Many companies own or use large areas and buildings. They are closely connected to their location through their employees, neighbors, and relationships with other companies. In order to encourage tradespeople to get involved in the design of urban green spaces, local authorities and planners should take into account the interests and skills of the companies – for example, whether they have already had contact with the topic of green spaces. Possible conflicts of interest, such as the use of scarce street space, should also be considered at an early stage.

In the “Green City of the Future” project, the research and practice partners focussed on the motivation and commitment of companies for activities relating to urban greenery. In many cases, it is the image and visibility vis-à-vis the public, customers, and employees that motivates tradespeople to get involved in greenery measures in the city.

The guideline provides representatives of local authorities, such as planning, environmental and climate departments, with suitable formats to stimulate companies to finance, develop and maintain urban green spaces. In this way, the potential of local businesses for more greenery in the neighborhood should be leveraged. The guideline uses several steps and key questions to show what needs to be considered when approaching tradespeople – with a focus on the objective and process, as well as analyzing the business landscape. The guideline also provides an overview of activation formats and points out the relevance of networks and dialogue.

The website www.gruene-stadt-der-zukunft.de offers further implementation aids to strengthen climate adaptation in planning and municipal administration. The available fact sheets, guidelines and checklists as well as a workshop format support the planning of climate-resilient open spaces, neighborhoods and buildings. In addition, presentation slides (Download PDF, 14 MB, DE) with compactly prepared project results and positive examples from practice offer impulses for gaining the support of decision-makers.