German Greens propose de-sealing offensive based on Dutch model

The Green parliamentary group in the Bundestag is planning a resolution on climate adaptation that proposes a de-sealing offensive. The initiative aims to follow the Dutch model known as ‘Tegelwippen’ (removing tiles).

In the Netherlands, this model encourages citizens to remove paving stones and concrete from gardens and courtyards to replace them with greenery. Participants report their progress online to receive credits for their municipalities. This approach helps rainwater soak into the ground like a sponge, reduces urban heat, and promotes biodiversity. To ensure fairness, municipalities are ranked based on the number of stones removed per 1,000 inhabitants. So far, more than 22.6 million paving stones have been removed through this method.