As part of the area development of Kenniskwartier Zuidas, the W&N building on the VU Campus will be largely demolished. A necessary, additional consequence is that trees and plants around the building have to be removed. Removal always takes place outside the breeding season and only occurs when it is really necessary from a construction planning perspective. According to laws and regulations, trees that are felled have to be compensated. This can be done physically or else financially.
VU Amsterdam has conducted careful flora and fauna research to make a proper assessment of which trees and plants can be replanted. The replanting is also part of the greening of the campus grounds. The campus square has been significantly greened over the past period, which partly compensates for this. The remaining trees and plants will be compensated through the municipality's replanting fund. The wood suitable for reuse is crafted by Stadshout into products such as cutting boards, insect hotels, benches and toys.
The tree inventory carried out reveals 289 trees of which 19 can be transplanted. Of the trees to be transplanted, 8 will be transplanted within the VU Campus grounds. For 11 trees a use has already been found elsewhere in Amsterdam. For instance, the municipality of Amsterdam has taken over lime trees that have since been transplanted to the Zuidoost district and windmill palms that have been transplanted to Strand Zuid.
Phased tree felling
The trees will be moved and felled in phases. The starting point here is to cut and move trees 'just in time': the phasing is aligned with the demolition planning and sequence of the W&N building. The planning also takes into account that trees will be felled outside the breeding season; this will be done under ecological guidance.
The trees for phases 1 and 2 will be felled simultaneously from 25 November 2024, the work of which will take about 3 weeks. The third phase will follow in autumn 2025. The final phase will take place in autumn 2027. In this way, a green appearance will be maintained for as long as possible.
The phases include the following quantities:
- Phases 1 and 2 includes 183 trees to be felled and 8 trees to be transplanted
- Phase 3 comprises 18 trees to be felled
- Phase 4 includes 69 trees to be felled
New façade for bats
The W&N building is home to common dwarf and rough-eared bats, which need new accommodation after demolition. Therefore, the new façade of the AB wing to be renovated has been designed to be suitable as a mass winter accommodation for bats. The façade has entrance openings at different heights and consists of special ceramic tiles. The material provides a temperature buffer and gradual warming and cooling. Temporary enclosures have also been hung around the building for replacement housing.
External ecologists were collaborated in the design process, and with this facade and temporary cabinets, VU Amsterdam complies with applicable regulations.