Which green interventions cool European neighbourhoods most? |
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New guidelines help cities design against heat stress
More and more city residents experience heat stress. Due to climate change, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, including in Dutch and other temperate cities. Researcher Yehan](https://www.semanticscholar.org/author/Yehan-Wu/2323795206]Yehan) Wu of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) therefore developed design guidelines for urban greening. These are presented in 'Small](https://www.wur.nl/nl/nieuws-wur/agenda/show/small-but-cool-greening-strategies-for-urban-neighbourhoods.htm]Small) but cool: greening strategies for urban neighbourhoods'.
| Amsterdam tram track. Image via: Intergemeentelijke Studiegroep Bomen (ISB) |
Wu studied neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, London and Paris and examined how greening can reduce the urban heat island effect. In the research, he identified four types of neighbourhoods that are particularly sensitive to heat. He then created simulations to determine which green measures have the greatest impact.
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In the research, he identified four types of neighbourhoods that are particularly sensitive to heat
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Large green areas cool more widely, small areas cool directly
The simulations show that larger, square green spaces in the centre of a neighbourhood contribute most to reducing the heat island effect. Several small green spots clustered together work well for direct local cooling.
Street trees also play an important role. Neighbourhoods with wide, radial streets benefit most from large trees along main roads. Two rows of trees cool more effectively than single trees scattered through the area.
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Grass provides only marginal cooling, while trees have a much greater effect
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Grass cools little
Grass alone has little effect on temperatures. According to Wu, grass provides only marginal cooling, while trees have a much greater impact. His guidelines therefore show how trees and small green areas can best be combined.
Practical application
The design guidelines were further developed with experts, so municipalities and designers can apply them directly when creating climate-resilient neighbourhoods. According to Wu, targeted greening can help make urban areas more resilient to increasing heat.
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Larger, square green spaces in the heart of a neighbourhood contribute most to reducing the heat island effect; clustered small green spots work well for direct local cooling
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This article was first published on 27 November 2025 on the https://www.stad-en-groen.nl/article/52146/welke-groene-ingrepen-koelen-het-meeste-in-europese-buurten of Stad + Groen.
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