Groningen kicks off national challenge to transform paved areas into green spaces
Residents of Groningen can now join a nationwide effort to replace tiles with greenery, improving local climate resilience and aesthetics. The initiative offers free tile removal and aims to make neighborhoods cooler, more sustainable, and wildlife-friendly.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship |
| Location | Oude Bieb, Lewenborg, Groningen |
| Kickoff Date | March 26, 2024 |
| Campaign Duration | March 26, 2024 – October 31, 2026 |
| Free Service | Tegeltaxi (free tile collection starting April 2024) |
| Organizers | Municipality of Groningen, Groenverbinders, De Oude Bieb volunteers |
| Goal | Replace tiles with plants to enhance greenery and climate adaptability |
The Municipality of Groningen plays a key role in promoting sustainability and climate adaptation by supporting local initiatives like the tile-removal campaign. It collaborates with community organizations to enhance urban greenery and improve living conditions for residents.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Start of the Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship at Oude Bieb in Lewenborg
The Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship has begun. The kickoff in Groningen took place on Thursday, March 26, in Lewenborg. Here, Alderperson for Green and Climate Adaptation Mirjam Wijnja assisted volunteers from De Oude Bieb in removing tiles from the former school playground.
De Oude Bieb is a community center and meeting place run by volunteers. The building is situated on an old school playground covered with rubber tiles and artificial grass. By introducing more greenery, the playground will be cooler in summer, rainwater will drain more easily, nature will have more space, and the area will look much more attractive.
Front Garden
The Groenverbinders are assisting with the work. This foundation supports people who are distanced from the labor market and works to make neighborhoods greener. Together with volunteers from De Oude Bieb, they are creating a front garden, replacing rubber tiles with grass and shrubs, and removing the artificial grass.
Scoring
Groningen is once again eager to participate in the Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship. The campaign runs from March 26 to October 31, 2026. Starting in April, the Tegeltaxi will also be making rounds to collect removed tiles free of charge. Naturally, the Municipality of Groningen hopes to achieve a high ranking in this national competition.
Replace Tiles with Plants
We therefore urge everyone to replace tiles with plants. This will make the municipality greener, cooler on hot days, more resilient to rain, and more pleasant for animals and people. Read more on the Duurzaam Groningen website.