Nieuwegein sets goals for 2030

Nieuwegein has set very ambitious sustainability objectives for the development of its city centre known as "City". The climate-resilient design of City is a key part of this project. Through a public-private partnership, research is being carried out into a circular water treatment system that creates more value with less water.

As a result of climate change, periods of intense rainfall are set to become more frequent, and periods of drought and high temperatures will occur more often in summer.

To ensure a good quality of life, cities will have to adapt to these changing circumstances. More greenery will be needed and a different approach to water.

In existing urban areas, water drains away rapidly, with a shortage of water in periods of drought, while flooding can occur during heavy rainfall. In City, during peak rainfall, excess water will be stored on roofs and below the street, after which the water will slowly infiltrate into the deep subsoil. In periods of drought, this water will be reused for urban greenery and green roofs, thus contributing to the quality of the living environment. In addition, the relatively clean greywater flow (shower water) will be treated in a simple natural way to then be used again in dry periods for urban greenery.

By entering into more such public-private partnerships and developing the area together with residents, by 2030, Nieuwegein hopes to have the most sustainable city centre in the Netherlands.