The theme of the latest green managers’ meeting in the municipality of The Hague was novelties in public space. In the Laak district, several progressive projects were visited while cycling. Tree bunkers, biochar, urban water buffer, circular materials and Green as a Service were important themes during this bicycle tour.

GAES pilots were highlighted at 3 locations. These locations are the start of a measurement network in urban district Laak, where we use real-time data to monitor the values and benefits of public space design.

At Goeverneurplein, we have been measuring data from the existing situation and layout via real-time monitoring for 9 months. During the bike ride, the square’s renovation was still in full swing. After the greening of the square has been completed, the effects of the square’s redesign will be monitored over the next five years. The ecosystem services local climate regulation, heat stress reduction, thermal comfort and water capture and storage will be measured here.

Oltmansplein is the first square in The Hague to be completely designed according to the GAES principle. After an inventory and stakeholder analysis, the ecosystem services local climate regulation, heat stress reduction, thermal comfort, water capture and storage, and social cohesion and safety were selected as underlying principles for the design of the square. The design is designed with circular, sustainable and natural materials and has a natural atmosphere. After the redesign last winter, the sensors are now in place to start real-time monitoring and start collecting data from the aforementioned ecosystem services over the next 5 to 10 years.

The design, look and objectives were received very positively by the green managers. Initial noises from residents and users are also positive. Residents and other stakeholders will also be explicitly involved in collecting data on social cohesion and safety in the next five years.

The monumental wingnut on Oltmansplein is already showing spectacular data in the first week. It is between 10 and 20% cooler here than at other spots on the square.

After a stakeholder analysis, the creation of a design and the setting up of the measurement site, a redesign will also be realised on the Goudriaankade using the GAES principle. Besides climate regulation, heat stress reduction, thermal comfort, water capture and storage and social cohesion, biodiversity is also added to the ecosystem services here. Using the Nature Smart Cities tool, we have mapped here the increase in value and benefits that the redevelopment will bring via GAES. The first results of the calculation are spectacular!

Converting the value of these effects into money will also take shape from GAES in the coming period.

This will provide managers, policy officers, landscape architects and designers of public spaces with tools to design functional, circular and sustainable public spaces based on ecosystem services.

Ralph Pitlo and Michel Peyrer thank you for participating in this inspiring tour of green novelties in Laak!