UTA Members RealSim and Latitudo 40 are currently participating in the EU-funded IB-Green project, which includes Sandyford Business District as one of its 11 project partners. This initiative aims to mitigate heat stress in industrial and business parks by integrating green and blue infrastructure.

RealSim has developed the Sandyford Digital Twin, an innovative tool that visualizes the district’s current and future landscapes. Latitudo 40 has conducted essential geospatial analyses, identifying urban heat islands and tree density. Together, their contributions are vital in shaping the sustainable transformation of 0.8 hectares of land into Sandyford Business District Civic Park.

Project Description:

The IB-Green project, funded by the European Union through Interreg North-West Europe, addresses the pressing issue of heat stress in industrial and business parks (IBPs). These areas, characterized by extensive sealing, are particularly vulnerable to overheating, contributing significantly to urban heat islands in the North-West Europe (NWE) region.

IB-Green’s mission is to enhance the climate resilience of these IBPs by integrating green and blue infrastructure. By reducing heat stress and improving air quality, The project aims to create healthier living and working environments by reducing heat stress and improving air quality, thereby lessening the negative climate impacts on both businesses and urban areas.

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Specific Project Brief: Sandyford Business District Civic Park

The pilot action, a joint initiative between Sandyford Business District (SBD) and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR), aims to develop the Sandyford Business District Civic Park on a 0.8-hectare site. Located at the intersection of Corrig Road and Carmanhall Road in Sandyford Business Park, this project is designed to improve public spaces and reduce heat stress in the area.

Fig1. A 0.8 hectare area in Sandyford Business District designated to be a new civic park shown in the Sandyford Digital Twin.

Sandyford Business District Digital Twin

The Sandyford Digital Twin (Figure 2) was developed by Irish environment simulation company, RealSim, as part of the IB-Green project.  It’s purpose is to facilitate the analysis and communication of how Sandyford looks and operates today and how it could evolve into the future.  The Digital Twin includes various layers of information, from local authority land use zones to all significant approved commercial and residential developments that have yet to be built (Figure 3).    It facilitates the input of expert analysis and communicates it simply to all stakeholders.  Such analysis includes the Surface Heat Island and Tree Density analysis carried out by Latitudo40 which is discussed in more detail below.

Fig2. A view of the Sandyford Digital Twin looking over Leopardstown and Central Park.

Fig3. The Sandyford Digital Twin showing all the planning approved proposed new residential developments.

Climate and Economic Risk Analysis

SBD conducted a targeted analysis of climate and economic risk for Sandyford Business District. This analysis, which took place before moving into the design phase, was essential to incorporate findings into the design of the future civic park.

Sandyford Business District engaged the Italian company, and UTA member, Latitudo 40 to assist in identifying urban heat island effects and tree density cover using their geospatial operative system. The primary goal of this collaboration was to understand the current environmental conditions, monitor ongoing changes, and inform the design of the new park. SBD work with Latitudo40 has been instrumental in recognizing the urban heat island effect and land surface temperature across the entire district, including the specific area targeted for transformation.

Additionally, all data collected has been integrated into Sandyford Business District’s digital twin technology, which provides a 3D real-time representation of the 2.5 square kilometres encompassing the four business parks that make up the district. This comprehensive digital model allows for a more accurate and dynamic approach to planning and implementing sustainable urban design strategies.

Fig4. The Sandyford digital twin overlaid with Surface Urban Heat Island analysis map.

Fig5. The Sandyford digital twin overlaid with a Tree Density analysis map.

The IB-Green project, expected to be concluded in February 2026, is meant to showcase how collaboration and the combination of different advanced technologies can help create cooler, greener spaces in industrial and business parks, mitigating the effects of heat stress while promoting healthier environments. As the Sandyford Business District Civic Park takes shape, it reflects the potential for sustainable transformation that IB-Green aims to inspire in communities throughout Europe.

Sources:

Fernanda Pinto Godoy, IB-Green Project Manager for Sandyford Business District

Gavin Duffy, RealSim Director and Sandyford Digital Twin project manager