Green Oasis Sloterdijken 1

The Green Oasis Sloterdijken project focuses on greening, revitalizing, and climate-proofing the Sloterdijk Nieuw-West business park—a highly paved area facing heat stress and water-related issues. Between 2023 and 2024, the first greening initiatives were launched, including permeable parking spaces and added greenery like facade gardens. Local businesses, government bodies, and partners such as Weerproof Amsterdam actively contributed. Starting in October 2024, Green Oasis 2 will launch, introducing new initiatives and partnerships to structurally improve the area's sustainability.

On this page, you'll learn more about the project, its development, and the key milestones on the path to a greener, safer, and more vibrant Sloterdijk.

"The heavily paved Sloterdijk Nieuw-West faces issues like heat stress and streets flooding during heavy rainfall. This isn’t just inconvenient—it also wastes water and heat."

Versatile and Clear Tool

In the effort to make Sloterdijk Nieuw-West healthier, greener, and cooler, we took the first steps in 2022–2023, resulting in the climate adaptation tool. This was developed in collaboration with students from the Made program and SPATwater. In 2024, we are joining forces once again with the new generation of hydrologists at SPATwater, working toward a climate-adaptive Sloterdijk Nieuw-West with the opportunity map.

"Weather conditions are becoming more extreme… something industrial areas like Sloterdijk are increasingly vulnerable to. Fortunately, many opportunities have been mapped out!"

Opportunity Map and First Greening Initiatives

The Green Oasis opportunity map, based on analyses of both natural and human systems, offers tangible insights into greening possibilities. It identifies promising locations for various types of greenery, such as green roofs, tile removal for green strips, and mobile trees. Several initiatives based on this opportunity map have already been launched as part of the first greening efforts.

On September 5, 2024, a tour called “Green Oasis Walk” showcased these initiatives. Attendees got a glimpse of the work being done to make Sloterdijk more resilient and attractive. Local businesses and government bodies are enthusiastically involved, and the first steps toward a climate-resilient business park are visible!

Atmosphere Impressions

"Our commitment doesn’t end with submitting reports. We aim to start the process of implementing measures. Through active engagement, we ensure that parties can actually follow through on the advice."

Read the interview with SPATwater about the approach →

Approach and Lessons from Green Oasis Sloterdijk

The collaboration between public and private parties has proven essential. The opportunity map methodology has not only identified bottlenecks but also offered practical solutions. Key lessons learned from the process include the importance of clear communication and involving local businesses and the municipality. Strengthening this collaboration is crucial to structurally greening the area.

"Collaboration is key to making a business park climate-resilient."

Lessons from Public-Private Collaboration

For the greening of Sloterdijk Nieuw-West, it’s crucial to map both the natural and human systems. Analysis of the human system shows that businesses play a key role. However, using only spatial data and climate risks as communication tools doesn’t always work. Personal connections via the Green Business Club and the City of Amsterdam proved vital. Tenants can reach property owners, and enthusiastic employees are often the key to convincing them of the value of climate-adaptive measures.

Moreover, the municipality plays an important facilitating role. Good coordination between private parties and the city regarding maintenance is crucial. The city often acts based on notifications, meaning businesses must proactively report greening actions. This requires clear agreements on responsibilities and maintenance to ensure long-term sustainability.

Public-Private Collaboration: Opportunities and Challenges

Although there is growing willingness among businesses to contribute to greening, public-private collaboration in Sloterdijk remains a focus area. Many initiatives are driven by individual enthusiasm rather than a structural approach. Processes such as applying for facade gardens or adopting mobile trees need to be communicated more clearly to involve more businesses. The opportunity map provides a solid foundation, but the practical implementation and long-term maintenance of greenery remain key challenges.

Check out the opportunity map for the different subareas of the Sloterdijk Nieuw-West business park

"The Green Oasis Sloterdijk project shows that greening is possible through a smart combination of analysis, collaboration, and execution. Using the opportunity map as a guide, concrete actions are being taken to make Sloterdijk Nieuw-West greener and more resilient."

We plan to continue this progressive, impactful project by the end of 2024! Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated.
You can also participate in various 'water and green' themed events aligned with the GBC Sloterdijken ambitions. Check our agenda to see the upcoming meetings, knowledge sessions, and workshops.

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Updates

April 2024

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May 2024: Green Oasis Sloterdijk Continues!

We couldn’t wait to bring results into practice and make Sloterdijk Nieuw-West green, healthy, and cool—so we started planning a concrete sequel. A follow-up to the opportunity map for Green Oasis Sloterdijk.

We’re excited to announce that Timo van der Berg (co-founder of SPATwater) will focus on this sequel starting mid-June. Van der Berg will facilitate collaborations and provide advice on climate adaptation, maintenance, and costs.

As project leader, he will also produce a factsheet that will serve as a blueprint for Green Business Clubs to shape future public-private collaborations and climate adaptation projects.

July 2024: Offshoot of the Green Oasis: the Green Walk!

On Thursday, July 18, the kickoff for the Green Walk took place at the Donauhoek—a tangible greening project where the Greendustry foundation, Weerproof Amsterdam, the City of Amsterdam, and local entrepreneurs like Printing House de Bij joined forces.

During this event, valuable connections were made between employees, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to work together on greening the area. Want to know more about the Green Walk, inspiring ideas, and concrete follow-up steps? Read the article.

September 2024 (End of Green Oasis Part 1): Green Oasis Walk: Concrete Initiatives!

On September 5, a major milestone was reached during the Green Oasis Walk: the first tangible greening projects based on the opportunity map were presented. Local entrepreneurs, property owners, and public bodies were given an inspiring view of the results so far.

In collaboration with SPATwater, Amsterdam Weerproof, and the Greendustry Foundation, steps were taken to make Sloterdijk more climate-resilient. Permeable tiles were installed, facade gardens were created, and work began on green roofs.

Local involvement and enthusiasm for further greening are clearly visible—and many opportunities lie ahead… That said, we can already reveal that Green