On average, it is now 5 to 10 degrees cooler on hot days in the revamped district. The real effect will be mapped in the coming years.
In 20 years, 2175 kg more CO2 and particulate matter will be stored per year.
The new design includes 50% more greenery and a tree canopy volume increase of 65,000 m3 in 30 years.
An interactive map where different scenarios are visible in terms of climate, heat stress and flooding and retention.
A tool for both the contractor and the municipality of Berkelland that provides insight into the impact of the improvements for residents and subject matter experts and distinguishes itself in the market.
Installation of climate and soil moisture sensors. These monitor improvements over the next few years and are visible in a user-friendly dashboard.
Flooding during heavy rainfall and heat stress during hot summer days. These are the nuisances that residents of Beltrum-Oost face. The layout of the neighbourhood is dominated by stone and streets designed for traffic rather than residents. This results in few green spaces and an unpleasant living environment. With the redesign of the sewers and streets, Berkelland municipality seized the opportunity to develop a vision together with GAES aimed at a pleasant and future-proof neighbourhood.
In cooperation with the residents of the neighbourhood, Dusseldorp Infra, Demolition and Environmental Engineering and OKRA landscape architects, we set to work on the design of the renovated neighbourhood. With residents’ evenings and participation sessions, the residents’ input was actively processed. Then, under the guidance of GAES, data-driven insights were shared so that all stakeholders could make informed decisions.
Analysis – Opportunities for improvement
GAES conducted a comprehensive analysis in Beltrum-Oost of the ecosystem services provided by the existing green space. These include water retention capacity, degree of shading, heat stress and the contribution to biodiversity. With this analysis, we discovered, among other things, that the wind chill temperature in most places is on average 8 degrees warmer, than in the surrounding area. This is because the current tree structure and green spaces are not performing optimally.
Advice – A greener future
Beltrum East therefore benefits from diverse and larger green spaces. Strategically placing trees and choosing species that reduce heat stress, retain water and promote biodiversity can enrich the neighbourhood both ecologically and aesthetically. Preserving valuable existing trees also plays a role, provided they are healthy and contribute effectively to the living environment.
Getting started – Digital Twin and scenarios
Using the GAES Digital Twin, several future scenarios were developed, showing the effect of new green space on the climate resilience of the neighbourhood. These scenarios show immediate improvements after construction to long-term effects. For instance, we have shown with data that it increases the amount of water the soil can store by 13% immediately after new trees are planted. This will help with cooling, tree growth and reduce wastewater disposal and treatment costs. Scenarios like this offer the municipality and residents a clear understanding of the potential impact of their choices.
Result – a sustainable neighbourhood for the future
Thanks to data analysis and resident participation, Beltrum-Oost is transforming into a climate-robust and pleasant neighbourhood. The redesign will not only create a future-proof infrastructure, but also more greenery and shaded areas. The results highlight how smart design contributes to both a healthy living environment and combating climate change. What we learned here will be used as inspiration and starting point for other neighbourhoods in Berkelland. With GAES’ help, Beltrum is taking a step towards a future in which nature and liveability work together as nicely as its residents do with us.