Nine approaches to improving the microclimate and upgrading the urban environment, as well as specific scenarios for areas of Athens and Piraeus, show how scientific knowledge can be put to use to create better living conditions in cities.
The studies were carried out as part of a research project by Dimand, in collaboration with research company 1830 Lab, by research laboratories at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). They are aimed at municipalities, regions, central government bodies, technical experts, construction professionals, investors and the public, with the aim of contributing to public debate on the future of the urban environment.
How can Greek cities cope with rising temperatures? What measures can limit the effects of urban overheating? How can modern urban planning and building design help create more sustainable and resilient urban areas?
The three studies, being presented for the first time, seek to answer these questions.
“Climate risks in Greek cities: An assessment of the current situation and forecasts for the future”
The study was carried out by a research team from the Environmental Physics Department at NKUA, under the guidance of Professor Konstantinos Kartalis.
It assesses the climate risks facing Greek cities, focusing on Athens, Thessaloniki and Gournes in Heraklion. It includes a historical review of trends in key climate variables and indicators, as well as simulations and forecasts of how the microclimate in these areas will develop, looking ahead to 2060 (2065 for Gournes) and based on two climate scenarios.
“Urban overheating: The problem and proposed solutions”
The study was carried out by a research team from the Environmental Physics Department at NKUA, under the guidance of Professor Konstantinos Kartalis.
It focuses on nine distinct proposals to strengthen the climate resilience of Athens and Thessaloniki and limit the social, economic, health and energy impacts of urban overheating. It also examines specific scenarios for implementing the measures and their potential benefits for the urban microclimate.
“Thermal resilience of buildings in Attica”
The study was carried out by the Building Environment Research Group in NKUA’s Department of Physics, under the coordination of Professor Margarita-Niki Asimakopoulou.
It includes the collection and analysis of temperature and humidity data from 33 office spaces and apartments in Attica, between July and October 2025.
The research aimed to investigate how building characteristics such as construction period, degree of renovation, floor and ventilation conditions affect thermal resilience.
The research team installed measuring devices in the selected spaces, collected and analysed the data, and recorded the main findings.
In parallel, 1830 Lab interviewed users of some of the spaces, documenting the everyday experiences of residents and workers during periods of high temperatures.
Findings and proposed solutions
Urban overheating affects public health and worsens social inequalities.
Climate change is already affecting living conditions in major urban centres, with Athens and Thessaloniki facing rising heat stress.
High building density, limited green space, the use of materials that absorb and store heat, and human activity intensify the urban heat island effect, meaning temperatures in cities often remain higher than in surrounding areas.
The effects go beyond thermal discomfort. Urban overheating affects public health, increases cooling needs and energy consumption, weighs on economic activity and worsens social inequalities, as more vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected.
The studies show that tackling the problem requires a combination of measures tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each area.
Measurable benefits from green measures – local temperatures could fall by up to 2°C
The results of the scientific simulations included in the study are of particular interest, highlighting the potential benefits of specific measures for the urban microclimate.
According to the findings presented, urban parks have average air temperatures 0.9°C lower during the day and 1.2°C lower at night than the surrounding urban area.
In the Agios Dionysios area of Piraeus, the study examined a hypothetical scenario involving the creation of five pocket parks at nearby locations, including the conversion of part of a school playground into green space. The simulation showed that such a combined intervention could reduce local temperatures by up to 2°C.
Similarly, at Omonia Square, a microclimate simulation examined the use of cool materials on the road surface and pavements, with an estimated reduction in air temperature of 0.3°C to 1°C.
The results show that even relatively limited measures can deliver substantial benefits under the right conditions, particularly when they form part of an integrated plan to improve the urban environment.
Making cities more resilient requires public- and private-sector cooperation
One of the key findings of the studies is that there is no single solution to urban overheating. Instead, a combination of measures, coherent planning and cooperation between the public and private sectors are needed.
The need for Greek cities to adapt to climate change is not just a matter for the coming decades. It is already a critical challenge, directly linked to residents’ daily lives, health and quality of life.
Through this research initiative, Dimand is helping to produce and disseminate scientific knowledge and highlight proposals for greener, more functional and more resilient cities. The initiative also underscores the importance of cooperation and scientific evidence in shaping a more sustainable urban environment.
Bioclimatic design in modern property development
The study also highlights the importance of bioclimatic design in modern property development, presenting examples that bring sustainability principles into the design and delivery of building projects.
These include Dimand projects such as Kaizen Campus, which has LEED Gold certification, as well as the HUB 26 development and the redevelopment of the former FIX brewery site at the western entrance to Thessaloniki, which incorporate sustainable design principles.
Particular mention is also made of the new development of the property owned by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE) in Marousi, as an example of integrated bioclimatic design that combines modern building infrastructure with environmental improvements to the surrounding area.
Bringing scientific knowledge into practice is essential to creating more sustainable and resilient cities. In this respect, through the development of modern bioclimatic buildings, the delivery of urban regeneration projects, the reuse of existing building stock and support for scientific research, Dimand is contributing to an integrated approach to sustainable urban development that extends beyond the boundaries of individual buildings.