2. Green-blue living environment
Heat stress and drought are issues we will face frequently in the future. That is why we are actively addressing them. For example, we are creating climate buffers, increasing green spaces, and raising residents’ awareness of the importance of (drinking) water.
2.1 Successful Rain Barrel Campaign
During Climate Week, we organized a rain barrel campaign. A total of 400 residents applied for a voucher. With this voucher, they could purchase a rain barrel for €50 at GroenRijk in Beneden Leeuwen. Ultimately, 265 rain barrels were purchased. These barrels can collect approximately 53,000 liters of rainwater, which can then be used to water gardens.
2.2 Out with the stones, in with the greenery!
In 2025, we also continued to make our villages greener. For example, the paved church square in Alphen was transformed Alphen a much greener space. Several planting beds and green parking spaces were added. People can now also sit on the new benches there.
The schoolyard in Alphen landscaped. Parents from the school worked hard over several days to replace the paving stones with plants. The stones were also reused to create new planting beds.
And anyone who Alphen the new Dorpsstraat in Wamel the Greffelingsestraat in Alphen won’t recognize them anymore. Here, too, the streets have become much greener.
On Steenstraat, we worked with the De Kernen housing association to remove the stones—a fitting name for the street. The paved sidewalks had been causing significant water-related issues for residents. We added greenery to the street and ensured that rainwater now flows into the green spaces.
2.3 Additional water buffers
By 2025, additional space will have been created to store water. This will enable us to better cope with heavy rainfall and droughts. In Dreumel, Wamel Beneden Leeuwen, three climate buffers have been constructed in collaboration with the water board. They prevent flooding and return water to the land during dry periods.
A stormwater retention basin Appeltern built on Klaverpas in Appeltern . More and more streets are being disconnected from the sewer system so that rainwater can flow safely into this basin. This reduces the risk of damage during heavy rain. We are also planting 53 native trees on this site. Rijkswaterstaat is funding these trees as part of an agreement to plant 78 trees together.
2.4 Expanded partnerships
Last year, we joined the Green Mantle initiative of the Arnhem-Nijmegen Green Metropolitan Region. This partnership will enable us to better implement our plans for water, green spaces, and the landscape.
In doing so, we work closely with farmers and their organizations. We also signed a letter of intent this year regarding future-proof construction.
The climate is changing, and we can’t stop it. But we can prepare for it, for example by building in a smarter and more sustainable way.