IB-Green’s Post

🌱 From Grey to Green: The Transformation Begins in Ettelbruck 🌱 The City of Ettelbruck, Luxembourg, is taking bold steps to redefine urban spaces and champion climate adaptation. As part of the Cool Neighbourhoods project, a floodable car park will be transformed into a multifunctional green hub, setting a new standard for sustainable, resilient, and liveable urban environments across Interreg North-West Europe (NWE). 👉 Take a drone journey to view the pilot site in its original appearance. Over the next months, follow us as Ettelbruck develops its Green Hub, turning concrete into canopy, grey into green. Current challenges & opportunities: ✅ Tackling urban heat islands with smart green infrastructure ✅ Improving biodiversity & air quality in urban areas ✅ Engaging the community in climate adaptation ✅ Addressing flooding risks through innovative design 🌍 Join us in tracking this transformation—stay tuned for updates and witness how climate-adaptive urban planning is shaping the future of livable cities! Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) Gemeente Middelburg Interreg North Sea Programme Interreg Europe Cool Cities GreenDense Except Integrated Sustainability Tiny Maenhout Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer Provincie Antwerpen University of Antwerp HZ University of Applied Sciences Ville de Saint-Omer Ville de Differdange Sioen Industries Gemeente Goes COMMUNE DE WIMEREUX Eranda Janku, PhD, Tom Bosschaert Benny Pycke, PhD Carolien Eijkelenboom Yann Logelin Sabine COUROUBLE Caroline RICOUART Sacha Oberweis Gaelle Tavernier European Platform for Urban Greening European Urban Initiative ICLEI Europe EUROPARC Federation Urban Agenda for the EU #FromGreyToGreen #CoolNeighbourhoods #UrbanResilience #ClimateAdaptation #SustainableCities How Cool to fly over the area that is to be transformed for Grey to Green!!

Cool Neighbourhoods Pilot Spotlight: PIVA, Provincie Antwerpen 🌿 Our fourth post in the Cool Neighbourhoods PESTLE/SWOT series brings us to PIVA, an educational site in the Province of Antwerp, which faces heat stress challenges due to a lack of greenery. To address this, the Provincie Antwerpen (PoA) has created an ambitious master plan aiming for a climate-neutral transformation with a strong focus on softening surfaces, adding green spaces, and water management. Strategically located between a provincial green area and the Antwerp Ring Road, PIVA is set to serve as a key connector in the urban landscape. This pilot project’s emphasis on greening aims to enhance both community wellbeing and environmental resilience. However, the journey to climate adaptation isn’t without hurdles—rising construction costs and complex governance structures may impact progress. The PIVA pilot is committed to creating a cooler, greener space that supports education, fosters community interaction, and serves as a model for sustainable urban development. The full report and analysis are attached, providing a detailed look at PIVA’s strengths, challenges, and forward-looking strategies. Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) Gemeente Middelburg Interreg North Sea Programme Cool Cities NSR GreenDense Except Integrated Sustainability Tiny Maenhout Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer Provincie Antwerpen University of Antwerp HZ University of Applied Sciences Ville de Saint-Omer Ville de Differdange Sioen Industries Gemeente Goes Eranda Janku, PhD Benny Pycke, PhD Magali De Wachter #ClimateResilience #UrbanGreening #liveability #SustainableCities #HeatStress #ProvinceOfAntwerp #PIVA #ClimateAdaptation #Interreg

The new URBACT networks are out! 10 Innovation Transfer Networks were approved last Friday by the Monitoring Committee of the programme. The networks will foster the adaptation and replication of solutions developed in the framework of Urban Innovative Actions projects, through the creation of investment plans and participatory schemes. Night policies will be again under the spotlight with the network 2Nite guided by Turin that will transfer the innovation in night use of public spaces and city services developed with the UIA project ToNite. The network will involve also Braga (with Associação Quadrilátero) which is leading Cities After Dark on similar topics. Great to see also other major Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Naples, Ravenna involved in networks that will promote the replication of some of the most innovative solutions in different dimensions of sustainable urban development European Urban Initiative Euractiv Euractiv Italia Euronews European Commission Urban Agenda for the EU Torino Urban Lab torinoeuprojects Stefano Lo Russo Marco Mazziotti Raffaele Barbato Ricardo Rio Município de Braga Municipio de Barcelos Famalicão Município de Guimarães Roma Capitale Comune di Milano Comune di Ravenna Emanuela Medeghini Nuno Almeida Nuno Gouveia Ricardo Rio ANCI - Associazione nazionale Comuni italiani Direção-Geral do Território

