Sweco Belgium
How regenerative design can transform our cities
By 2050, almost 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. This rapid urbanisation is having a devastating impact on biodiversity, threatening essential ecosystem services like clean air and water. But cities also offer opportunities: regenerative design can reconnect nature and urban life, thereby creating healthy, biodiverse living environments.
What is regenerative design?
Regenerative design goes beyond simply conserving nature. It restores and strengthens ecosystems by integrating natural and semi-natural structures into the urban landscape. Think of more green-blue spaces like parks, green roofs, water buffers, and rivers. These areas not only reduce ecological damage, but also boost biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and make cities more resilient to climate change.
The new EU Nature Restoration Law recognizes the importance of this approach. By 2030, we aim to achieve no net loss of urban green spaces and tree coverage. Furthermore, the total area of green-blue networks must continue to grow from then onwards. It is an ambitious plan, but it is essential for the future of our cities and their residents.
The study shows that urban green-blue coverage has the potential to grow by 42%, adding 56,290 hectares to the built-up environment. This area is comparable to 400 times the size of Hyde Park.
Green-blue networks in Brussels and Antwerp
A recent study by Sweco examined the green-blue networks in 22 European cities, including Brussels and Antwerp. The results show that there is work to be done but also present also promising opportunities:
- Brussels: Currently, 25% of the city consists of green-blue spaces, slightly below the European average of 27%. Thanks to strategic measures, this percentage can grow to 32%, well above the 30% guideline for 2030.
- Antwerp: The situation in Antwerp is more challenging. Only 17% of the city is green-blue space – one of the lowest percentages of all cities studied. With targeted efforts, it is possible to achieve a modest increase of up to 19%. This is mainly due to the already high level of building density and a less favourable distribution of green spaces in the city.
More than just green: a systemic approach for cities
Simply expanding green-blue networks will not be enough. Regenerative design requires an integrated approach that connects nature and society. This aligns seamlessly with the One Health principle, supported by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations. This principle emphasises that the health of people, animals, and ecosystems is inextricably connected.
With high-quality landscape interventions, cities can create functional ecosystems that not only restore biodiversity but also contribute to the mental and physical health of their inhabitants. From cooler streets in summer to lower stress levels: regenerative design is the key to a healthier future.
Every square meter of green space counts, but increasing the quality of existing spaces is equally important.”
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