Following the example of the 300 bus stops in the Dutch city of Utrecht, now capital Amsterdam also has their first tram stops featuring a green roof. But Amsterdam even goes one step further. In addition to the lightweight Sempergreen green roof, the bus stop on ‘Weteringcircuit’ (stop Vijzelgracht) is also provided with a thriving living wall. The collected rainwater from the green roof is stored in a pump cellar underground. The SemperGreenwall is watered with the collected rainwater by means of an intelligent circular irrigation system. This makes it the very first Rainproof tram stop in the Netherlands. The tram stop on ‘Marnixplein’ is only provided with a green roof. On January 7, 2020 the tram stops were officially opened by temporary Alderman for Traffic Laurens Ivens.
More green in the city
The municipality of Amsterdam chose these locations because of their high percentage of concrete surface. The sealed traffic areas in the city can lead to nuisance, such as air pollution and flooding during heavy rains. Like many cities, Amsterdam understands the need to bring back green into the city. Green has a cooling effect during hot days, absorbs CO2 and particulate matter and has a positive influence on the biodiversity in the city. As the space for greenery in the city is limited, bus and tram stops are ideal to apply greenery. When rainwater is then also collected and stored for later use, the green bus stops not only create greener streets, the city also becomes Rainproof.
Amsterdam Rainproof – every drop counts
The tram stops were created in collaboration with the Municipality of Amsterdam, operator JCDecaux and citizen participation platform Amsterdam Rainproof. This platform, for and by the people of Amsterdam, has set itself the goal of making Amsterdam resistant to the increasing rainfall. They aim to make better use of rainwater and develop solutions whereby rainwater falls to their advantage. One of these solutions is to apply more green in the city in the form of green roofs and green facades. Every collected raindrop counts.
Water storage on green roof and in pump cellar
The Rainproof tram stops are a good example of the reuse of rainwater. The water that falls on the green roofs is collected and stored in a 160-liter underground pump cellar. This rainwater is then used for the irrigation of the green wall. Only during dry periods will the water tank have to be topped up with extra water. In this way, rainwater is used in a positive way for greening the city.
Monitoring with Plant Care System
The municipality of Amsterdam will monitor the new tram stops in the coming year. Monitoring is easy thanks to the Sempergreen Plant Care System. By means of a web-based module, the administration of water and nutrients can be monitored remotely 24/7 and adjusted if desired. If their experience is positive, Amsterdam will then consider whether the project can be extended to other tram stops in the capital.
Photo credits: Municipality of Amsterdam