An Afternoon Break in #Ioannina: A Living Example of Sustainable Mobility in Action 🇬🇷 While exploring the charming city of Ioannina, we experienced firsthand how pedestrian-friendly spaces and thoughtful urban design can transform daily life. Strolling through cobblestone streets, pedestrianised zones, and picturesque pathways surrounding historic landmarks reminded us of the vital role sustainable mobility plays—not only in reducing emissions 🌍 but in enriching the human experience. Between workshops on our project pilots and stakeholder engagement to drive climate-neutral European cities through innovative smart mobility solutions, we explored Ioannina’s rich heritage. Highlights included the Citadel, Greece’s oldest castle, the Byzantine Museum, and the Silversmithing Museum, all set against the serene backdrop of Lake Pamvotis and the Pindus Mountains ⛰️. Ioannina beautifully demonstrates that sustainability and cultural heritage can go hand in hand—offering a glimpse of what’s possible when cities prioritise people, history, and the planet. #SustainableMobility #SmartCities #ClimateNeutralEurope #UrbanInnovation

🎥 To All Our Cool Neighbourhoods in France, Luxembourg, and Francophone Regions Everywhere! We’re thrilled to share the Cool Neighbourhoods animation now available with French subtitles! This visual journey highlights the exciting work happening across Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) to tackle urban heat stress and create more liveable, resilient communities. From innovative nature-based solutions to collaborative community involvement, the Cool Neighbourhoods project is working to: 🌱 Reduce the impacts of heat stress through greening and softening. 🏘️ Develop tools and strategies to make neighbourhoods more climate-resilient. 🤝 Engage citizens in building cooler, more sustainable urban environments. Our partners in France, Luxembourg, and across the region are leading transformative pilot projects, from the rejuvenation of Quai des Salines in Saint-Omer Ville de Saint-Omer to sustainable urban development in Ville de Differdange. Together, we’re making a real difference in addressing climate challenges. 🎬 Sit back, relax, and let this animation bring the story of Cool Neighbourhoods to life – en français! Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and feel free to share this with your networks! Together, we can create a cooler and more sustainable future. Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) Gemeente Middelburg Interreg North Sea Programme Cool Cities GreenDense IB-Green Except Integrated Sustainability Tiny Maenhout Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer Provincie Antwerpen University of Antwerp HZ University of Applied Sciences Ville de Saint-Omer Ville de Differdange Sioen Industries Gemeente Goes COMMUNE DE WIMEREUX Eranda Janku, PhD Benny Pycke, PhD Carolien Eijkelenboom Yann Logelin Sabine COUROUBLE Caroline RICOUART Sacha Oberweis Gaelle Tavernier #liveability #UrbanResilience #ClimateAdaptation #Sustainability #HeatStress #GreenCities #France #Luxembourg #FrancophoneRegions

👀 How we perceive our neighbouring countries can sometimes surprise us when we actually meet! During last week’s EMERGE workshop, 15 representatives from the built environment sector in Hamburg and Copenhagen explored the theme: 'Partnerships for Healthy and Sustainable Buildings.’ And, a visit to a pilot project in Kanalbyen in Fredericia revealed a surprising twist: while Germany is known for its regulations, the Danish project met even stricter requirements on fire safety, sound insulation, and brick weight limits. This underscores the value of cross-border dialogue and knowledge sharing  —taking the time to understand our neighbours’ challenges and how they solve them, can really give us valuable insights, and in the end, better solutions for sustainable and healthy buildings in our cities. Proximity doesn’t mean we’ve learned it all—there’s always more to discover together. A big thank-you to all participants for your contributions to the workshop. We look forward to seeing rewarding cross-national partnerships emerge in the future! 🤝 Christian Thing, Christian Dahl, Erik Martiny, Stefanie Weidner (Dr.-Ing.), Sophie Brauer, Lisa Heinen, Joerg Knieling, Michael Fredsted, Lina Boysen, Kay Gätgens, Marcus Hedman, Andreas Fuchs, Andreas Wenzel, Gesche Lohmann and Kristine Munkgård Pedersen #BuiltEnvironment #urbantransformation #SustainableCities #Livability #sustainableinfrastructure #PartnerforTyskland #PartnerinDaenemark

Navigating the Future: The Rise of Sustainable Maritime Metropolises As urbanization accelerates and climate challenges mount, the vision of Sustainable Maritime Metropolises offers a revolutionary urban blueprint. These floating cities blend resilience with sustainability, redefining coastal living in the era of climate change. Resilient Architectural Design Sustainable Maritime Metropolises are not just about survival; they’re about thriving in harmony with the marine environment. Employing modular designs and sustainable materials, these cities are built to withstand the harsh marine elements while being flexible enough to adapt to evolving community needs. The use of recycled composites and natural materials like bamboo highlights a commitment to environmental stewardship and architectural innovation. Green Energy and Water Sustainability The lifeblood of these aquatic cities is their self-sufficient energy systems. By harnessing solar, wind, and tidal energy, these metropolises ensure a continuous, clean energy supply that can potentially power neighboring regions on land. Water sustainability is equally innovative, with advanced rainwater harvesting and seawater desalination systems providing fresh water without straining terrestrial resources. Circular Economy and Local Food Systems At the heart of these communities lies a robust circular economy. Waste is not seen as an endpoint but as a start for new cycles of use. Organic waste powers energy production, while water recycling initiatives significantly reduce the community’s ecological footprint. Moreover, vertical farming and aquaculture are integrated into the urban fabric, securing a self-reliant food supply and reducing the carbon emissions associated with traditional agriculture. Community Integration and Quality of Life Beyond their environmental and economic benefits, Sustainable Maritime Metropolises are designed to foster a strong sense of community. Shared spaces encourage social interaction, cultural activities, and communal living, creating a vibrant social fabric. The emphasis on pedestrian pathways and communal areas ensures that these cities are not only sustainable but also livable and inclusive. Overcoming Challenges Despite their potential, the path to realizing these floating cities is fraught with challenges—from technological hurdles and high costs to regulatory and safety concerns. However, the continuous advancements in marine and architectural technology are gradually paving the way for these ambitious projects to move from concept to reality. In confronting future challenges, Sustainable Maritime Metropolises propose a harmonious way of life with our aquatic surroundings. It's time to expand our urban horizons beyond land to the sustaining waters that surround us. #SustainableDevelopment #Innovation #UrbanPlanning #RenewableEnergy #MaritimeMetropolis #FutureCities #ClimateAction #SustainableLiving #Architecture Image credit: DALL.E

