Solutions
To address climate risks such as flooding and urban heat, Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Environment launched two competitive calls (2023–2024) under the initiative ‘more nature in our cities and villages’. The programme supports municipalities in replacing sealed surfaces with green infrastructure to strengthen biodiversity, climate resilience and quality of life. Projects were selected by experts and local stakeholders and transformed schoolyards, public spaces and streets into nature-based solutions. Winning projects include the following.
- Sanem municipality (2023): Sanem transformed a car-dominated street into a vibrant and climate-resilient public space. Asphalt was replaced with water-permeable crushed stone paths to reduce flood risks and lower surface temperatures during heatwaves. Native trees, shrubs and bee-friendly meadows were introduced to support biodiversity. The redesigned area now includes natural play spaces, community gardens and shaded seating areas built with locally sourced materials. Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable irrigation, while the accessible layout encourages use by residents of all ages, combining climate adaptation with stronger social cohesion.
- Differdange (2024): Differdange transformed the Um Bock schoolyard from a sealed surface into a green educational and recreational space. Students actively participated in designing the project, selecting native plants and educational features such as outdoor classrooms. Concrete surfaces were removed and replaced with grass, trees and heritage plant species from Luxembourg’s Minett region. In partnership with the University of Luxembourg, the project also supports teacher training on sustainability and environmental education. The redesigned schoolyard now helps reduce urban heat, supports biodiversity and reconnects children with nature through hands-on learning and stewardship.
Co-benefits
Economic
Luxembourg’s de-sealing initiatives help reduce flood-related costs by replacing impermeable surfaces with permeable materials that improve rainwater infiltration and reduce pressure on drainage infrastructure. Greener and cooler urban spaces can also lower energy demand for cooling in surrounding buildings, while improved air quality and reduced heat stress may help decrease health-related costs. Differdange’s schoolyard transformation, for example, creates a low-maintenance educational green space that combines climate resilience with long-term public well-being benefits.
Social
The projects create more inclusive and liveable urban environments by transforming sealed and underused spaces into welcoming community areas. In Sanem, shaded seating areas, gardens and natural play spaces encourage social interaction and accessibility for all generations. In Differdange, students’ direct involvement in the design, planting and maintenance of the schoolyard strengthens environmental awareness and community ownership. Both projects improve well-being by reducing heat stress, increasing access to nature and creating shared spaces that strengthen social cohesion and quality of life.
Environmental
The de-sealing projects deliver significant environmental benefits by replacing impermeable surfaces with nature-based solutions that improve urban climate resilience. Permeable pathways and green spaces enhance rainwater infiltration, reduce flood risks and help mitigate urban heat. Native vegetation, bee-friendly meadows and regional plant species support biodiversity and create habitats for pollinators and local wildlife. By restoring soil functions, increasing vegetation cover and harvesting rainwater, the initiatives contribute to healthier urban ecosystems and support Luxembourg’s broader Nature Pact objectives.
Replicability
Scaling up Luxembourg’s de-sealing interventions: How community-driven nature-based solutions can inspire greener and more climate-resilient cities across Europe.
Best suited for
This approach is particularly suited for municipalities seeking to reduce impermeable surfaces, expand urban green areas and improve resilience to flooding and heatwaves. With targeted grants, technical guidance and opportunities for peer exchange, local authorities can adapt these interventions to schools, public squares, streets and other sealed urban spaces.
Stakeholders' role
The projects were implemented through close collaboration between national and local stakeholders. Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity provided strategic guidance and financial support, while the municipalities of Sanem and Differdange led project design and implementation. Citizens, schools and local communities also played an active role through co-design processes and participation in planting and stewardship activities.
Built-in scalable tools
The de-paving techniques and nature-based solutions implemented are highly transferable and modular, making them easy to replicate in different urban contexts. Permeable surfaces, urban greening, rainwater harvesting, outdoor learning spaces, and biodiversity-friendly planting schemes can all be adapted to local needs and scaled up progressively. Their proven climate, environmental and social benefits also facilitate alignment with EU and national sustainability objectives.
Funding pathways
The projects were primarily financed through Luxembourg’s Climate and Energy Fund via competitive municipal calls, helping smaller local authorities access funding for climate adaptation projects. The multifunctional benefits of these interventions, spanning climate resilience, biodiversity, public health, education and social cohesion, also create opportunities to mobilise complementary national and European funding sources.
