Zeeland municipalities compete to replace tiles with greenery in 2026 championship
Residents of Zeeland can help combat climate change by replacing garden tiles with greenery. The municipality that removes the most tiles by October 31 wins the Zeeland Tile-Picking Championship, promoting cooler summers and better water absorption.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | Dutch National Tile-Picking Championship |
| Duration | March 19 – October 31, 2026 |
| Province | Zeeland |
| Goal | Replace paving with green spaces to combat climate change |
| Previous Winner | Municipality of Sluis (48,542 tiles replaced) |
| Climate Benefits | Cooler summers, better rainwater absorption, habitat for wildlife |
| Strategy | Part of Zeeland is Changing with the Times climate adaptation strategy |
The Zeeland municipalities, in collaboration with the provincial government, are leading this initiative as part of the Zeeland Climate Adaptation Strategy. Their role is to encourage sustainable urban development and climate resilience through community engagement and policy implementation.
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Zeeland Tile-Picking Championship Gets Underway
The Dutch National Tile-Picking Championship is a nationwide initiative to replace tiles with greenery. The campaign runs from March 19 to October 31, 2026. This year, the municipalities of Zeeland have once again joined forces to replace as much paving as possible with green spaces.
Who will be this year’s champion?
This year, all municipalities in Zeeland are participating with the goal of making the province a little greener. However, they are also competing against each other: the municipality that removes the most tiles will be crowned the Zeeland Tile-Picking Champion. The previous edition was won by the municipality of Sluis, where a total of 48,542 tiles were replaced with greenery.
Climate change
Due to climate change, we are increasingly facing hot, dry summers and waterlogging from heavy downpours. Tiles retain heat, making summers feel even warmer. Additionally, paved gardens often lead to waterlogging during heavy rainfall, as water cannot soak into the ground. Opting for green ground cover is a better solution. Grass, flower beds, trees, and façade gardens retain rainwater better, acting like a sponge. Green spaces also provide habitat for insects and birds, promote additional evaporation, and offer cooling shade. It’s time to swap tiles for greenery.
Zeeland is changing with the times
In Zeeland, we are working together toward a climate-resilient future under the banner of *Zeeland is Changing with the Times*. This has been formalized in the Zeeland Climate Adaptation Strategy. Greening gardens and public spaces is a key part of this strategy. In this way, we are preparing Zeeland for the future.