Brede School Centrum unveils climate-resilient green playground to combat extreme heat
A new green school playground at Brede School Centrum in the Netherlands is helping students stay cool during hot summers while teaching them about nature. The project, a collaboration between local government and parents, replaces traditional technical fixes with sustainable, educational solutions.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Brede School Centrum |
| Location | Not specified (assumed Netherlands) |
| Project Start | Multi-year project, completed March 2026 |
| Key Partners | Municipality, Weller, Movare, IVN Nature Education, parents |
| School Components | Primary schools De Trampoline and De Opstap, toddler playgroup, daycare |
| Climate Solutions Implemented | Ivy and plants on façades, shade sails, trees, Tiny Forest, food forest |
| Educational Benefit | Outdoor classroom for learning about food production and nature |
| Deputy Mayor | Vérénice Hermans (Education) |
The municipality, in collaboration with building owners and educational institutions, plays a key role in addressing climate adaptation in public infrastructure like schools. This project highlights how local governments can implement sustainable solutions to improve living and learning conditions for residents.
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Green school playground for climate-resilient school
On Wednesday, 11 March 2026, the new green school playground of Brede School Centrum was officially inaugurated. The opening marked the culmination of a multi-year project to make the school climate-resilient. The focus was not only on technical solutions but also on greening the school as much as possible.
Brede School Centrum opened in 2016. The building houses the primary schools De Trampoline and De Opstap, a toddler playgroup, child daycare, and before- and after-school care.
Several years ago, complaints arose about the indoor climate. The classrooms were too cold in winter but especially too hot in summer. Students and their parents approached the municipality and Weller, the building’s owner. It was decided to work together to find solutions.
Technical solutions
Initially, purely technical solutions were considered. A new climate control system proved unfeasible. The alternative was to modify the existing system. However, this was only possible to a limited extent because Enexis could not provide the required power capacity. Ultimately, the existing climate control system was optimised to the maximum within the available space.
Additional solutions were sought, initially focusing on structural measures. For example, the sun-blocking screens on the windows were replaced with darker materials. Air conditioning units were installed in the classrooms. The paved environment around the building was also addressed. The school building’s façades were ‘greened’ with ivy and other plants. Trees were planted on the south side of the building, and the surrounding outdoor space was made shadier by installing shade sails.
Green school playground
Finally, in December 2024, work began on greening the school playground in collaboration with IVN Nature Education. A Tiny Forest was created—a densely planted, native woodland. A food forest was also established, a carefully designed area consisting of edible plants, shrubs, and trees, offering children a unique opportunity to learn more about food production. These green additions transformed the school playground into an outdoor classroom where playing is not only pleasant, even in summer, but also where play and learning go hand in hand.
All these green modifications to the school building were carried out in close collaboration between the municipality, Weller, Movare, and a delegation of parents.
Play and learn
Deputy Mayor Vérénice Hermans (Education) looks back on a successful project and a successful collaboration: “When this building was constructed over ten years ago, climate change was barely a societal issue. In recent years, that has changed dramatically. We are seeing, in particular, that summers are becoming hotter. And that demands adaptability.”
Deputy Mayor Hermans emphasises: “What this project around Brede School Centrum has shown is that technical solutions are not always the answer. You can also look for smart, innovative solutions. These are often cheaper and more sustainable. And, to our surprise, they often also have educational added value. Like with this green school playground. The result of all these measures is that a better, more pleasant climate has now been created inside and around the school building. A better climate for learning and playing.”
Deputy Mayor Vérénice Hermans opens the Green School Playground of Brede School Centrum. Beside her is Barry Braeken, Managing Director of Weller. Photo: BYV-Media.