Roermond residents urged to swap tiles for greenery in national championship
Roermond is competing in the Dutch National Tile Removal Championship 2026, encouraging residents to replace tiles with plants to combat heat stress and flooding. Every tile removed helps cool neighborhoods and supports biodiversity—join the effort today.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dutch National Tile Removal Championship 2026 |
| Municipality | Roermond (Limburg) |
| Tiles removed in 2025 | 30,332 (equivalent to 6 football fields) |
| Goal for 2026 | Surpass 2025’s total |
| Benefits | Reduces heat stress, prevents flooding, supports biodiversity |
| Support services | Free Tile Taxi collection, front-yard garden assistance |
| Alderman’s call | Felix van Ballegooij urges all residents to participate, even with 1 tile |
The municipality of Roermond plays a key role in promoting sustainable urban development by encouraging residents to replace hard surfaces with greenery. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to enhance climate resilience and biodiversity in Dutch cities.
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Read the full translated article below
Roermond to Participate in Dutch National Tile Removal Championship 2026
Roermond is joining the Dutch National Tile Removal Championship 2026. This nationwide competition challenges municipalities to encourage residents to replace tiles with greenery. Alderman Felix van Ballegooij is calling on everyone to participate.
Why Remove Tiles?
Tiles retain heat and prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. This leads to heat stress in summer and flooding during heavy rainfall. Replacing tiles with plants, shrubs, or front-yard gardens helps make neighborhoods cooler, greener, and more pleasant. More greenery also benefits birds and insects.
30,332 Tiles Removed in 2025 — Equivalent to 6 Football Fields of Green Space
In 2025, residents of Roermond removed 30,332 tiles and replaced them with greenery—enough to cover six football fields. An achievement to be proud of. This year, the municipality aims to surpass that number, and every contribution counts, whether you remove just one tile or transform an entire garden.
"Every tile that disappears creates space for biodiversity. Butterflies, bees, birds—all of them benefit from more greenery in our streets and gardens. I urge everyone to join in, even if it’s just one tile."
Front-Yard Gardens and Tile Collection Service
Residents with properties directly facing the street can apply for a front-yard garden, where a few sidewalk tiles are replaced with greenery in collaboration with the municipality. There is also a regular Tile Taxi service that collects tiles for free, provided they are replaced with greenery.
For more information, visit the NK Tegelwippen 2026 page.