Klingel

Climate-Adapted and Healthy Living

Older people are particularly affected by the increasing heatwaves during summer. The Klingel project aims to enhance wellbeing and reduce health-related complaints. Participants are also empowered to cope as effectively as possible with the consequences of climate change. To achieve this, three digital, sensor-based modules are being developed and implemented in parallel.

Modul 1: In the individual context, sensors installed in the toilet analyse urine, while sensors in drinking vessels record fluid intake. This makes it possible to determine whether a person is drinking enough fluids. If not, the individual automatically receives reminders to drink more. In the case of impending dehydration, caregivers or relatives are notified to initiate a personal conversation and determine how best to provide support.

Modul 2: In the social context, the focus is on improving indoor climate and promoting climate-adapted behaviour. Sensors measure indoor temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels, which are linked with current weather data and forecasts. Based on this information, recommendations are made regarding ventilation, shading of living spaces, and planning of daily activities. These recommendations not only address acute heatwaves but also other weather extremes, such as cold spells or storms. By comparing temperature patterns, it is possible to identify whether ventilation habits are appropriate for prevailing climatic conditions.

Modul 3: In the community context, housing developers, municipalities and care facility decision-makers are informed through online resources about how heat islands can be mitigated through plant-based interventions. In concrete collective greening projects, older people are actively involved in plant care. Plant condition is monitored using sensors, and participants receive notifications encouraging them to take part in communal gardening activities — timed according to the optimal periods identified by Module 2.
Throughout the project, all three modules will be developed, installed in the homes of older participants, and evaluated in a field study. In addition, a business model for the modules will be designed to ensure long-term sustainability.

Project partners

• Butterweck KG https://www.butterweck.at/
• Intefox GmbH https://www.intefox.com/  
• Regio Im Walgau https://www.imwalgau.at/
• Sozialdienste Götzis gGmbH https://hdg-vorarlberg.at/