A pleasant working environment, cooling on hot days, better water retention during heavy rainfall, and higher property value: there are many reasons to add greenery to business parks. Through the green start voucher, the Province of Utrecht offers companies a subsidy. This helps companies take the first step towards greening and sustainability of their business park.
For companies wanting to work on a future-proof business park, there are several options. From 2026, they can apply for a subsidy amount (the green start voucher) for preparing the greening of a business park. Think of a design with a green and water plan, conducting stress tests (heat, flooding, and drought), or drafting a financing plan. They can receive up to 15,000 euros for this.
Benefits of Greening
Almost one in three people works on a business park. These places are often heavily paved, making them extra vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as prolonged heat and flooding from heavy rainfall. There is therefore a great opportunity to make these locations greener, healthier, and more attractive for entrepreneurs and employees. The installation of green facilities, such as trees and green facades, provides cooling and captures excess water. This generally increases property value and may prevent damage costs during extreme weather. Additionally, a green working environment encourages movement and has a positive effect on employees health. This contributes to reduced absenteeism and higher productivity.
Has Bakker, Deputy for Climate Adaptation: There is still much to gain in greening and climate adaptation on business parks. With this subsidy, we help companies take that important first step from a paved place to a work landscape of the future.
Joint Subsidy Application for Collective Approach
An important condition for applying for the green start voucher is that companies submit an application together. This creates greater leverage to achieve and secure the intended goals. The voucher can be applied for by two or more companies on a business park, or their representatives. Additionally, a municipality can apply for the voucher in collaboration with a business park organization or multiple companies. Only one voucher can be applied for per business park. View the map of business parks external link in the Province of Utrecht.
Subsidy for Implementation
After applying for a voucher for planning, companies can also apply for a subsidy for the actual implementation. Through the climate-resilient, green and healthy cities and villages subsidy scheme, organizations can receive up to 50,000 euros for greening their business park.
Work Landscapes of the Future
The Province of Utrecht offers these vouchers under the national program Work Landscapes of the Future. This knowledge and innovation program initiates the movement towards future-proof business parks. Within Work Landscapes of the Future, business parks can register as partner parks free of charge here external link. This can offer advantages when using the green start voucher, such as an extra baseline measurement that quickly provides insight into the biggest challenges on the site and can be used as a basis for forming plans. Even without a voucher, business parks can be part of the movement towards future-proof business parks – and thus always stay informed about the latest innovations, tips, and knowledge.
Applications and More Information
The subsidy scheme for green start vouchers opens on Monday, January 5, 2026. Approximately fifteen business parks can use the scheme each year. Do you have questions? Please contact klimaatgroengezond@provincie-utrecht.nl.
For press information:
jiri.glaap@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 63 21 97
