BlueGreenStreets network meeting in Switzerland

For around one and a half years, we have been part of the BlueGreenStreets (BGS) research network, which was launched by HafenCity University (HCU) Hamburg and brings together various universities, non-university research institutions as well as research companies and offices from Austria, Switzerland and Germany to discuss the topics of blue-green infrastructure and tree planting in streetscapes. The second face-to-face meeting was held on 17 and 18 June 2024 in Rapperswil at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) and in Wädenswil at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).

The main topics of this year's meeting included rainwater treatment with filter systems and tree substrates and the utilisation of biochar in tree substrates. In addition to presentations by the participants and exciting discussions, the programme also included visits to the test facilities of both institutions. At the ZHAW, a monitoring facility of the Plant Utilisation research group for testing structural substrates with planted trees was visited, which was modelled on the tree lysimeter facility in Jägerhausgasse (Vienna).

The BGS network meeting in the ambience of Lake Zurich was characterised by intensive professional input and inspiring exchanges, excellent organisation and catering, an exciting supporting programme and motivated and interested participants. We would like to thank both those responsible at HCU Hamburg and the organisation team at the Swiss institutions for planning and holding this successful event!