Rotterdam now has a record 62.6 hectares of green roofs, equivalent to approximately 88 football pitches. The city announced the milestone as National Climate Week began on Monday 2 November 2026, with activities across Rotterdam focusing on energy saving, greener neighbourhoods and practical ways to respond to climate change.
ROTTERDAM, 3 November 2026 - Rotterdam's councillor for Climate, Circularity and Public Space, Sabine Biesheuvel, officially opened National Climate Week at BlueCity on Monday morning. The event marks the beginning of a week of workshops, neighbourhood activities and public discussions about making Rotterdam more sustainable.
According to the municipality, Rotterdam has added 5.7 hectares of green roofs since 2025. That brings the total to 62.6 hectares, or 626,000 square metres, the highest figure recorded by the city so far.
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Rotterdam's green roofs reach a new record
Green roofs are becoming an increasingly visible part of Rotterdam's approach to dealing with climate change.
Covered with vegetation, these rooftops help absorb rainwater, reduce heat and provide habitats for insects, birds and other wildlife. They can be particularly useful in densely built neighbourhoods, where paved surfaces leave little room for rainwater to soak into the ground.
Rotterdam's latest figures show an increase from 56.9 hectares in 2025 to 62.6 hectares in 2026. The municipality monitors the city's green roofs annually using aerial photography.
The benefits extend beyond the buildings themselves. By temporarily retaining rainwater, green roofs can help reduce pressure on drainage systems during heavy rainfall. Vegetation also helps keep buildings cooler during hot weather.
Rotterdam has been experimenting with different uses for its rooftops for years. Projects such as the DakAkker rooftop farm, the green roof at De Doelen and the nature roof at the Peperklip demonstrate how otherwise unused space can contribute to urban greenery, biodiversity and water management.
The municipality also provides financial support for eligible green-roof and garden projects. Its climate adaptation subsidy includes €10 per additional square metre of green space for qualifying projects of at least 20 square metres, subject to the scheme's conditions.
Why Rotterdam is calling for faster climate action
At the opening of Climate Week, councillor Biesheuvel stressed that the next few years will be important for achieving the Netherlands' climate ambitions.
Under the Dutch Climate Act, the Netherlands aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels.
Biesheuvel said the approaching deadline means governments, businesses and residents need to move beyond experimentation and accelerate existing efforts.
She also pointed to growing interest among Rotterdam residents and businesses in practical sustainability measures, from saving energy to creating greener outdoor spaces.
There is an important distinction between these initiatives. Green roofs primarily help Rotterdam adapt to the consequences of climate change, such as heat and heavy rainfall. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires additional measures, including cleaner energy, more efficient buildings and changes in transport and industry.
Both approaches feature in this year's Climate Week programme.
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What can you do during Climate Week in Rotterdam?
National Climate Week runs from 2 to 8 November 2026. Rotterdam's programme includes activities organised by residents, neighbourhood groups, businesses and cultural organisations.
Some focus on practical energy-saving advice, while others use art, food and workshops to explore how people can change their everyday habits.
BoTu Energie(k) Festival | 4 to 6 November
Bospolder-Tussendijken hosts another edition of the BoTu Energie(k) Festival, a three-day neighbourhood event exploring sustainable living and the circular economy.
Visitors can explore an exhibition about five years of the area's energy transition, participate in children's workshops, attend a fashion show and discover how food and unwanted belongings can be reused rather than wasted.
The programme also includes a film evening about circular food systems and neighbourhood walks focusing on zero waste and sustainable food.
When: Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 November, 15:00 to 20:00
Where: Schiedamseweg 240, Rotterdam
More information: BoTu Energie(k) Festival programme
South Explorer Climate Expo | 2 to 8 November
Art also has a place in this year's programme. South Explorer is presenting a climate-themed exhibition at Hillevliet 90, featuring work by three artists from Rotterdam-Zuid.
The exhibition invites visitors to consider climate change through different artistic approaches. Camie Bonger's contribution provides space to share concerns about the climate, while Malou Sumah invites visitors to contribute to a collective textile project. Studio C.A.R.E. presents work involving do-it-yourself heating panels.
When: 2 to 8 November, 12:00 to 16:00
Where: Hillevliet 90, Rotterdam
More information: South Explorer Climate Expo
Free climate afternoon at Hillevliet | 7 November
On Saturday 7 November, Hillevliet 90 hosts a public afternoon combining practical energy advice with music, art and creative activities.
Visitors can enjoy a free bowl of climate-themed soup prepared by MixBlik, explore the climate exhibition and participate in a sneaker deconstruction workshop examining how everyday products are made and what happens when they are discarded.
The programme also includes the short documentary Klimaatrechtvaardigheid in zwaar weer and opportunities to speak with local energy organisations about reducing energy consumption and improving home efficiency.
When: Saturday 7 November, 12:00 to 16:00
Where: Hillevliet 90, Rotterdam
Admission: Free
More information: Hillevliet Climate Week programme
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How can Rotterdam residents get involved?
Climate Week offers an introduction to projects that continue throughout the year. Residents interested in greener gardens, better home insulation, energy saving or reducing household waste can use the activities to meet local organisations and discover available support.
The municipality provides information about green roofs and financial assistance for climate adaptation, including adding greenery to gardens, rooftops and façades.
The programmes also demonstrate how neighbourhood initiatives contribute to Rotterdam's wider sustainability efforts. From community exhibitions to workshops on reusing materials, many activities are organised locally rather than exclusively by the municipality.
National Climate Week is coordinated by Klimaatstichting HIER and takes place across the Netherlands. The 2026 edition is its sixth, with more than 700 activities organised nationally.
For the full Rotterdam programme, including any registration requirements and additional activities, visit Klimaatweek Rotterdam.
Dates: 2 to 8 November 2026
Location: Various venues across Rotterdam
Official programme: klimaatweek.nl/rotterdam
