Gouda transforms city center with greenery in national tile-removal contest
Gouda residents and entrepreneurs are swapping pavement for plants in the Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship, aiming to combat climate change and beautify the city. Join the initiative to win prizes and help create a cooler, greener urban environment.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship |
| Location | Gouda city center, Zuid-Holland |
| Participants | Entrepreneurs (’t Zusje, De Zalm, Rituals, Deli Megusto), alderwomen |
| Municipal Support | Grijs-wordt-groen program |
| Resident Participation | Report removed tiles via NK Tegelwippen |
| Tile Collection | Free pickup via Tegeltaxi |
| Prizes | Available for contest participants |
| Municipal Greening | Burgemeester Jamesplein, the Bogen, Ronssehof, Chopinstraat, Gouwespoor |
The municipality of Gouda plays a key role in urban sustainability by supporting initiatives like the Tile-Ripping Championship, which aligns with broader climate adaptation goals. Through programs like Grijs-wordt-groen, the local government encourages residents and businesses to contribute to a greener, more resilient city.
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Gouda kicks off Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship with façade gardens in the city center
Gouda is once again participating in the Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship by replacing as many tiles as possible with greenery. The starting shot was fired on Wednesday, March 25, together with entrepreneurs in the city center who want to create façade gardens along their buildings. The entrepreneurs, along with alderwoman Judith Sargentini and junior alderwoman Lida Kharytonova, ceremonially removed the first tiles.
The entrepreneurs from ’t Zusje, De Zalm, Rituals, and Deli Megusto in the city center aim not only to enhance their own façades but also to contribute to a greener city center that is better equipped to handle climate change.
‘Much cozier’
Judith Sargentini (alderwoman for sustainability and greenery): “When we replace stones with greenery, rainwater can seep into the ground more effectively. Additionally, greenery reduces heat stress in our beautiful but heavily paved city center. That’s why I’m so pleased with this initiative from the entrepreneurs. I hope others will follow suit. After all, with all those blooming plants, it will soon look much cozier as well.”
Grey turns green
The municipality of Gouda is supporting the entrepreneurs’ project through the Grijs-wordt-groen program. Other residents and entrepreneurs who wish to make their immediate surroundings greener can also participate. They can submit their ideas to Grijs-wordt-groen. Furthermore, the municipality itself is making the city greener in various locations, such as Burgemeester Jamesplein, the Bogen, Ronssehof, Chopinstraat, and the Gouwespoor industrial estate.
Ripping up tiles in your own garden
Residents can also take part in the Dutch National Tile-Ripping Championship by replacing tiles in their own gardens with plants or creating a façade garden. By reporting the number of tiles they’ve removed via the NK Tegelwippen website, they can compete in the contest. Participants stand a chance to win various prizes. Tiles that have been replaced with greenery can be collected free of charge by the tile taxi via the Tegeltaxi page.
Photo: Astrid den Haan.