Exciting Cool Neighbourhoods Updates Coming Your Way! From December 2024 to March 2025, get ready for a stream of updates showcasing the fantastic work happening in the Cool Neighbourhoods project! Here's a glimpse of what's to come: 🌿 Neighbourhood Heat Stress Action Plans (NHSAP) - Learn how we’re tackling urban heat stress with actionable plans and stakeholder empowerment. 📊 Liveability Strategy & Index - Discover how we’re measuring and boosting liveability across Interreg North-West Europe (NWE). 🏙️ Pilot Progress & Cooling Solutions - Dive into the innovative cooling solutions being implemented and the impact they’re making. 💡 Citizen Science in Action - Explore how communities are driving data collection and creating greener, more resilient neighbourhoods. 💼 Best Practices for Financing - Uncover strategies for funding urban cooling interventions with real-world success stories. 📚 Empowerment Guidebook - A sneak peek into how we’re enabling communities to shape sustainable futures. Follow us to stay inspired by the creative solutions and impactful work transforming cities across Interreg North-West Europe (NWE)! Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) Gemeente Middelburg Interreg North Sea Programme Interreg Europe Cool Cities GreenDense IB-Green Except Integrated Sustainability Tiny Maenhout Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer Provincie Antwerpen University of Antwerp HZ University of Applied Sciences Ville de Saint-Omer Ville de Differdange Sioen Industries Gemeente Goes COMMUNE DE WIMEREUX Eranda Janku, PhD, Tom Bosschaert Benny Pycke, PhD Carolien Eijkelenboom Yann Logelin Sabine COUROUBLE Caroline RICOUART Sacha Oberweis Gaelle Tavernier European Platform for Urban Greening European Urban Initiative ICLEI Europe EUROPARC Federation Urban Agenda for the EU #Liveability #UrbanResilience #ClimateAdaptation #SustainableCities #GreenLiving #Innovation

🌍 🌱 Happy World Cities Day! As we close out Urban October, we're celebrating innovative solutions that bring green spaces back to densely-populated urban areas, where climate effects are more pronounced and where greening can offer some of the strongest benefits. Through small, carefully designed green infrastructure that fits the unique needs of each area, we're proving that green coverage is possible—even in the hardest-to-green spaces. Together with community partners, we’re working to make the densest neighbourhoods more resilient, healthier, and sustainable 🌿 #WorldCitiesDay #GreenDense #UrbanGreening #ClimateResilience #SustainableCities #GreenInfrastructure #ClimateAdaptation #UrbanGreening #SustainableCities #GreenDense Gemeente Dordrecht STIPO Delft University of Technology Stad Mechelen Het Vogelnest Brest Métropole Plante & Cité Cork City Council - Comhairle Cathrach Chorcaí Freie Hansestadt Bremen Stad Brugge Interreg North-West Europe (NWE)

Meet our hosts: World Urban Parks (WUP) World Urban Parks is a vital international organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for urban parks and green spaces worldwide. By providing a global platform for exchange, WUP fosters the development of high-quality urban parks that enhance city life, promote environmental sustainability, and support community health and well-being. CEO Luis Romahn is thrilled that World Urban Parks is part of the team organizing the Future Green City World Congress, a premier international conference that brings together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss and innovate on the future of urban green spaces. "This event serves as a critical forum for sharing best practices, exploring new technologies, and fostering collaborations that advance the creation of sustainable and resilient urban environments." Romahn says, "The collaboration between World Urban Parks and the amazing group of organizers of the Future Green City event exemplifies the power of partnerships in the urban parks sector. Through our combined efforts, we leverage a wide array of expertise and resources, enhancing the impact of global initiatives. This synergy not only amplifies our individual goals but also drives significant progress in the global movement towards greener, healthier cities." Join the global movement: go to FGC2024.com/timetable to map out your schedule. #urbanlandscape #ecodesign #urbanparks