Private sector/corporate actor/company

The Palas Campus project is a real estate investment by the private company IULIUS, involving the construction of a mixed-use development with integrated green elements, including a green terrace (1–3, 5). The project spans approximately 86,000 sq.m., of which 4,500 sq.m. are dedicated to green spaces (1–3, 5). In these green spaces, 200 trees and 7,000 bushes of various species were planted (1, 2). The landscape design was created by a team of international experts, with some plant species imported from Italy (1, 5). The primary goal of the project is urban regeneration in a specific district of the city, building on similar projects previously implemented by IULIUS (1, 2, 5). The Palas Campus landscape includes relaxation spaces and pedestrian walkways (1).
The buildings were designed to meet the standards for two green certifications: EDGE and LEED, both of which were awarded in 2024 (4, 6–10). The EDGE certification signifies a 20–40% reduction in energy and water use compared to standard buildings (4, 8). The LEED certification, awarded based on various sustainability criteria, saw Palas Campus achieve one of the highest scores (4, 9, 10). One key aspect of the certification was the reduction of the "heat island" effect (10).
The total cost of the project reached 120 million euros, with 3.8 million euros allocated to the green spaces (1, 2, 5). The project was partially financed by a 72 million euro "green" loan from the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, which also provided expertise to help secure the EDGE certification (6–8). The LEED certification was obtained with the support of the consulting firm BuildGreen (11).

The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area is located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is situated near the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and provides access to various hiking and biking trails, as well as scenic desert landscapes. The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing an existing park space. Key improvements include infrastructure upgrades, trail enhancements, and ecological restoration efforts. Through the construction of new ramadas, expanded parking, and increased accessibility features, the project seeks to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors. This endeavor was launched as part of the City's Drought Pipeline Project.
One important component of the project is revegetation, which includes the planting of native saguaros to support ecological restoration and improve the park's visual appeal. The project addresses several longstanding challenges, such as limited parking, outdated facilities, and the need for improved trail conditions. By adding more parking spaces, installing modern restrooms, and constructing accessible pathways, the enhancements contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors. Additionally, the revegetation efforts help restore natural habitats and mitigate the ecological impacts of urbanization on the local environment.
In total, more than two dozen mature saguaros were replanted in the newly reopened Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, creating an “immediate visual impact,” particularly along Route 51. The Mountain Parks and Preserves Committee held a meeting on Monday evening to review the revegetation work completed over the summer, with the area reopening on September 7.
Of the 58 cacti planted in this project, 27 saguaros—referred to as "reclamation saguaros" by Wayne Colebank, a landscape architect on the project—were previously stored by Phoenix Water Services at the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant near Lincoln Drive and 24th Street. (1-11)

The Three Mile Creek Watershed project is part of the City Council watershed management plans (Ref 2) to stabilize the banks and the stream along the Twelve Mile Creek and Langan Park Lake, both of which drain into Three Mile Creek and Mobile Bay (Ref 1). The project aims to address the issues of degradation of the banks and destabilization of the creek, undercutting of sanitary sewer crossings and sedimentation in the creek and Langan Park Lake because of the increased water flow speed due to stormwater conveyance (Ref 2). Besides, major pollutants from run-off and sewage water contribute to the degradation of Three Mile Creek (Ref 5). Key initiatives include stabilizing the banks and streambed of the Twelve Mile Creek, dredging and restoring Langan Park Lake, and implementing instream structures to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure (Ref 2). The project also emphasizes reducing pollutants from stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and helping to protect the area’s estuarine and marine water resources (Ref 1). The project will increase natural habitat and contribute to regulating biodiversity by aiding in the abatement of invasive species such as the apple snail (Ref 2). It is expected to contribute to enhancing recreational access through the development of trails, educational programs, and water sports facilities. The overall goal is to restore ecological health, support flood control, improve the quality of life in the Mobile and Prichard communities and make the Three Mile Creek a recreational destination (Ref 6).

