Mitigation of the Urban Heat Island Effect through Green-Blue Infrastructure on Brailei Street

• Identify critical heat zone via satellite thermal mapping
• Select pilot site (Brailei Street corridor)
• Co-design intervention with citizens and stakeholders
• Design and install green façades, misting systems
• Monitor environmental impact and collect feedback
In response to rising urban temperatures and the increasing impact of climate change, the Municipality of Galați launched a pilot intervention aimed at mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in one of the city’s most heat-vulnerable corridors—Brailei Street. The project was part of the Interreg Danube Region’s Be Ready initiative and applied the “urban acupuncture” approach, which focuses on small-scale, high-impact interventions.
The pilot began with a thermal mapping of the city, which identified Brailei Street as a critical zone due to its high concentration of impermeable surfaces and minimal vegetation. Following this, the municipality organized workshops with citizens, experts, and stakeholders to co-design the intervention. The selected site was transformed through a combination of green and blue infrastructure elements, including vegetated pergolas, rain gardens and smart misting systems. These features were strategically placed to reduce surface temperatures, improve pedestrian comfort, and enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the area.

• Conduct UHI assessment and stakeholder workshops
• Develop feasibility study and technical design
• Install vegetated pergolas, cooling points
• Organize awareness campaigns and public events
• Monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality

• Installation of green façades, shading structures, and smart misting systems
• Application of thermal imaging and IoT sensors for data collection
• Required permits for public space modification and water use
• Collaboration with local design firm (AM Arhidream S.R.L.)
The intervention incorporated a range of innovative and sustainable technologies. Green façades and pergolas were planted with drought-resistant native species to increase shade and biodiversity. Smart misting systems were introduced in high-traffic pedestrian zones to provide cooling during peak summer hours. The project also utilized thermal imaging and IoT sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and air quality, ensuring data-driven evaluation of the pilot’s impact. All necessary permits for modifying public infrastructure and installing water-based systems were secured through coordinated efforts with municipal departments.

• Citizens involved in co-design workshops and plant selection
• Vulnerable groups (elderly, children, outdoor workers) consulted for comfort needs
• Local coalition formed with NGOs, universities and businesses
• Public feedback collected via surveys and events
• Pilot used as educational tool by schools and universities
Community involvement was central to the success of the pilot. From the early planning stages, citizens were invited to participate in public consultations and co-design workshops. Residents helped identify priority areas and contributed to decisions about plant species, furniture placement, and cooling features. Vulnerable groups—including elderly citizens, families with children, and outdoor workers—were specifically engaged to ensure the new spaces met their needs. Local NGOs, academic institutions, and businesses also played an active role, forming a Local Climate Adaptation Coalition that supported implementation and awareness campaigns. This participatory approach fostered a strong sense of ownership and ensured the pilot responded to real community concerns.

• Surface temperature reduced by 2–3℃
• Vegetation cover increased by 50%, permeable surfaces by 30%
• Improved air quality and pedestrian comfort
• Over 3,000 direct and 25,000 indirect beneficiaries
• High citizen satisfaction (80%+ positive feedback)
The pilot achieved measurable environmental and social benefits. Surface temperatures in the intervention area dropped by an average of 2–3°C, while vegetation cover increased by 50% and permeable surfaces by 30%. Air quality improved, and the new misted areas significantly enhanced pedestrian comfort. The project directly benefited approximately 3,000 people daily, with indirect benefits reaching over 25,000 residents. Feedback from citizens was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 80% of respondents reporting improved quality of life and urban experience.

One of the key challenges was ensuring long-term maintenance of the green infrastructure. While the technical implementation was successful, future projects should include clearer post-installation management agreements. Another lesson was the need for extended monitoring to capture seasonal variations, which would provide a more comprehensive understanding of environmental performance.

Cities considering similar interventions should begin with pilot projects to demonstrate effectiveness and build public support. Early coordination between departments and service providers is essential, as is the integration of smart monitoring tools. Most importantly, involving the community from the outset ensures that solutions are inclusive, sustainable, and embraced by those who use them.