Rail·Berlin BVG Green Tram Tracks·—·Berlin BVG Green Tram Tracks

Berlin BVG Green Tramway Tracks

Grass-covered tram tracks · urban cooling · reduced surface water runoff · 22-line city tram network

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Key insight

Green tram tracks deliver triple value: heat island mitigation, surface water attenuation, and biodiversity gain — all from a substrate and planting intervention that also reduces maintenance costs. The substrate must be replaced every 2–5 years but costs are comparable to conventional track maintenance.

Transferability to UK: HighDirectly applicable to UK tram and light rail systems (Midland Metro, Nottingham Express Transit, Edinburgh Trams, Manchester Metrolink) where track corridors r

Berlin's BVG tram network has progressively installed grass and vegetation cover on tram track corridors as a nature-based adaptation to urban heat and surface water flooding. The grass substrate cools the urban microclimate through evapotranspiration, reduces surface water runoff, and improves air quality — all while reducing track maintenance noise. Mandated by Berlin's Energy Turnaround Act 2016 and the Berlin Energy and Climate Programme 2030.

Climate drivers

High temperaturesHeavy rainfall

Impacts

→Urban Heat Island effect→Surface water flooding→Urban overheating

Adaptation measures

  • Grass and vegetation cover on tram tracks
  • Substrate layer installation
  • Urban cooling through evapotranspiration
  • Nature-based surface water management

Assets affected

Rail trackTrams

Investment

Variable per project; Adlershof II line funded by EU/Berlin sustainable development programme

Band: Under £1m–£1m

Delivery period

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  • The city of Berlin has experienced rising temperatures, severe storms and heavy rainfalls due to climate change .
  • Berlin’s efforts in climate adaptation have been made a legal obligation with the Berlin Energy Turnaround Act of 2016 .
  • Measures to adapt to climate change have been set out in the integrated Berlin Energy and Climate Programme 2030, including several strategies for the transport sector, as well as greening commitments to help the city become more resilient to rising temperatures . The measures included are based on recommendations made following a research project ‘Adapting to the Impact of Climate Change in Berlin’ .
  • The Berlin tram system is an important part of the transport network, providing an easy way to travel around the city on 22 different lines and nearly 400 stations . However, as with many transport sectors, it is expected that each sector will be exposed to climate risks such as drought, flooding, and severe storms, as the impacts of climate change intensify .

Ref: ID_80 · Berlin BVG Green Tram Tracks · Curated & verified by HIVE

Transferability to UK: High

Directly applicable to UK tram and light rail systems (Midland Metro, Nottingham Express Transit, Edinburgh Trams, Manchester Metrolink) where track corridors run through urban streets. A low-cost, easily integrated adaptation with immediate urban cooling and drainage benefits.

UK contexts

Midland Metro tram networkNottingham Express TransitEdinburgh TramsManchester Metrolink urban sectionsFuture UK tram extensions

Applicable UK-wide

Transfer to other sectors (AI)