The GLAS Garden in Ballymun was established in 2011 by the NGO Global Action Plan, serving as a community-driven initiative that offers a welcoming and accessible space where people of all ages and abilities can engage with nature, learn new skills, and build connections within their community. The garden is actively utilized on a weekly basis by various groups, including St. Michael’s House, Saol Clubhouse, the Central Remedial Clinic, Ballark Youth Training, and Young Ballymun. It features a polytunnel for year-round growing, a whimsical fairy garden, and numerous microhabitats, including a pond, composting systems, a grow dome, and an innovative rainwater harvesting system made from recycled plastic bottles.
As part of the social regeneration program for Ballymun, the Green Living and Sustainability (GLAS) community garden has been operated by Global Action Plan (GAP) since its inception. It is supported by Dublin City Council under the Social Regeneration Fund and serves as a hub for environmental education and social inclusion in the area.
GAP’s GLAS garden brings together individuals of all ages and abilities, providing a socially inclusive space for participatory learning and active exploration of sustainability. It plays a crucial role in helping individuals and groups reduce their carbon footprint, produce organic food, and enjoy nature, thus transforming the garden into a space for positive change. (1-5)

The Belt Line Center building, located in Detroit, Michigan, property of Letts Industries, features a green-blue roof, along with a rain garden, showcasing the benefits of green infrastructure in historic properties. The idea for this retrofit emerged in 2015 after a major renovation, when Chip Letts, CEO of Letts Industries, recognized the potential of green infrastructure for long-term energy efficiency and storm-water management.
The initiative gained momentum in 2018, following the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's (DWSD) introduction of new drainage fees, which charged $750 per acre of impermeable surfaces. The DWSD also offered up to 80% discounts for properties implementing green solutions, further incentivizing the project.
The project officially began in 2020 after securing PACE funding (Property Assessed Clean Energy funding, a financing mechanism that enables property owners to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects) from CounterpointeSRE (financial institution), marking the first use of commercial PACE financing for a green roof in Michigan. The green roof, covering 17,250 square feet, includes 300 square feet of pedestal pavers and a 2,500 square foot blue roof. These features enhance stormwater management, energy efficiency, and roof longevity; the center also incorporates two beehives to support local biodiversity.
These systems work in tandem with the ground-level rain garden to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff, significantly reducing the impact on Detroit’s stormwater system. The project aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals, including the Beltline Greenway initiative, which will pass directly behind the property, integrating the building into Detroit’s expanding network of green spaces and bike paths.
The Belt Line Center serves as a model for revitalizing historic buildings through innovative financing and sustainable design, enhancing Detroit’s environmental resilience. (Ref.1-5)

Parque Central Hermanos Escobar had been neglected for years, but in 2022, it was fully reopened following a public investment aimed at redesigning some of its features. The renovations provided better amenities, new and improved recreational opportunities, and enhanced the city's resilience to flooding and water stress. Although the park already had a dedicated blue space, the renovations increased permeable surfaces (e.g., parking lots) and boosted its water retention capacity with cisterns, stormwater basins, and an artificial lake designed to function "like a natural one" (Ref 1).

The artificial lake was one of the most anticipated additions with a depth of one meter and being used for recreational purposes. It is supplied with water from the existing treatment plant in the park’s western section, which complies with the National Water Commission (Conagua) standards. The lake features recreational facilities, such as boats and a pier, and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and several amphibian species that have already begun to naturally populate the area. (1,2)

Overall, the improvements were intended to enhance the park's recreational offerings while strengthening the city's defenses against flood risks and water shortages. The local community will have a space to relax and enjoy various facilities, including an open-air auditorium, scenic viewpoints, an indoor pool, and a baseball field, among many other features.

Fjärdingsparken is a city park that has been constructed in two phases, the second finishing in 2023 [Ref. 1]. The initial phase of the plan focuses on building a new kindergarten, and it includes developing the park surrounding the kindergarten to increase locals' access to green space and recreation. The first phase also involved building a football field at the park's edge [Ref. 1, 4, 5]. The second phase continued the park's development focusing on rain water management and biodiversity. The park was constructed so that up to 900 m3 of rainwater can be managed in the park during a 100-year rain, protecting the surrounding area from flooding. This is part of a flooding strategy for the city. The park includes a meadow, aiming to provide habitat for flowers and plants supporting pollinators and butterflies. It also contains amenities such as an outdoor gym, a dog park, and a "play forest" designed for children. The climate impact of constructing the park was evaluated in an attempt to reduce GHG emissions [Ref. 1-3].

