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Green entrepreneurship

At NS, we ensure that our work is not only sustainable but also contributes to a greener and healthier environment. We make stations and depots more biodiverse and greener, offer more plant-based options in shops and staff canteens, and use nature to help our stations better withstand the changing climate.

More greenery at stations

We aim to make 2,500 to 5,000 m² of land around our stations more nature-friendly each year. Together with ProRail and local municipalities, we create flower meadows, green roofs and blooming plants on platforms and in station surroundings. We also plant characteristic trees that can grow old, attracting insects and birds and boosting biodiversity.

You can already see these green spaces at stations such as Leiden Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, Arnhem Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Bussum-Zuid and Enkhuizen. Station Driebergen-Zeist is a great example where NS and the municipality have worked together to green the area.

Mapping nature with EcoCheck

Green business is an important part of NS’s sustainable strategy. Green spaces not only boost biodiversity and create pleasant station environments but also support climate adaptation. That is why an EcoCheck is conducted across all station areas and property sites in the Netherlands. Developed by NS, the EcoCheck measures biodiversity in a given area. The results form the foundation for green maintenance and improvements carried out by NS in collaboration with ProRail. Both organisations aim to make a positive contribution to biodiversity and climate adaptation.

Various measures are implemented to have a positive impact on biodiversity at and around stations.

Measures to promote biodiversity

Sowing native wildflower mixes

We use plant species that are well suited to the local environment and provide good food sources for wildlife such as bees and butterflies. This helps increase biodiversity.

Ecological mowing management

We mow grasslands once or twice a year and remove the cuttings. This reduces nutrients in the soil, allowing herbs and plants to flourish.

Planting perennial plants

We plant perennial plants to create a stable and varied mix of native and non-native species. This benefits a wide range of insects and animals, combining ornamental beauty with biodiversity.

Tree planting

Where space allows, we plant trees. They provide cooling, capture CO₂ and fine dust, improve water absorption in the soil and offer habitats for birds and insects. Our goal is to plant ten long-living trees each year.

Creating green roofs (nature and sedum roofs)

Green roofs insulate buildings, retain rainwater and promote urban biodiversity. Nature roofs go a step further by including flowers and herbs. Station Deventer features NS’s first nature roof.

Maintaining and planting mixed hedges

We maintain and plant mixed hedges that provide a pleasant habitat for insects and birds. Station Driebergen-Zeist is a good example of this.

Installing insect hotels and nest boxes

We also install insect hotels and nest boxes to further support nature in and around stations.

More plant-based options

Plant-based food is better for the environment than meat and dairy because it produces less CO₂ emissions. That is why we are steadily expanding the plant-based options in our station shops.

At Kiosk and StationsHuiskamer, for example, you will find more fruit and snack vegetables, a vegan satay sandwich, plant-based iced coffee and new salads. At Julia’s, you can choose soy milk in your cappuccino, a grilled vegetable sandwich or a vegetarian pasta Bolognese without cheese. Products with a plant-based option are marked with green price tags.

Climate adaptation measures

Stations are vital for keeping the Netherlands accessible. Climate change can affect the safety, accessibility and use of stations. That is why we take climate change into account when developing stations, buildings and areas.

We map out the impacts and create plans to adapt our stations accordingly. This ensures you can continue to travel safely and comfortably in the future.