Van Hall Larenstein University of applied sciences

Climate-adaptive industrial areas

Participatory research project around climate risks, biodiversity and economic vitality of business parks. It identifies bottlenecks and opportunities for action and cooperation.

Open days

  • Online Open Day

    19 March

  • Online Open Day

    4 June

Climate-adaptive industrial areas

Luchtfoto bedrijventerrein Ecommunitypark in Oosterwolde

Open days

Participatory research project around climate risks, biodiversity and economic vitality of business parks. It identifies bottlenecks and opportunities for action and cooperation.

What is the case?

Business parks are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their paved environment. The effects of heat, drought, and intensive rainfall are more pronounced here than elsewhere in the city. This implies risks for the businesses located there. Additionally, business parks significantly contribute to the climate sensitivity of other parts of the city.

Need for a new approach

Local governments are eager to implement integrated measures to make business parks not only climate-adaptive but also nature-inclusive, CO2-neutral, and attractive. Entrepreneurs are key players in taking these measures, but regular adaptation strategies of governments do not seem to directly align with their way of working. To achieve a more sustainable and future-proof design for business parks, municipalities and water boards need a new approach that enables effective collaboration with entrepreneurs on these sites.

Zijkant industrieel gebouw met aanplant nieuwe klimplanten en bomen

What is the project doing about this?

At various business parks in Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe, participatory research has been conducted to map the situation concerning (perceived) climate risks, biodiversity, and economic vitality. Based on this, we have identified obstacles and opportunities for measures and collaboration. Integrated solutions have been developed in co-creation, and through various methods, we have examined the conditions for effective cooperation between governments and entrepreneurs. The outcomes form the basis for a method for governments (municipalities and water boards) to develop climate-adaptive measures with entrepreneurs (associations).

Download research results

Project information

Professor / researcher: Peter van der Maas, professor Sustainable Water Systems

Projectleider: Ineke Baan

Project Duration: 2021 - 2023

Projectpartners: Hanzehogeschool - Lectoraat Ruimtelijke Transformaties Water, Gemeente Groningen, Gemeente Leeuwarden, Gemeente Súdwest-Fryslân, Gemeente Assen, Gemeente Heerenveen, Wetterskip Fryslân, Waterschap Noorderzijlvest, Waterschap Hunze en Aa’s, Friese Milieu Federatie, Donker Groep, Snoek Puur Groen, Witteveen Advies 

Funding:

This research is co-financed by Regieorgaan SIA, part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO).