As part of the Canton’s four-year mandate (Task 7, Building for Climate Change), the Institute of Earth Sciences (IST) and the Institute of Applied Sustainability to the Built Environment (ISAAC) of SUPSI-Department of environment constructions and design have mapped and investigated the phenomenon of heat islands in Ticino in collaboration with the Department of Territory.

The study investigated the relationship between the environment and the built environment in order to identify measures to realise public spaces and buildings that take into account the current climate challenges and provide indications to ensure greater sustainability in the urban planning of urban centres. 

In this sense, SUPSI researchers position themselves as interlocutors-facilitators-experts for municipalities and local authorities that want to apply innovative measures and need to evaluate projects and interventions.

The event Building according to climate change, promoted in collaboration with the Department of Territory and the Section of Local Authorities of Canton Ticino, is the first opportunity to share experiences and visions for the future development of the territory, to identify the challenges and questions required to adapt to the changes taking place, but also to continue to build a dialogue between SUPSI and the territory.

The event – which is free of charge, requires registration and is aimed at municipalities and local authorities – will be held on Thursday 28 November 2024 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Campus SUPSI of Mendrisio. 

Speeches will also include the participation of a number of municipalities (Geneva, Stabio, Mendrisio and Milan), which will bring their examples of tools and measures adopted to ensure a higher quality of public space. 

Discover the programme.

Institute of Earth Sciences (IST) 
The Institute carries out its activities within the framework of disciplines aimed at the management and protection of the environment and its resources. It conducts applied research, provides services and contributes to teaching in undergraduate and graduate studies and continuing education at SUPSI. It employs staff specialised in surface and groundwater management, aquatic ecology, geology of land and landscape forms, natural hazards, spatial planning and geographical information systems (GIS). Since 2022, the Competence Centre Climate Change and Territory within the IST has been actively contributing to the study of the scientific foundations of climate change, spatial adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change.

Institute of Applied Sustainability to the Built Environment (ISAAC) 
It promotes the energy transition towards a zero-emission society based on an inter- and transdisciplinary approach in the areas of characterisation and reliability of photovoltaics and their integration in the building, intelligent management of renewable energy in the grid, energy efficiency of buildings and their maintenance. The complex energy transition also includes the proposal of more sustainable choices and lifestyles, involving local and civil society stakeholders. The Institute is involved in applied research, provides services and contributes to teaching in undergraduate and graduate studies and continuing education at SUPSI.