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AMSTERDAM’S TRAMWAY STOP NOW ALSO A BEE & BUTTERFLY STOP

3 min read

Inspiring People
Source: BrightVibes

It doesn’t only have a green roof… it has a stunning green wall too. Besides looking wild, it also contributes to the city’s biodiversity, supporting insects such as bees and butterflies.

Amsterdam trials green tram stops

Amsterdam has introduced the first green tram shelter that automatically waters the plants, using its own irrigation system that works with locally collected rainwater. In summertime it can provide cooling, and its plants contribute to cleaner air. Once the pilot scheme has proven successful, Amsterdam could start transforming all 500 tram shelters. Oh, and did you know that Amsterdam’s trams are 100% powered by Dutch wind energy?

As of Tuesday 7th January, Amsterdam is testing green tramway stops. This week the first stop shelters – on Weteringcircuit and Marnixplein – were covered with greenery on the roof and walls, explained the municipality.
Amsterdam trials green tram stops: If the tests are successful, more locations could be covered with greenery As of Tuesday 7th January, Amsterdam is testing green tramway stops. This week the first stop shelters – on Weteringcircuit and Marnixplein – were covered with greenery on the roof and walls, explained the municipality. Source: Michiel de Gooijer/BrightVibes
The newly designed stops have their own irrigation system that works on rainwater. There is a pump cellar in the ground where rainwater is collected and stored. The latter is then used to fully automatically water the plants in the wall. This makes it the first rainproof shelter in the Netherlands, we read on Amsterdam.nl.
First rainproof shelter in the country The newly designed stops have their own irrigation system that works on rainwater. There is a pump cellar in the ground where rainwater is collected and stored. The latter is then used to fully automatically water the plants in the wall. This makes it the first rainproof shelter in the Netherlands, we read on Amsterdam.nl. Source: Michiel de Gooijer/BrightVibes
they also collect rainwater that can be reused in periods of heat when rain is scarce and provide cooling. Also, the green roofs attract all kinds of insects, such as butterflies and bees, which increases the biodiversity in the Dutch capital, according to Amsterdam city authorities.
Aside from their attractive and unusual design, the green roofs have their environmental purpose: they also collect rainwater that can be reused in periods of heat when rain is scarce and provide cooling. Also, the green roofs attract all kinds of insects, such as butterflies and bees, which increases the biodiversity in the Dutch capital, according to Amsterdam city authorities. Source: Michiel de Gooijer/BrightVibes
Over the course of a year, the partners will be monitoring whether the green shrubs serve their purpose as expected. If the experiment is successful, the possibility to increase their number at various locations in the city will be considered. Pictured, the roof of the tram stop.
The green stops are a being implemented as a test part of a collaboration between the municipality of Amsterdam and JCDecaux. Over the course of a year, the partners will be monitoring whether the green shrubs serve their purpose as expected. If the experiment is successful, the possibility to increase their number at various locations in the city will be considered. Pictured, the roof of the tram stop. Source: Michiel de Gooijer/BrightVibes

The Idea is getting a mixed reaction from Amsterdam inhabitants

Some people raised concerns on social media that this solution cannot replace trees and sustainable forms of transport, and advised that car-free central zones would do more good to the environment in such a big city.

Source: TheMayor.eu


Have you heard about the “Bee stops” in Utrecht?

Last year, another Dutch city became famous for a similar “green” solution. The city of Utrecht completed a wide-scale installation of pollinator-friendly green roofs on its bus stops. 316 bus shelters were furnished with sedum-covered roofs with the objective to contribute to a healthier living environment. These bus stops feature LED lighting and 96 of them were outfitted with solar panels. They all have a bamboo bench and their base is made of recycled concrete. Finally, their maintenance will be carried out with electric vehicles. Check them out here.

Source: Facebook/BrightVibes
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