Rotterdam’s neighbourhood-based approach to heat resilience

Extreme heat is an increasing public health risk. Its impact is especially severe in densely built neighbourhoods with limited green space and communities already facing other challenges.

Rotterdam’s Neighbourhood Heat Plan turns heat policy into practical action at neighbourhood level. Residents, community organisations and local partners work together to prepare for extreme heat. A paid local coordinator connects the different partners and guides the process. The result is a practical plan with clear agreements on roles, responsibilities and actions during hot weather. Watch the video to learn more about Rotterdam’s Neighbourhood Heat Plan.

Exchange knowledge with Rotterdam

The approach consists of five steps. These are appointing a local coordinator, gathering local data and knowledge, developing the plan together, implementing the agreed actions, and improving the plan through exercises and evaluation.

Would you like to learn more about the Neighbourhood Heat Plan or exchange knowledge on local heat resilience? Please contact Paula Zwitser (Neighbourhood Heat Plan Coordinator) or Esther Wienese (Rotterdam Heat Plan Project Manager).