NICE’s strategy will be based on the comprehensive study of existing NBS together with the research and development (R&D) at lab and the validation at Urban Real Labs (11 URLs and four fellow sites in five EU countries and two international locations) of innovative NBS covering the urban water cycle (wastewater, greywater, river basins, stormwater and combined sewer overflow). NICE involves the following territories: Aarhus (Denmark), Algeciras (Spain), Benalmádena (Spain), Cairo (Egypt), Gdansk (Poland), Lyon (France), Madrid (Spain), Pereira (Colombia), Talavera de la Reina (Spain), Turin (Italy) and Vigo (Spain). High-potential technologies such as green walls, vegetated rooftops, rain gardens and hybrid subsurface wetlands will be studied and enhanced with tailored bio-augmentation strategies, reactive materials and other filling media, novel design and plants, obtaining highly innovative and efficient urban water NBS. In addition, NICE will develop a NBS modelling software, providing an overview of the functionality of different NBS and giving useful data for design and management.

All the data obtained from the R&D of innovative NBS, study of existing solutions and modelling will be integrated into novel guidelines and methodologies for design, implementation, integration and management of urban enhanced NBS for closed water loops.

The project will provide knowledge for the design and implementation of NBS, closing urban water loops. Solutions will make available reusable water for different purposes, in addition to mitigating pollution and runoff. The overall approach encompasses the integration of research, citizens, policy and the economic sector to provide the knowledge base for the integration of NBS in the real context, covering technical, geographic, social, economic and cultural variety. Considered NBS include green walls, vegetable rooftops, rain gardens and hybrid subsurface wetlands. The project will be of interest to cities/regions that have NBS as an integral part of their Circular Systemic Solution and are looking for validated best practices.

Programme:

• H2020-EU.3.5. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials

Topic:

• SC5-27-2020 - Strengthening international collaboration: enhanced natural treatment solutions for water security and ecological quality in cities

Fundacion Centro Tecnologico de Investigacion Multisectorial

Contact the project

• FCC Aqualia SA
• ICLEI European Secretariat GmbH (ICLEI Europasekretariat GmbH)
• Politechnika Gdanska
• Aarhus Universitet
• Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture
• l'alimentation et l'environnement
• Bureau d'ingenierie de recherche et de developpement en ecologie
• Politecnico di Torino
• Iridra SRL
• Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet
• Lisode SARL
• Investornet-Gate2growth APS
• Desert Research Center
• Empresa de Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Pereira SAS ESP