Utrecht University involved in implementation pilot for climate-proof neighborhoods in Utrecht

26 September 2019

Researchers from the Faculties of Law, Economics and Governance and Geosciences are part of a pilot project to make five neighbourhoods in Utrecht resistant to extreme weather conditions.

Government-funded contribution
The Utrecht region has received a financial contribution from the Deltaprogramma Ruimtelijke Adaptatie (DPRA) for five specific implementation projects in the areas of Kanaleneiland and Overvecht; Schansen Noord (Nieuwegein); Houten centrum; Kockengen and Zeist. Part of this contribution will be invested in research carried out by employees and students of the faculties of Law, Economics and Governance (LEG) and Geosciences (GEO).

New collaborations
Coordinator and contact of the collaboration is Herman Kasper Gilissen (Assistant professor Environmental law):

'Climate adaptation is, of course, a very relevant social theme that our research group has been working on for some time. What makes this project extra special is the cooperation between the faculties (LEG and GEO) on the one hand and the broad regional cooperation with the various municipalities and other social partners (Sweco) on the other.'

Students can see up close how such large projects develop in practice

'In the field of education, it is wonderful that we can involve students in the implementation of projects of this size. That is truly innovative, useful and educational. Students can see up close how such large projects develop in practice and their insights can be incorporated into these developments immediately. That's beneficial to everyone!', says Herman Kasper Gilissen.

Climate projects
The fact that the research will be carried out at Utrecht University may seem logical, but it only really took shape as a result of the various events that took place around the Skyscraper: 'There we came into contact with the other parties involved. It became clear that there was an enormous 'drive' to develop socially useful projects on climate change. It was on this wave of enthusiasm that we found our way to the current collaboration', explains Herman Kasper Gilissen.