Renovation to give impetus to climate adaptation in Kanaleneiland Midden
Housing corporations play an important part in climate-proofing built-up areas. In the years ahead, more than a million houses, owned by corporations, will undergo significant renovation. Climate adaptation is not a point of attention in this process. In the Kanaleneiland Midden district, the Klimaatbestendig Wonen [climate-resilient living] initiative has brought stakeholders together. The collaboration has resulted in concrete measures, close chain collaboration, and budgetary reviews. The pilot demonstrates that renovation is an ideal time for combining the various taskings pertaining to the buildings, the residents, and the outdoor areas.
Housing corporations lack insight into the need for adaptation. Furthermore, water managers have no idea of the taskings, procedures, and issues that the corporations are faced with. In the Kanaleneiland Midden pilot, the Climate-resilient Living Initiative has brought various stakeholders together: the Mitros housing corporation, the Municipality, the Stichtse Rijnlanden district water control board, the Province, and the Water Coalition. The parties met in two sessions upon the commencement of the planning stage for each renovation project, in order to get to know one another and think about their own and each other’s taskings. All this with the following collective interest: the quality of the living environment for now and in the future. This investment in collaboration to enhance the quality of the neighbourhood has generated a picture of the taskings, opportunities, and elaborations. A foundation has been laid for the further development of knowledge. This has resulted in the drafting of an inspirational document (PDF, 29 MB), the immediate tackling of a number of concrete measures in the renovation approach, and the initiation of further elaborations.
Rainwater collection
The participants are committed to the 100% disconnection of rainwater drainage from the sewer system. This is achieved by disconnecting roof surfaces in combination with the construction of green rooftops, in order to collect and buffer some of the rainwater. Any new sheds will also be provided with green rooftops, enabling the residents to see the rooftops.
Adjustment of the pitch during the renovation of the rooftops will ensure that rainwater discharges into the public space. The construction of green-blue skirtings enables the collection of rainwater from the roof. The renewed design of the public space restores the original structures by planting rows of trees, the design of green spaces, and enhancing the street profile. This requires further elaboration. The booklet features several examples.
Focus on more greenery
A focus on more functional greenery, meeting places, and exercise facilities will promote public health. With respect to gardens, the point of departure is that all the rainwater falling on the garden must be processed on the spot. A number of tips are provided to this end, such as motivating garden owners, entering into garden contracts, and assistance in the design of good gardens. Other tips involve an offer to split the gardens in half and add the remaining space to public greenery. A prerequisite is the high-quality design of the newly created public space, proper management, and a focus on social safety.
The budgets earmarked for climate-proofing the neighbourhood and improving its spatial quality may be bundled with the social and health taskings aimed at integrated neighbourhood improvement.
Committed residents
The parties are collectively committed to informing, inspiring, and wherever possible mobilising the residents to help achieve the goals outlined above. Special attention needs to be focused on supporting the Mitros corporation in acquiring – as a minimum – the approval of the residents. This can be achieved with the aid of the Health Service, Doenja, and Utrecht Natuurlijk.
Results of pilot project
The pilot has resulted in the appointment of a project leader on behalf of the municipality of Utrecht. Working groups are putting in their best efforts, and concrete technical proposals are being elaborated in order to embark on the implementation in the very near future. The parties have found one another, and appreciate the added value of collaboration.
Kanaleneiland Midden: subsequent steps
The municipality has expressed its intention to continue this process and arrive at a collaborative agreement. The goal is for the parties not to let go of one another: to continue to meet one another, encourage one another, continue to learn from each other, and support one another in this realisation. In addition to a focus on design measures and the commitment of society, the collective substantiation of proper management is an inextricable element.
Contact persons
Nico van der Linden (housing corporations)
Integraliz
06 13 80 82 09
nico.vander.linden@integraliz.nl
Anneke van Veen (municipalities and district water boards)
Ambassadeur Water GDO
06 30 73 10 03
ae.van.veen@kpnmail.nl