Prague wants to reward environmentally friendly buildings in a new competition

The city hall will accept applications for participation in the competition from November 1 to November 14. Applications concerning buildings that were put into operation between 2015 and 2017 will be accepted; the results will be announced at the end of this year. The first year is motivational, and after evaluating the results, a decision will be made on whether the competition will be repeated in subsequent years.

"Awards will be given to construction projects that adapt buildings to climate change through their urban or construction-technical solutions or supplementary vegetation measures, for example, by helping to combat the formation of so-called urban heat islands, managing rainwater rationally, and being economical in terms of energy savings so that the building maximally prevents the deterioration of local climatic conditions," the approved materials state.

The expert commission may also grant honorary awards that will not be financially compensated for the use of vegetation, water management, the use of innovative practices, indoor environment quality, energy efficiency, and successful renovations.

The competition for the city is organized by Feramat Cybernetics, for which Prague will pay a maximum of 490,000 crowns excluding VAT. "Since this is a pilot year of the competition, the organization has been assigned to an external company that has positive references in organizing competitions," justified the city hall's chosen approach.

Due to the urban heat island effect, the temperature in the center of Prague is two to three degrees Celsius higher compared to its outskirts. The heat island is caused by buildings made of materials such as concrete and asphalt, which retain heat. The situation is improved by water surfaces, the expansion of greenery, tree planting, and tree-lined streets. Prague has an approved strategy for adapting the city to climate change and a plan for expanding greenery and water surfaces.