Study: most business parks poorly prepared for flooding |
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High vulnerability during extreme rainfall
A large share of Dutch business parks is insufficiently prepared for the effects of climate change. This is shown by an analysis of 3,713 business parks conducted by the Werklandschappen van de Toekomst programme. According to the study, 70 percent of the sites are vulnerable to flooding during extreme rainfall. It also shows that five out of six business parks have too little green space.
This article was previously published on March 16, 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
| Image for illustration, generated with AI |
Business parks play an important role in the economy. 'Nearly one in three Dutch people works on a business park, and they account for around 40 percent of national income,' says programme coordinator Daphne Teeling of Werklandschappen van de Toekomst. 'If we want to prepare the Netherlands for climate change, we cannot overlook these areas.'
Large share of paving increases risk
The so-called Werklandschappen scan, based on data from NL Greenlabel, shows that an average business park consists of 48 percent paved surface, such as asphalt and paving stones. This increases the risk of flooding and heat stress. According to the researchers, flooding can lead to damage to buildings and disruption of infrastructure on the site. During extreme rainfall, water can accumulate against building façades in some areas. Teeling: 'I think many entrepreneurs are not aware of this.'
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The Werklandschappen scan, based on data from NL Greenlabel, shows that an average business park consists of 48 percent paved surface, such as asphalt and paving stones
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Shortage of trees and shrubs
The amount of green space on business parks is also lagging behind. Only one in six sites has sufficient trees. Regional differences are significant. In Friesland and Drenthe, employees at around one in five business parks have a view of multiple large trees. In South Holland, this is less than one in twelve. More variation is also needed for biodiversity. On average, a business park currently consists of 4 percent shrubs and hedges, while 15 percent is recommended. 'With a mix of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, business parks can become important links between urban green space and the surrounding countryside,' says Teeling.
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Only one in six business parks has sufficient trees
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Growing number of greening initiatives
According to Werklandschappen van de Toekomst, relatively simple measures are possible, such as planting trees, creating hedges or removing paving. In various locations, companies and governments are already working on climate-resilient business parks. Around 150 sites have now joined the programme. In several provinces, companies can also apply for a so-called Groenstart voucher, offering up to 15,000 euros in funding for a green and water plan.
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More variation is needed for biodiversity: on average, a business park currently consists of 4 percent shrubs and hedges, while 15 percent is recommended
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