{"id":31764,"date":"2025-02-12T15:41:55","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T14:41:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=31764"},"modified":"2025-04-14T10:33:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T08:33:45","slug":"how-regenerative-design-can-transform-our-cities","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/how-regenerative-design-can-transform-our-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"How regenerative design can transform our cities"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By 2050, almost 70% of the world\u2019s population will live in cities. This rapid urbanisation is having a devastating impact on biodiversity<\/a>, 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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What is regenerative design?<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>, improve air and water quality, and make cities more resilient to climate change.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Green-blue networks in Brussels and Antwerp<\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n