From 2–4 March 2026, hosted by IFLA Europe and Foundation Adaptatie Atelier, the Green Team partners gathered in the Netherlands for three days of learning, exchange, and inspiration. The programme combined hands-on examples, partner updates, and a deep dive into EVA-Lanxmeer. This is one of Europe’s most iconic climate-adaptive neighbourhoods. The visit offered fresh insights for local authorities and organisations‑ working to make cities greener, healthier, and more resilient.
Written by Luna Snelder
Walking through history in Amersfoort
The meeting opened in Amersfoort, where IFLA EU partner John Boon welcomed the group at Arcadis. In the evening, the touring guide from Gilde Amersfoort led us through the city’s medieval centre. At the Koppelpoort, we saw how the city once managed both enemies and water. Maybe an early example of a climate adaptive measure?
Sharing progress and practical tools
The second day began with an energetic round of updates from the partners. They Light Houses shared how the Green Team approach is helping them shape policy and implement greener practices on the ground. TU Dortmund unveiled the first version of the Green Team Manual, while VvOG showcased an AI-generated poster on public green maintenance methods.
A key takeaway from the feedback session: visuals and concrete examples make knowledge easier to understand and apply, especially for local authorities who need to translate ideas into action.
Smarter green procurement
Wouter Schik presented the group with his take on Green Public Procurement, showing how important picking the right scope is. Whether replacing a bridge or renewing pavements, the environmental impact often depends on the scale and context of the project. His message was clear: Procurement is a powerful lever for greener cities when you ask the right questions.
Making nature's value visible
To help decision‑makers understand the benefits of green infrastructure, VITO demonstrated the Nature Value Explorer tool. This tool allows users to test design choices and quantify their expected impact using scientific data. During a hands-on workshop, developer Inge Liekens guided partners through the tool’s possibilities, which was an eyeopener for anyone needing to justify investments in Nature-based Solutions.
Strengthening the Learning Community
On the final morning, partners were welcomed by Carleen Mesters from Foundation Adaptatie Atelier at Perron Lanxmeer in Culemborg to explore how the Green Team learning community can grow. In a perspective workshop led by Jürgen Schultze, Joachim Mueller and Miranda de Groot, participants reflected on what they themselves, and others, can contribute. Their input will shape the strategy for the next phase of the community.
EVA-Lanxmeer: A living example of climate-adaptive design
The visit concluded with a guided tour of EVA-Lanxmeer, a neighbourhood that has been putting climate adaptation into practice for more than twenty years. The tour highlighted how system thinking, resident involvement, and ecological design come together in a living, evolving district.
Key lessons from the neighbourhood
- Design with nature
Wadi’s, minimal paving, and strong green structures keep water in the area and create a pleasant microclimate.
- Residents as co‑creators
Future inhabitants helped shape the design, ensuring long‑term support and shared responsibility.
- Experimentation builds knowledge
From greenhouse homes to tiny houses, the variety of housing types offers valuable insights for today’s climate challenges.
- Shared ownership works
Many green spaces are jointly owned and maintained by residents, supported by Terra Bella, which safeguards ecological knowledge.
- Mobility choices shape space
With only 0.7 parking spaces per household in shared parking clusters, more room is available for green and social spaces.
Photo © Green Team project: Greenhouse homes in Lanxmeer for warmth and insulation.
Photo © Green Team project: Helophyte filter for recycling local 'grey' water.
Photo © Green Team project: Name signs for educating about special plant species.
Photo © Green Team project: Shared carport with solar energy for car charging.
What we take forward
EVA-Lanxmeer may have been built on former farmland, but its principles are highly relevant for dense urban areas: shared green spaces, fewer cars, ecological maintenance, active residents, and integrated climate adaptation. These elements help cities use scarce space wisely while improving quality of life.
The Green Team partner meeting illustrated how powerful it is to learn from real places and from each other. The insights gathered will support local authorities and organisations across Europe as they work toward climate‑ready communities.