people worldwide lived in urban areas than rural areas for the first time, and by 2050, around 66 percent of the global population is expected to live in cities”. Cities are not only the “engines that generate value driving economic recovery” but also the places “where the fight for a green recovery will be won or lost”, as they consume 78 percent of the world’s energy and produce more than 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to UN Habitat. Additionally, urban areas are at the center of climate change and its impacts: “Globally, 80% of cities face extreme climate-related events”. Urbanization, however, also presents “some of the greatest opportunities and challenges in today’s world”.
Photo: Nerea Marti Sesarino
A “Scientific Foundation in the Debate on the Future of City Centers in Transition”
City centers remain attractive hubs for shopping, leisure, and dining. According to the study, shopping and dining are still the primary reasons for visiting city centers. However, there is a growing call for an improved “City-Life Balance”, which includes a harmonious blend of urban vitality and relaxation spaces. Mobility transition is another key aspect, with alternative transportation options such as bicycles and e-scooters gaining popularity. A central point is the increasing importance of climate-friendly urban development: people are calling for more green spaces and improved air quality to enhance the quality of stay in city centers. The demand for “green climate oases” tops the list.
Last year, the World Economic Forum emphasized that “nature is the most resource-efficient solution to creating resilient, vibrant, and future-proof cities”. As the WWF aptly stated, “Nature must be at the heart of our cities”. In 2021, a “groundbreaking study” by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) found that “utilizing nature in infrastructure projects could save $248 billion annually“.
“With more greenery, better air quality, and more social gathering spaces, our city centers can become more resilient and vibrant”, says Ingeborg Lang, Head of Urban Transformation at CIMA. “As places of lived democracy, they have the potential to develop into centers of community and future planning. Change is well underway, and the best times are still ahead”.
Photo: GCS
“A Better City, A Better World is Possible!”
The current analysis identifies the need for action to promote sustainability, quality of stay, and mobility options. Investments in greening and air filtering solutions can improve urban air and counteract urban overheating. To adapt cities to climate needs, respondents prioritized three key actions:
- “More greenery in the city center through green climate oases” (62.6%),
- “City trees: suitable tree species to improve microclimate and air quality” (60.5%), and
- “More shading through trees” (59.4%).
For these core needs – more greenery, improved air quality, and simultaneous cooling of urban spaces – our moss filters provide practical solutions.
Photos: GCS
Bringing Moss to the City
Moss filters offer an innovative approach to air purification and cooling through natural filtration. This biotechnology has a dual positive impact on both air quality and the urban landscape: moss filters contribute to improving quality of life and environmentally-friendly city center design. By implementing these “green filters,” cities can be healthier and more eco-friendly while also meeting demands for a visually appealing, resilient, and future-proof downtown.
Combined with active ventilation, the moss modules can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 4 degrees Celsius, offering a cooling capacity of up to 6,500 watts. This feature is well-suited to combat urban heat islands, which are becoming an increasing threat to people and nature due to ongoing climate change.
The moss modules are used in various multifunctional fresh air concepts. Integrating traditional green elements to promote biodiversity, both analog and digital information tools, seating, water tanks, and even network technology or charging infrastructure enables versatile applications, for example, in rainwater management strategies due to their high evaporation capacity.
These moss filters contribute to a more sustainable and healthier city – visible and measurable, locally and immediately.
Photo: stadtimpulse Newsletter
„New Impulse Providers“
CIMA Beratung + Management GmbH, along with the German Retail Federation (HDE), the German Association of Cities and Municipalities (DStGB), the German Association for City and Urban Marketing (bcsd), and the German Association of Cities (Deutscher Städtetag), also initiated „stadtimpulse“, the “first nationwide, certified project pool for city centers, retail, and urban living”. This initiative is now supported by “many nationally significant associations, institutions, and organizations” as “partners in this joint effort”.
We are pleased that Green City Solutions is now also part of the “impulse providers and friends of attractive city centers”: “Stadtimpulse gives municipalities transparent and qualified insights into completed projects, best practices, and valuable experiences to improve urban spaces. With our collaboration, we look forward to enriching this platform with our experiences and products”, says our CEO and co-founder, Peter Sänger.
Photo: stadtimpulse Newsletter/GCS