Province Supports Municipalities with New Subsidy Scheme for Heat Stress Management

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. It is becoming more often too dry, too wet, and too hot. Heatwaves are occurring more frequently and particularly affect vulnerable groups. Municipalities play a key role in protecting their residents. By opening this subsidy scheme, the province supports Brabant municipalities with knowledge, guidance from heat coaches, and financial resources. This opening builds on a proven method based on the Heat Menu (links to another website) of the Climate Alliance, to which the heat coaches are connected. The Brabant GGD’s are also involved in the implementation of this scheme.

Match with Provincial Priorities

The subsidy scheme aligns with the Regional Water and Soil Program (RWP) and the ambition from the Brabant Environmental Vision: a climate-proof province where health and livability are central. Furthermore, the Provincial Executive has established the Health Implementation Agenda 2024-2027 in the past year, which includes the priority ‘by 2030, three healthy life years for every Brabander’. The focus on reducing heat stress contributes to this ambition.

“An action plan for heat is no longer a choice, but a pure necessity,” says Deputy Saskia Boelema (Water and Soil, Health and Broad Prosperity). “Municipalities have indicated that they want to tackle heat stress but need support. We want to help them take action now. With this scheme, we not only provide funding but also knowledge and guidance. Together, we ensure a healthy and future-proof living environment for all Brabanders. I am confident that municipalities that want to anticipate heat with their partners will submit an application.”

Second Phase

The subsidy scheme allows municipalities to get started quickly and easily. Participating municipalities can now receive 10,000 euros from the province for guidance. Within a few months, an integral action plan can be ready. At the end of this calendar year, the second phase of this scheme for municipalities will follow. This is intended for co-financing concrete measures, such as implementing local heat plans.

Schoolyards of the Future

This subsidy scheme is a logical next step in other provincial initiatives. Such as the scheme for green schoolyards that allows schools to apply for funding to green schoolyards to demonstrate how greening contributes to cooling, health, and education. These green schoolyards fall under ‘Schoolyards of the Future’ (links to another website).

More information about subsidies and financing for climate adaptation can be found on the Brabant Climate Portal. (links to another website)