Private sector (businesses, financial institution)

In June 2012, the Vertical Plants at the Strasbourg National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) were installed by two second-year students. They along with faculty and students undertook a technical and regulatory feasibility study, before taking steps to mobilise local companies to meet the costs of the project (Ref. 1). The advantage is not only aesthetic, but the wall has thermal and acoustic properties, and serves as a refuge for biodiversity and is even capable of absorbing atmospheric pollution (Ref. 2).

In 2016 the Environmental Protection Division of Hannover's Department of Environment and Urban Environment started a common pilot project, KlimaWohL, with Bothfelder Kamp GmbH & Co. KG and the Gundlach Group. The building project in Hanover-Bothfeld, formerly called “Hilligenwöhren”, was renamed to “Herzkamp”. By 2021, the family company Gundlach will build approx. 300 terraced houses, rental and freehold apartments. The aim of the project is to implement a new residential area where the researchers of KlimaWohL can systematically test the climate adaptation strategy of Hanover. The new residential area that aims to be an innovative example of climate-adaption for other cities will be equipped with extensive green surfaces and will pay attention to protect the natural environment and species. (Reference 1, 3). In 2018, planting the edge of the forest was started, wherein a tiered 20m wide border consisting of shrubs and trees were planted between the forest and the residential area. Construction of the rental apartments was started and by 2019, the row houses and semi-detached houses have started to be sold. The shell has been completed and the interior work has started. By 2022, overall completion of the project is foreseen.

The project is the reforestation of the peri-urban parks of the city of Malaga in order to make the city greener while adhering to the dry and hot climactic condition of the region. It consists of phases, where native trees to the region were planted totaling over 50 000 new trees in the city. (ref 1-10)

This Urban lab has been installed on the roof of the LIMASA Environmental Center, it is testing what types of plants are best suited for green urban interventions through educational and professional programs offered to women. (ref 1) Two training courses are provided connected to these green roofs through the funding of a La Caixa grant, one training course for women as a potential career opportunity through subsidies from the Ministry of Health, Social Services, and Equality (ref 1).

This NBS was developed in 2015 by the Romanian Association of Permaculture in order to bring nature and its benefits in the middle of the city. The approach was to implement a vegetable garden in a high school in Iasi located in a quarter dominated by building blocks. The implementers had in mind to reconnect children with nature, to present to them the organic process of how food is produced and to teach them basic occupational skills (1)

The city of Leipzig initiated the project "Für eine Baumstarke Stadt" in 1996 to integrate community support into the greening of Leipzig through tree planting. Citizens can become tree sponsors with a donation of 250 Euros or more supporting the increase of the tree stock in parks, on the street and at squares since they are planted in addition to the tree stock determined by the city department for urban green. The sponsorship includes a sign with the indication of the tree species and a personal message. This programme contributes to a greener city landscape and strengthens the attachment of citizens to their urban environment (1, 2, 3).

INCREDIBLE EDIBLE (or "Incroyables Comestibles" in French) is an experiment of social innovation: the volunteers of the movement cultivate small vegetable gardens scattered in the cities and the countryside and make their products available free of charge (Ref. 1). This, the first intervention, took place in front of the "Epicerie du Coing" where volunteers planted several vegetables, flowers and plants (Ref. 2).

“The Went Water Vole Project, a two year project working with local people and landowners throughout the River Went catchment to secure the future survival for one of the most significant water vole populations in West Yorkshire. Work also involves carry out habitat restoration and creation schemes across the area to link up isolated water vole colonies and encourage the re-population of some of their old ranges.” (Ref. 1)

Arcosur is a new residential neighbourhood project approved for construction in 2008 after the hosting of the Zaragoza Expo 2008. In its structure, it seeks to develop a space of 4 500 000 m2 into around 21 000 new homes, and out of which around 1 500 000 m2 will be squares, parks, and other green spaces. These green spaces would connect the neighbourhood and ensure all residents have access to green areas. (Ref. 1)

Within the national park of Alta Murgia, a project was implemented since 2006 from a company which produces ecological products ("Fattoria della Mandorla"). They aimed at creating an ecovillage with allotment gardens by practising biological agriculture and promoting biodiversity for cultivated plants. In addition, the project aims at improving the contact of visitors with nature and give further value to the natural park. Moreover, the project wants to stimulate sustainable production and consumption of cultivated products. (Ref.1.)