Director
Phone:
+49 711 685 66577
What is the Research about?
In this interdiciplinary Project, we combine sustainable facade insulation with biodiversity - thereby building a bridge between climate protection and biological diversity. Our research project focuses on the development of habitat systems for insects that can be combined with efficient thermal insulation for existing and new buildings. The solution is intended for use in public, commercial, and private areas of cities, while also providing a habitat for insects in urban areas.
We are studying and trialling the possibilities and added value of facade-integrated habitat structures for sustainable building renovation. The creation of habitats for native insects through alternative facade insulation on existing urban buildings supports energy efficiency efforts and sustainable renovation, as well as promoting urban biodiversity.
The aim of the research is to investigate not only the structural feasibility, but also the perception and social acceptance among the population, as well as possibilities for sustainable implementation. The structural data will be recorded on three mock-ups with different construction methods and in a test building. Sociological data will be collected through focus groups and surveys.
Take part in our Survey (only available in German)!
Click here for the second part of the video
Detailed section of a wild bee nesting aid with reed tubes and hardwood
Image: Simon Schaller
Our Motivation:
Insect Diversity and Sustainable Facade Insulation
Insects are indispensable for the functioning of ecosystems as well as for the economy and society. However, the diversity and number of insects is steadily declining.
Buildings and settlements that impair and destroy insect habitats are among the factors responsible for this sharp decline. This happens through the sealing and fragmentation of land and the associated decline in green and open spaces that could serve as a source of food and shelter for insects.
A majority of our buildings are in need of renovation. This means that, among other things, the facade, i.e., the vertical surface of buildings, should be improved so that it loses less energy and is visually enhanced. We use these vertical surfaces with our facade-integrated habitat systems to create a new habitat for insects.
As around 40% of CO2 emissions in Germany come from the construction and operation of buildings, 95% of which already exist, a lot of CO2 can be saved here through sustainable renovation. The habitat structures created in the facade offer added value for biodiversity. They serve both as an immediate and effective measure to protect urban biodiversity and to create habitats for insects in urban areas.
NEWS
Habitat System on various Facade Surfaces
Image: Simon Schaller
In addition to the creation of nesting aids, insects also need green spaces as food sources, e.g. in the form of suitable flowering plants, as part of an optimal habitat system. Insects share the desire for more green spaces in urban areas with many humans. Nature reserves and green spaces for recreation are in demand and popular. Insects are usually only tolerated or accepted in these recreational areas. One reason for this is the loss of knowledge about nature in society. The research project addresses the knowledge needed to protect and preserve insect diversity, as well as the benefits and diverse functions of insects, through social participation and awareness raising.
We therefore welcome an open exchange, especially because we want to be mindful of the needs and interests of city dwellers.
Tailored Information is available on the following Pages:
Test Buildings
In March, we were able to integrate four Habitat systems into the insulated facades of two residential buildings belonging to the VdK Baugenossenschaft Baden-Württemberg housing cooperative in Stuttgart.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Test Buildings
Interested residents gathered information about our project and the habitat systems at our information station.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Test Buildings
Three of these nesting aids—also known as insect hotels—are primarily intended to promote wild bees and provide them with breeding opportunities.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Girls‘ Day
At the beginning of April, 15 very interested girls enjoyed our mock-ups in perfect weather and listened to an explanation of our project.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Girls‘ Day
The girls were able to get creative by making nesting aids for wild bees...
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Girls‘ Day
... and when forming seed balls, they where able to really make a mess and thus provide important food resources for wild bees.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Installation of the Mock-Ups
Im Frühjahr 2024 wurde mit dem Bau der drei begehbaren Testgebäude, den Mock-Ups, begonnen.
Die Habitat-Systeme werden, in den hier ersichtlichen Aussparungen, direkt in die Außenwand integriert. Zudem steht eine unverbaute Wildbienennisthilfe als Referenz in der nahen Umgebung. Die Mock-Ups können Sie auf dem Campus Stuttgart Vaihingen sehen.
Kontaktieren Sie uns für Besichtigungstermine einfach unter der E-Mail: urbi@iabp.uni-stuttgart.de.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Installation der Mock-Ups
Im Frühjahr 2024 wurde mit dem Bau der drei begehbaren Testgebäude, den Mock-Ups, begonnen.
Die Habitat-Systeme werden, in den hier ersichtlichen Aussparungen, direkt in die Außenwand integriert. Zudem steht eine unverbaute Wildbienennisthilfe als Referenz in der nahen Umgebung. Die Mock-Ups können Sie auf dem Campus Stuttgart Vaihingen sehen.
Kontaktieren Sie uns für Besichtigungstermine einfach unter der E-Mail: urbi@iabp.uni-stuttgart.de.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Installation der Mock-Ups
Im Frühjahr 2024 wurde mit dem Bau der drei begehbaren Testgebäude, den Mock-Ups, begonnen.
Die Habitat-Systeme werden, in den hier ersichtlichen Aussparungen, direkt in die Außenwand integriert. Zudem steht eine unverbaute Wildbienennisthilfe als Referenz in der nahen Umgebung. Die Mock-Ups können Sie auf dem Campus Stuttgart Vaihingen sehen.
Kontaktieren Sie uns für Besichtigungstermine einfach unter der E-Mail: urbi@iabp.uni-stuttgart.de.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Installation der Mock-Ups
In spring 2024, construction began on the three walk-in test buildings, the mock-ups.
The habitat systems will be integrated directly into the exterior wall in the recesses shown here. In addition, there is an unobstructed wild bee nesting aid in the vicinity for reference. You can see the mock-ups on the Stuttgart Vaihingen campus.
Simply contact us to arrange a viewing appointment by emailing urbi@iabp.uni-stuttgart.de.
Image: (c) IABP, University of Stuttgart
Project Management
Contact Persons at IABP
Elternzeit
Phone:
+49 711 685 65629
ZIRIUS Contact Persons
Project Duration
July 2023 – November 2026
Total Funding Volume
975,752 Euro
Project Funding
German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV),
German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN),
German Federal Biological Diversity Program
State
Baden-Württemberg
Funding Information
The UrbanInsects project is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Program with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection.
This website reflects the views and opinions of the recipient of funding from the Federal Biological Diversity Program and does not necessarily reflect the views of the funding provider.
