Province expands heat stress subsidy scheme: now also funding for implementation of measures

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. It is becoming drier, wetter, and hotter more often. Heatwaves occur more frequently, can even claim lives, and pose a growing health risk—especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and people with fragile health. Municipalities play a key role in protecting their residents. This provincial scheme helps municipalities, together with partners such as public health services, housing corporations, and care organizations, to move from an emergency heatwave plan to a broad and practical approach for a healthy living environment.

Two tracks: planning and implementation

In addition to expansion, the subsidy schemes application period has been extended until October 1, 2026. The scheme continues to work with the proven approach of the Heat Menu Card from the Climate Alliance (refers to another website), with guidance from experienced heat coaches. For developing an integrated action plan (section 1), municipalities can receive €10,000 in subsidies, with a subsidy ceiling of €500,000. New is section 2: co-financing for concrete measures that reduce heat stress. Municipalities can apply from March 1, 2026, until September 15, 2027, for 50% co-financing of eligible costs, with a minimum of €25,000 and a maximum of €124,999 per project.
To combat heat stress at the often hot Pieter Vreedeplein in Tilburg, a large temporary fountain called the PlayFountain will be installed during the summer months (including August 2024 and 2025).

Examples

Municipalities can smartly link co-financing to planned physical or green-blue projects. Think of extra water and greenery in paved neighborhoods, more shade on squares and schoolyards, cool resting places for vulnerable residents, or including heat measures in renovations of municipal buildings. Measures that promote health, such as greening care locations or making community centers heat-resistant, also qualify.

Good start after first opening

Since the first opening of the scheme in October 2025, more than a third of Brabant municipalities have already started developing an integrated heat action plan. This has laid an important foundation for a structural approach to heat stress.

“It is good to see that many municipalities moved into action immediately after the first opening.

Saskia Boelema, Deputy of Water and Soil, Health and Broad Prosperity

Saskia Boelema, deputy: “It is good to see that many municipalities moved into action immediately after the first opening. Heat stress is not a temporary problem but a serious threat to health, and in extreme cases even life-threatening. With this expansion, we take the next step: from planning to implementation. As a province, we advocate an integrated approach to heat stress. Not only because it is necessary from a climate adaptation perspective but especially for the health and well-being of all Brabanders. I hope even more municipalities seize this opportunity to work with partners on a cool and healthy living environment.”

More information about this subsidy scheme and financing climate adaptation can be found at the Brabant Climate Portal. (refers to another website)