impaQt

Innovative Strategies for Future-Proof Neighbourhoods

Our urban spaces are at a crossroads: climate crisis, heat stress, heavy rainfall, and social fragmentation call for new responses. This is exactly where the groundbreaking EU-funded LIFE project impaQt (Implementing Advanced Quartier Transformation) comes in. Through a collaboration of researchers, city administrators, urban planners, and civil society, the city of tomorrow is being implemented today.

Grätzeltransformer: Neighbourhoods as Engines of Transformation

At the heart of the project is the Grätzeltransformer – a pioneering model for sustainable district inno­vation. Rather than fragmented individual measures, entire neighborhoods are reimagined: green-blue infrastructure, social innovation, and smart technologies work hand in hand. Real-world labs in Berlin-Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and the city of Melk showcase climate adaptation in action – visibly, tangibly, and measurably. Digital monitoring tools track the impact of newly planted trees, open soils, urban water reservoirs, unsealing efforts, and participatory processes.

Impact-Driven Financing: Impact Bonds & Blended Finance

Another key milestone is the introduction of impact-driven financing models, such as Impact Bonds. Blended Finance replaces traditional funding approaches – merging public and private resources to target areas where environmental, social, and economic benefits are maximized.

impaQt is among the first projects in Europe to combine neighborhood-level climate adaptation with such innovative financing mechanisms. This strengthens scalability and investment certainty for future initiatives – supporting and accelerating sustainable urban development.

Be Part of the Movement!

impaQt proves that sustainability, climate adaptation, and social cohesion aren’t just theoretical – they can be practically implemented in a powerful, visible way. For more resilient cities. For better quality of life. For thriving communities in a changing world.

This project thrives on involvement. Whether you’re a resident, a city official, a creative, researcher, or decision-maker, you can help shape the city of tomorrow.

Invitation to the Kick-off in October 2025

The official launch will be celebrated with a kick-off event on October 7, 2025, in Melk – featuring talks, panel discussions, site visits, and workshops. Whether you’re an expert, municipal representative, or engaged citizen – you are warmly invited to help lay the foundation for a new generation of urban districts. For inquiries, contact office@green4cities.com.

Interdisciplinary. International. Integrated.

Throughout the project, stakeholders from research, administration, civil society, and business collaborate. Solutions are developed with local communities. Experts support the process with technical insights and strategic recommendations.

IMPAQT is guided by a clear values compass:

• Transparency & Participation – Decisions are made collaboratively
• Justice & Diversity – Diverse perspectives are heard and integrated
• Future Orientation – Scenario planning leads to long-term solutions

The tools, models, and governance structures developed are transferable to other cities and municipalities – making IMPAQT a European learning lab for resilient districts.

Strong Partners, Bold Mission

The project is carried out by the following consortium:

• Green4cities GmbH (Koordination)
• Stadt Melk (Städtepartner)
• Bezirksamt Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf – Umwelt- und Naturschutzamt (Städtepartner)
• Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (Forschung)
• Superwien Urbanism ZT GmbH
• Steuerberatungskanzlei Mag. Roland Honeder
• Plan Zwei – Stadtentwicklung, Stadtforschung, Kommunikation
• European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations – EFB
• Komobile GmbH
• Energie- und Umweltagentur des Landes NÖ (eNu)

EU LIFE LIFE_impaQt (Q for Quarter): transformative action model LIFE-24-SAPC-3931