With cities under increasing pressure from floods and heatwaves, BitaGreen translates cutting-edge science into actionable green solutions. This VUB spin-off transforms urban planning with nature-based solutions that not only protect against climate risks but also improve quality of life. By blending deep scientific expertise with cutting-edge modeling, BitaGreen helps cities make smarter, more sustainable decisions.
The challenge: Urban cities under climate pressure
Cities across the globe are under increasing strain from climate change, facing flooding, heat stress, and a lack of green spaces. But even the most ambitious local governments often struggle to turn good intentions into targeted action. Which areas need intervention first? What measures offer the highest impact?
Like many European cities, Leuven is racing toward climate neutrality by 2030. The city committed to bold emission cuts and dozens of resilience projects. Yet with limited resources and growing urban pressures, Leuven needed a data-driven partner to help translate vision into impact.
The solution: Data-driven greening strategies
That’s where BitaGreen comes in. Spun out of VUB’s Department of Water and Climate (HYDR), Bitagreen combines cutting-edge urban hydrology, geospatial modeling, and environmental economics to bring nature-based resilience to cities at scale.
In Leuven, Bitagreen used high-resolution risk mapping, socio-economic data, and scenario modeling to identify the best locations and strategies for climate adaptation. By evaluating the costs and benefits of green measures like rain gardens, green roofs, and urban trees, the company helped Leuven align climate adaptation with social equity, prioritizing vulnerable districts and maximizing return on investment. From porous pavements to cooling canopies, each measure was grounded in science and backed by economic data.
The impact: Greener, cooler, safer cities
The collaboration with BitaGreen transformed Leuven’s approach to urban resilience. With detailed maps and data-driven scenarios, city planners gained clarity on trade-offs, investment priorities, and impact potential. Key results included:
- Up to 50% reduction in flood risk in high-risk areas through targeted green infrastructure
- Urban cooling of 5°C in hotspots via green roofs and increased tree canopy
- 30% increase in green space access
- Over €100 million in avoided damage, making climate action financially viable
Read the full use case about Leuven.
BitaGreen’s work in Leuven shows what’s possible when cities combine cutting-edge science with nature-based thinking. But the vision doesn’t stop there.
BitaGreen is scaling its platform and expertise to help cities worldwide turn climate risk into resilience. By making nature-based solutions measurable, targeted, and investable, BitaGreen empowers decision-makers to build greener, safer, and more future-proof environments.
"At BitaGreen, we are dedicated to bringing nature-based resilience to cities at scale, fostering a more nature-positive and inclusive society where people and businesses can thrive. By combining expertise in remote sensing, high resolution modelling, nature-based solutions, and stakeholder engagement, we empower decision-makers to create greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments." — Nora Van Cauwenbergh, Co-founder & CEO of Bitagreen
