‘Green Neighbourhood, Cool Neighbourhood’ is more than just measuring .
Throughout the summer, over 100 residents from the Utrecht neighbourhoods of Ondiep, Zuilen, Rivierenwijk, and Kanaleneiland have been mapping heat stress. But their efforts didn’t stop there. Here’s what our ‘Heat Heroes’ accomplished this summer in the ‘Green Neighbourhood, Cool Neighbourhood’ project.
30,000 Observations
From the moment the measuring devices were distributed and the accompanying app was installed, 103 active participants began measuring temperature and humidity in their neighbourhoods. The sensors, easily attachable to a bag, allowed participants to walk around and collect data. This summer alone, nearly 30,000 observations were recorded, with participants reporting heat stress nearly 300 times.
Green Insights
But the efforts didn’t stop there. During three neighbourhood safaris, participants, alongside ecologist Gitty Korsuize, explored the local plant and animal species, learning about their roles and how residents can support them. For example, they discovered how to protect endangered house sparrows, assist amphibians trapped in street drains, and which useful apps to use. These safaris took place in Zuilen, Ondiep, Rivierenwijk, and Kanaleneiland, and each event was kicked off with homemade snacks and dishes prepared by volunteers.
During the facade garden workshops, our heat heroes transformed a street, making it greener, more biodiverse, and more inviting. In just two hours, participants created a facade garden. The ‘Vegetable Garden Teacher’ demonstrated how easy it is to remove paving stones, install edging, select the right plants, and maintain the garden.
Data Insights
At the same time, efforts were made to address the technical challenges posed by the sensor and the app. As this measuring technology is still in its early stages, the sensor didn’t always function as expected, and the app sometimes failed to display the anticipated results. However, the initial issues have been resolved, and the data collected has already proven valuable for making improvements.
The next activity planned for the participants of ‘Green Neighbourhood, Cool Neighbourhood’ is a workshop on the first data insights. All the data collected will be visualised in the so-called Digital Twin, a digital replica of the living environment. With this 3D model of Utrecht, participants, along with municipal and provincial staff and data analysts, will be able to view, label, and brainstorm ideas on how to use the data collaboratively.
Heat Heroes Communities
Interesting facts about heat prevention and the climate have been shared through the ‘Green Neighbourhood, Cool Neighbourhood’ newsletter. Many heat heroes also participate in one of the WhatsApp communities. In each neighbourhood, participants exchange tips and experiences related to the measurements, greening their surroundings, promoting biodiversity, and protecting themselves from heat.
In short: ‘Green Neighbourhood, Cool Neighbourhood’ is about far more than just measurements—it’s about community, action, and creating lasting change.
For more information, please visit: https://samenmetenutrecht.nl/project/koele-buurt/