The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27.5-mile recreational pathway designed to create safe, connected, and equitable spaces throughout Detroit. It will link 23 neighborhoods across Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Dearborn, connecting them to each other and to the Detroit riverfront. The greenway will transform a blighted, abandoned rail corridor into a park that runs through the heart of Detroit's communities. (Ref. 2, 3)
This project is guided by a Framework Plan funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and shaped by extensive community input. Residents voiced a strong desire for the greenway to provide off-street recreation and increased access to green spaces across Detroit. Additionally, they advocated for the restoration and remediation of former industrial sites, which the Conrail section of the greenway will address. (Ref. 4) The design incorporates stormwater management to mitigate flooding, native meadow plantings to support bird habitats, and tree-lined paths for shade and improved air quality. The Framework Plan ensures the Joe Louis Greenway will transform infrastructure that once divided neighborhoods into one that unites them, reconnects natural systems, drives economic redevelopment, and fosters a resilient social network. (Ref. 13)
The concept originated in 2007 with the Friends of the Inner Circle Greenway local NGO and became part of the Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision in 2009. The Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision is a comprehensive plan developed by the Detroit Greenways Coalition (NGO), an organization dedicated to promoting non-motorized transportation and green infrastructure throughout the city. After years of advocacy and collaboration with the city of Detroit, the project’s route was finalized. In 2017, Mayor Mike Duggan announced the greenway would be renamed in honor of Joe Louis, the legendary boxer and Detroit native who championed African Americans' rights and symbolized social justice. (Ref. 1, 2,)

Cagliari's waterfront is currently characterized by extensive soil sealing, which has rendered the soil impermeable, leading to a loss of biodiversity and contributing to the urban heat island effect. Additionally, the waterfront is disconnected from the city due to heavy traffic. In 2023, the Municipality of Cagliari launched the "Green Promenade for Cagliari’s Seafront" project, aimed at revitalizing the waterfront and reconnecting the city with its coastal heritage. Led by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the project seeks to transform the area into a continuous green space that integrates pedestrian pathways with shaded public areas, functioning as a "green lung" to mitigate urban heat and enhance biodiversity.
The initiative will introduce over 200 new trees and 5,700 square meters of green space, creating a park that beautifies the area, improves air quality, and lowers local temperatures. A key focus of the project is fostering cultural and social inclusion by developing new community hubs that encourage diverse activities and strengthen social cohesion. Additional features include recreational areas, sports fields, and outdoor seating. (Ref. 1, 2,3)
The project also aims to enhance social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and urban connectivity, ultimately transforming the waterfront into a vibrant public space that reflects Cagliari’s identity.
However, the lengthy construction process has disrupted local businesses and reduced foot traffic, making the area less attractive during the redevelopment phase. (Refs. 10, 11, 12 & 13).

The Floating University was initiated in 2018 at the rainwater retention basin of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin. Though not an official university, it serves as a space for transdisciplinary, communal learning, transforming an abandoned urban site into a vibrant community resource. The project reclaims the basin, hosting workshops and events that range from ecological lectures to cultural and art programs, fostering collaboration between diverse disciplines and communities.
The architecture collective raumlaborberlin originally envisioned the project as a six-month initiative. Artists, universities, and seminar groups contributed to designing the space and organizing workshops. However, due to its success, an NGO, Floating e.V., was established to sustain the project. Today, the NGO manages the site and continues its mission of engaging communities with urban and ecological themes.
After Tempelhof airport closed in 2008, the basin was infrequently cleaned, leading to contamination and sediment accumulation. Over time, a wetland ecosystem emerged, attracting plants, insects, birds, mammals, and amphibians. This natural development complements the Floating University’s infrastructure, which consists of open timber structures like a kitchen, art installations, communal spaces, vertical gardens, gardening beds, and an auditorium. These structures integrate seamlessly with the basin’s existing technical framework and wetland environment.
Floating e.V. aims to make the basin accessible to Berlin’s urban population while sparking discussions about urban climate, resource management, and water cycles through diverse and artistic programs. Smaller initiatives focus on specific ecological themes, such as plant diversity and soil health, through projects like a seed archive and soil lab.
The Floating University exemplifies how abandoned urban spaces can be revitalized into hubs for learning, creativity, and ecological awareness. (1-3, 8, 9)