How Regenerative Design Could Turn Urban Landscapes Green
European cities stand at a crossroads. With urban areas housing 75% of the EU’s population and expanding at a rapid pace, the tension between development and sustainability has reached a critical juncture.
A recent Sweco study offers a compelling vision for the future, revealing that by embracing regenerative design, 22 major European cities could expand their green-blue spaces by an astonishing 42%. This approach not only aligns with the EU’s new Nature Restoration Law but also holds the key to creating more liveable, resilient, and biodiverse urban areas.
The Urban Biodiversity Crisis
Urbanisation has come at a steep cost for nature. Across Europe, thriving ecosystems are often replaced by impermeable concrete and asphalt. Trees are uprooted, waterways channelled, and natural habitats paved over—leaving behind ecological “dead zones.” The result? A dramatic decline in biodiversity, heightened flood risks, and urban heat islands that exacerbate climate challenges.
“The decline of biodiversity is progressing at an alarming rate and scale, triggering a chain reaction. This also threatens the essential ecosystem services that citizens rely on, such as clean water, air, and pollinating crops,” warns Tobias Nauwelaers, a Sweco expert in nature restoration and urban ecology.
Indeed, data from the European Environment Agency paints a bleak picture: 81% of protected habitats are in poor condition, with only 9% showing signs of improvement. But the new EU Nature Restoration Law offers hope. By mandating that member states restore degraded ecosystems, this legislation provides a framework—and funding—to reverse the trend.
What Is Regenerative Design?
Regenerative design goes beyond minimising environmental harm. It’s about giving back. By integrating natural and semi-natural systems into urban planning, regenerative design restores and enhances ecosystems, improves biodiversity, and boosts climate resilience.
Tobias Nauwelaers explains: “Applying the principles of regenerative design allows cities to contribute positively to ecosystems, not just reduce their negative impacts. The EU has allocated at least €20 billion annually from the 2021-2027 budget for biodiversity initiatives, presenting a real opportunity to transform urban areas.”
The Green Potential of European Cities
Sweco’s study examined 22 cities, including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, and Warsaw, identifying their potential for adopting regenerative practices. Cities like Tampere, Bergen, and Oslo emerged as front-runners in their capacity to become Europe’s greenest urban centres. However, others still face significant challenges in meeting the recommended 30% green rule.
Key findings suggest that adopting regenerative design principles could drastically reshape urban spaces, increasing biodiversity and mitigating climate risks. But how can cities achieve this transformation?
Nine Steps to Regenerative Cities
Sweco’s report outlines actionable strategies for cities and policymakers.
These steps are designed not only to restore ecosystems but also to create thriving urban environments:
- Adopt Nature-Based Solutions
Utilise green-blue infrastructure to manage water, boost biodiversity, and create healthier spaces. Examples include green roofs, urban forests, and water-sensitive urban design. - Prioritise Native Plants
Favour local flora to enhance biodiversity, control invasive species, and restore degraded areas. - Establish Green Corridors
Connect parks, forests, and waterways to enable species movement and promote ecosystem health. - Implement Permeable Surfaces and Water Management
Use rainwater harvesting, wetlands, and permeable materials to reduce flooding and support clean water initiatives. - Engage Communities
Involve residents in planning and restoration projects to foster inclusivity and shared responsibility. - Create Circular Systems
Reduce waste and recycle resources through closed-loop systems that support renewable energy generation. - Promote Urban Agriculture
Establish community gardens and urban farms to boost local food production, reduce emissions, and support the economy. - Design Resilient Infrastructure
Build climate-adaptive, net-zero infrastructure that prioritises health, sustainability, and longevity. - Enhance Accessibility
Develop 15-minute neighbourhoods with sustainable transport options and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Green-Blue Urbanism
Expanding green-blue spaces—areas that integrate vegetation and water systems—offers a lifeline for urban areas. Beyond aesthetic value, these spaces serve as critical infrastructure, cooling cities during heatwaves, absorbing stormwater, and supporting wildlife. Moreover, they improve residents’ quality of life by reducing air pollution, enhancing mental health, and fostering social cohesion.
The benefits of green-blue urbanism align seamlessly with EU sustainability goals. As more cities adopt regenerative principles, they’re likely to see ripple effects that extend far beyond environmental gains, driving economic growth and strengthening resilience to climate shocks.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Sweco’s findings illuminate a powerful truth: the tools to transform our cities already exist. By embracing regenerative design, European cities have the potential to not only meet biodiversity targets but also to redefine urban living for generations to come.
As urban areas evolve, the question is not whether they’ll adapt—but how boldly they’ll embrace change.
