A growth of 40 per cent tree canopy volume awaits the district in next 10 years.
From a negative to a positive trend in the Hague green space standard. There is more green space in the city that meets the right standards.
We delivered an interactive tree tool created from data. It is used for policy and management.
We have developed an interactive map to help optimise growing sites.
Fulfilling the rule of thumb 3 – 30 – 300. Can you see three trees from each dwelling? Does 30% of the neighbourhood fall in the shade of a tree? And is there a park 300 metres from each dwelling?
Social cohesion in the neighbourhood has improved. The quality and quantity of resident participation has also increased.
During hot summer days, Laak turns into a heat island. Residents experience heat stress, rainwater is insufficiently processed and the living environment is unpleasant. The municipality of The Hague, which wants to realise its ambitions for a greener and more liveable city, saw this as an opportunity to make a difference together with GAES. Under the slogan ‘Hague squares liveable again’, Oltmasplein was chosen for a pilot project.
The negative effects of the petrified environment in Laak were evident. Besides heat stress and poor water drainage, the stony square caused nuisance and a feeling of insecurity. All this hampered residents’ enjoyment of life. At the same time, the municipality stressed the importance of a social, climate-proof and sustainable The Hague. This project offered a unique opportunity to bring together different ambitions – from a healthy and safe living environment to climate adaptation.
Analysis – What is possible?
The municipality of The Hague asked GAES to provide insight into the current state of the tree stock in Laak and the ecosystem services these trees provide. The assignment included a thorough analysis of the benefits and yields of the tree stock, as well as developing future scenarios to improve Laak’s liveability and climate resilience.
Consultancy – Inventory of existing green space
At the start of the project, it became clear that the area not only lacked green space, but also that the existing trees were not contributing optimally to the living environment. Many trees had poor tree crowns and a short life expectancy. This limited their ability to provide shade, purify air and retain water, for instance. At the same time, Laak’s rich architecture offered opportunities to integrate greenery in a way that did justice to the district’s unique identity.
Getting started – Data and scenarios
The project started with an inventory of the tree stock in Laak. GAES conducted an accurate recording of characteristics such as vitality, tree crown volume and life expectancy. These measurements went beyond common classifications and were complemented by data on tree crown volume and growth potential. Based on this, a dataset was compiled that calculated the current and ideal tree crown volume for each tree. The experts then used this data to develop scenarios that predicted the development of the tree population in 10, 30 and 50 years’ time. Finally, all the data were incorporated into a digital twin, a digital model that provides visual and quantitative insight into ecosystem services.
Result – A climate-robust and liveable neighbourhood
The hot summer days will not disappear any time soon, but the Laak district is now cooling down. The results provided valuable insights and concrete handles for action. Thanks to the GAES – Digital Twin, the municipality of The Hague was able to make well-considered decisions about investments in greenery and green choices in the neighbourhood. The project made clear which trees needed extra attention and how new planting could strategically contribute to a climate-robust and liveable neighbourhood. In addition, the outcomes strengthened the ambition to use green policy more broadly within the city. With GAES’ help, Laak residents now benefit from an improved living environment, while the municipality has learned valuable lessons that can be applied in other parts of the city as well.