In recent years the requirements for considering the interests of environmental protection – especially air and climate – in planning and zoning have grown continuously. This has come about not only due to the increased environmental consciousness of the general population, but also because of the dense settlement patterns in Germany.

These increased requirements have, in special cases, led to the use of study methods more costly in terms of both time and money, particularly since material losses or damages also can come into play. One of these methods is the use of the wind tunnel for planning processes and questions.

In principle, the use of a wind tunnel is applicable for:

• Wind flows around skyscrapers
• Wind calming in plazas and streets
• Dispersal of emissions from chimneys
• Snow banks along streets
• Positioning of exterior air intakes for air conditioners
• Emanations from waste dumps
• Propagation of automobile emissions in built areas
• Air contamination from parking garages and tunnels
• Odors emanating from industrial facilities, dumps, and animal containment facilities
• Propagation of emissions in the case of accidents involving industrial facilities, tank facilities, or tanker trucks