Sustainable City
Bee-friendly Bus Stops
Utrecht transformed more than 300 bus stops in this way to make the city more sustainable and greener. For example, the air is filtered by the sedum, which improves the air quality in the city, the green roof provides cooling on hot days and the plants collect rainwater that is slowly released back into the sewer so that there is less flooding during heavy rainfall.
In addition, the green roofs increase the biodiversity in the city, although such a bus stop seems to make little difference. However, all bus stops together provide one large network of sedum throughout the city. This is important for the insects such as butterflies and bees. Utrecht was the first to have these bee-friendly bus stops, but they inspired other cities and abroad to make their bus stops green as well. In this way we can together contribute to a sustainable and greener world in the city.
Ecoboat
The city of Utrecht is known for its city center with wharf cellars along the inner canals. Originally, the cellars were intended as storage and passage space for goods that could be supplied and removed from the ground floor by water, but nowadays many restaurants and terraces are located there.
In order to the supply the restaurants on the canals in a more sustainable way and prevent heavy vehicles from having to drive over the yards, Utrecht has replaced the so-called ‘beer boat’ and the ‘waste boat’ with an electrically powered boat. All under the slogan “Save the yards for later, opt for transport by water".
Grass tiles
In places in the city where infrastructure takes place, like a parking lot for vehicles, grass tiles offer a solution against the consequences of climate change, such as more extreme weather. Due to heavy rainfall, we more often suffer from flooding. This mainly happens in places where the water cannot sink into the ground, mostly in the city where a lot of brick and concrete hold back the water.
Placing grass tiles in parking lots creates space for water to drain into the ground. In addition, grass tiles provide more greenery in built-up areas and the succulents increase biodiversity for insects such as butterflies and bees.
Insect hotel
An insect hotel is an artificial shelter designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for various insects, such as bees, butterflies, ladybugs and beetles, to nest and hibernate. The insect hotel consists of different compartments filled with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, straw and pine cones. These materials create suitable nesting places and provide shelter for insects. Placing an insect hotel in various places in the neighborhood has several advantages. First of all, it contributes to biodiversity by providing a habitat for beneficial insects that play a role in pollination and pest control. In addition, it helps conserve native species and supports the overall health of the ecosystem.
Ecoduct
In the Netherlands and therefore around Utrecht as well, we have dozens of these types of ecoducts. An ecoduct is a specially designed bridge or viaduct that serves as an ecological connection over busy roads or infrastructure, with the aim of connecting the natural habitats of animals and restoring migration routes. These ecoducts provide a safe crossing for various animal species, such as mammals, reptiles and amphibians, which would otherwise have difficulty crossing roads and often fall victim to traffic. The benefits of ecoducts are numerous. They promote genetic diversity within populations by making it easier for animals to interact and migrate with each other. In addition, ecoducts contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity and reduce the risk of collisions between animals and vehicles. They also help restore and maintain ecosystems by reconnecting natural habitats.
Grass Tram Tracks
Grass tram tracks, such as those found in cities like Utrecht, have the main function of combining public transport with green infrastructure. These tram tracks are covered with a layer of grass, so they serve not only as a transport route for trams, but also as green corridors in urban areas. The advantages of grass tram tracks are diverse. First of all, they contribute to improving urban air quality and reducing heat island effects, as grass contributes to absorbing carbon dioxide and retaining water. Furthermore, grass tram tracks act as green corridors that offer flora and fauna the opportunity to move through the city and promote biodiversity. Finally, they contribute to making urban transport more sustainable by providing an ecologically responsible and visually attractive infrastructure for trams, which in turn offer a sustainable alternative to individual car traffic.
Combined heat and power plant De Uithof
The combined heat and power plant at the Uithof in Utrecht is a specially designed power plant that generates both heat and electricity for the Utrecht Science Park. The CHP installation uses natural gas, but because the plant generates both heat and electricity, emissions are lower than with traditional plants. The generated electricity is used for the Utrecht Science Park, while the heat is used to heat buildings and supply hot water.
The building itself is also sustainably built, including sustainable wood for the facade. The plant is also designed in such a way that it can respond flexibly to future developments in the energy transition. This makes the building ready for the integration of new technologies such as green hydrogen.
Shared cargo bike
At the end of my own street this shared cargo bike is parked. What struck me is how often it's used by people from the neighborhood. It's the ideal transport for someone who does not own a car, but sometimes wants to transport more than a single bike can handle. Think of cycling with multiple children, you need to go to the vet with your dog or you have to pick something up at the hardware store further down the road. The shared cargo bike is proof that specific shared transport, which results in less transport consumption and traffic, can really be a success if you choose the right transport and right locations to offer it.
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