Wellantcollege starts European platform for urban greening
Together with partners in Denmark, Finland, Romania, Spain, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, Green Hotspot Houten – part of Wellantcollege – will be building a European Platform for Urban Greening in the coming years.
Increase knowledge and skills of green professionals
The European Platform for Urban Greening aims to increase the knowledge and skills required to address biodiversity, climate adaptation and well-being in the urban, green living environment, and to broaden the expertise among professionals in Europe. The educational institutions from the mentioned countries work closely with business partners and governments to match the regional needs.
From improvement of air quality to green facades
The challenges, expertise and climate zones differ per region. By joining forces and sharing good practices, regions can learn from green solutions elsewhere. Think for example of roof gardens and green facades, the capture of particulate matter by specific trees and shrubs, and green solutions for heavy rainfall and long periods of drought.
A selection of the main outcomes
- 6 Centres of Vocational Excellence for urban greening in Europe
- Relevant, innovative and attractive curriculum on biodiversity, climate adaptation and well-being in the urban, green living environment
- Urban greening training offer for a continuing professional development
- An educational- and experience centre on vertical green landscaping
- Virtual and blended learning methods for students and employees
- Exchange of students, teachers, employees and employers
Partners
In addition to the Green Hotspot Houten, Koninklijke Ginkel Groep, Dutch branch association VHG and PPP network Katapult are partners in the Netherlands. In the other countries, comparable partners representing green education, the government and the business sector are participating. Umbrella project partner is European Landscape Contractors Association ELCA.
Erasmus+
The four-year project is funded by the European Erasmus + funding programme. The European Platform for Urban Greening is one of seven European Platforms of Centres of Vocational Excellence selected by the European Union in 2020. In total there were 55 applications, including more than 1,300 partners from the 27 EU Member States and 25 non-EU countries.
Acknowledgements: many thanks to EUROPEA-Netherlands and Jan (NL) 🙂
Photos: from Jan (NL)