Green Homes, Green Balconies Hydroponic Solutions for Climate-Resilient Urban Living

This training focuses on transforming urban homes and balconies into climate-resilient, resource-efficient and healthy living spaces through the application of small-scale hydroponic systems. It introduces the “Green Homes, Green Balconies” concept as a practical, low-carbon and nature-based solution that can be implemented within existing housing stock, even in dense urban environments with limited space. The session addresses key challenges faced by cities under climate change, including rising temperatures and heat stress, loss of green areas, increasing pressure on water and energy resources, and growing concerns related to food security and well-being. Participants will learn how home- and balcony-based hydroponic systems can contribute to passive cooling, improved microclimate, efficient water use, local food production and urban greening, while also enhancing social and psychological well-being. Special attention will be given to affordable, modular and easily replicable system designs that can be adapted to different climatic conditions, housing types and socio-economic contexts. The training will also highlight how such small-scale interventions can be scaled up through community initiatives, housing programmes and urban policies, and how they can complement broader climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The two-hour session will combine short expert inputs with interactive group work, visual demonstrations and scenario-based exercises. Participants will explore basic technical principles, system components, plant selection and maintenance, as well as design and planning considerations. Working in small groups, they will develop simple “green balcony” or “green home” concepts tailored to their own cities, institutions or projects. By linking climate action with everyday housing practices, this training equips participants with practical knowledge, planning approaches and implementation tools to promote inclusive, climate-responsive and sustainable urban living, positioning homes and balconies as active building blocks of resilient cities and communities.