Heerlen sets nature-inclusive building as new standard for city
A green facade where bees find food, a roof that cools and retains rainwater and a row of nesting stones in the wall for swifts. We will see more and more of this in Heerlen in the future. The city council has adopted the policy framework 'Nature-inclusive building'. With this, the city is taking a big step toward building where nature is not an afterthought, but a natural part of every design.
Heerlen is on the eve of a major housing challenge. We must ensure that more than 7,000 homes are added. And the city's biodiversity is under pressure. The summers are getting hotter and the rain showers more intense. The new policy therefore takes an integrated approach. Every building that we add or renovate must also contribute to a green, healthy and climate-resistant city.
Alderman biodiversity, animal welfare and environment Casper Gelderblom:
"We are facing a double challenge: we have to build thousands of houses and make our city resistant to climate change. With nature-inclusive building those two tasks come together. We provide more greenery, coolness and clean air and give space to birds, bees and hedgehogs, which are having an increasingly difficult time in the city. This policy framework provides clear frameworks as well as flexibility, so that everyone who builds or renovates can easily contribute to a livable Heerlen."
Flexible and achievable
The proposal establishes a minimum set of nature-inclusive measures as the standard for all new construction and remodeling projects from 25 square meters and up. With a flexible point system, initiators choose from a broad list of proven and affordable interventions. From nest boxes and green roofs to planting trees or preserving existing green structures. The system is inspired by successful examples from Groningen, Berlin and London, among others. Heerlen is translating this into a local approach, coordinated with housing corporations, developers, architects and residents. A survey of 1400 Heerlen residents shows that almost everyone finds nature-inclusive building important: 98.6% support the plan to adopt policy.
Introducing in stages
After the city council decides, the college will draw up policy rules. These are expected to enter into force in late 2025 for construction projects that deviate from the current environmental plan. At a later stage, nature-inclusive construction will also be included in the environmental plan. It will then apply to all relevant construction activities.