Capelle residents invited to swap tiles for greenery in national climate action
Capelle is launching the final edition of the National Tile-Ripping Championship, urging residents to replace garden tiles with plants to combat extreme weather. Greener gardens help absorb rainwater, cool neighborhoods, and improve living conditions—join the initiative and claim a free plant package.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Tile-Ripping Championship (final edition) |
| Organizer | Duurzaam Capelle |
| Neighborhoods involved | Fascinatio, ’s Graveland/Capelle-West, Schollevaar |
| Dates | April 18, June 6, September 26 |
| Location (April 18) | Corner of Solislaan and 1e Lunarelaan, Fascinatio |
| Time (April 18) | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Incentive | Free plant package (50 per neighborhood, while supplies last) |
| Subsidy scheme | Available for water, green spaces, and sun shading |
| Alderman for Sustainability | Sjoerd Geissler |
| Partners | Hoogheemraadschap Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard (HHSK) |
Duurzaam Capelle is the local sustainability initiative driving climate-adaptive projects in Capelle aan den IJssel. The municipality collaborates with residents and organizations to promote greener, more resilient urban environments through subsidies, education, and community engagement.
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Read the full translated article below
National Tile-Ripping Championship Kicks Off Again in Capelle
Out with the tiles, in with the greenery. Capelle is once again participating in the final edition of the National Tile-Ripping Championship. During this event, Duurzaam Capelle will visit several neighborhoods in Capelle. Will you help make your garden—and thus your neighborhood—greener?
Weather in the Netherlands is becoming increasingly extreme, with heavy rainfall and prolonged heatwaves. Tiles prevent rainwater from seeping into the ground and absorb heat, causing cities—and Capelle—to grow warmer.
A solution? Remove tiles from your garden and replace them with plants, grass, or flowers. More greenery improves water absorption during heavy downpours, cools gardens and neighborhoods during hot summers, and creates a healthier living environment.
Activities in 3 neighborhoods
Everyone in Capelle can contribute to the National Tile-Ripping Championship. To help residents green their gardens, Duurzaam Capelle will be present in three neighborhoods where many gardens still feature a lot of tiles—a great opportunity to add greenery!
With our tips and information, you’ll learn which trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers are best suited for urban gardens.
- On April 18, we start in Fascinatio.
- On June 6, we’ll be in ’s Graveland/Capelle-West.
- And on September 26, we’ll visit Schollevaar.
We’re launching the National Tile-Ripping Championship in three neighborhoods to create a visible neighborhood initiative. By focusing on these areas, we aim to foster greater local engagement and assess what works. Based on the experiences and success of this approach, we’ll decide whether and how to expand it to other neighborhoods in Capelle.
Sjoerd Geissler, Alderman for Sustainability, hopes many residents will participate: “With the National Tile-Ripping Championship, we’re making Capelle greener, cooler, and more resilient to extreme weather together. Every tile removed is a step toward a healthier and more pleasant living environment for our residents.”
What’s happening on April 18 in Fascinatio?
On April 18, we’ll be in Fascinatio from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Our tent will be set up at the corner of Solislaan and 1e Lunarelaan, where coffee will be available.
You’ll receive information about:
- designing your garden
- our subsidy scheme for Water, Green Spaces, and Sun Shading.
- You can request tailored tips from the Tuinrangers.
The Hoogheemraadschap of Schieland and the Krimpenerwaard (HHSK) will be present with a water table to show how heavy rainfall affects (paved) environments.
You can also ask questions about saving energy and reuse at Duurzaam Capelle on tour.
The program for June 6 and September 26 will be announced at a later date.
Plant packages
Residents of Fascinatio, ’s Graveland/Capelle-West, and Schollevaar can request one plant package in exchange for removed tiles during the National Tile-Ripping Championship.
- You can collect the package on the day we’re in your neighborhood.
- We have 50 plant packages available per action day (while supplies last).
This way, you can immediately replant greenery where you removed tiles. The plant package consists (primarily) of native plants, which benefit biodiversity and cool your garden.
For details on plant species, rules, and the application form, visit the action page for the National Tile-Ripping Championship on Duurzaam Capelle.