HeatLab Rotterdam
What is the HeatLab Rotterdam?
In Rotterdam, the impacts of urban heat demand innovative, collaborative solutions. HeatLab Rotterdam is an initiative of Rotterdam Municipality, Rotterdam-Rijnmond Municipal Health Service, Resilient Delta initiative (Erasmus University, Erasmus MC and TU Delft) and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences to tackle the city’s heat challenges.
By combining research, practical projects, and student-led investigations, HeatLab Rotterdam creates a dynamic learning community focused on resilient, sustainable solutions that directly benefit the city and its residents. Join us in rethinking how cities respond to heat, bringing together expertise and fresh perspectives for a cooler, more adaptive future.
How?
At HeatLab Rotterdam, we address urban heat challenges through collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By connecting researchers, students, civil servants , and health professionals, we foster interdisciplinary projects that span from research to practical solutions. Our approach emphasizes community impact, using real-world heat issues as a foundation for learning and innovation. Together with our partners, represented below, we aim to build a resilient Rotterdam.
Join The HeatLab Rotterdam
Join us in creating a resilient and sustainable future for Rotterdam! At HeatLab Rotterdam, we believe in the power of collaboration to tackle urban heat challenges, bringing together diverse expertise to make real, impactful change. Whether you’re a researcher, student, professional, or simply passionate about our city, your ideas and energy can make a difference. Let’s work together to develop innovative solutions and inspire positive transformation in our communities. Ready to contribute? Contact us to learn how you can become part of our growing network and help shape the future of Rotterdam.
Meet our team
Meet the passionate team behind HeatLab Rotterdam! Together, we bring expertise from diverse fields—urban planning, environmental health, research, and community engagement—all dedicated to creating innovative solutions for Rotterdam’s heat challenges. Our team works closely with partners, students, and professionals to drive impactful change and build a more resilient city. Get to know the people turning ideas into action!
Rick Heikoop, Jelle Burger, Sake Zijlstra, Esther Wienese, Josine van den Boogaard, Eduard Schoor, Tara van Iersel
Research 2025:
Assessing the cooling potential of ground coverage on the drinking water temperature
This research addresses the issue of rising soil temperatures driven by climate change.
Heat in Ommoord, awareness of elderly
This study in the Senior-friendly Ommoord neighbourhood is about increasing the risk perception of independent-dwelling older people regarding heat, through a practical intervention.
Urban Heat Island Effect in the Rotterdam Harbour and Its Relationship with Surface Materials and Site Design
What morphological factors contribute to the variation in thermal performance of the Rotterdam Harbour?
Children’s behaviour during Heat: A study of heat stress in children in the Afrikaanderwijk
The aim of the research is to test what children in the Afrikaanderwijk know what to do when it is hot outside.
Beat the Heat: The Effect of Urban Density on the Urban Heat Island Effect in Rotterdam
This study analyzed the association between quantitative data of neighborhood characteristics and air temperature within these 5 Rotterdam neighborhoods.
The urban heat island and high-rise buildings: An investigation into drivers, solutions and the spatial context
This study investigated the relationship between high-rise buildings and the urban heat island effect and what this means for the formation of the UHI.
Heat protocols home care and welfare; paper and practice
That research looks at the heat protocols of Rotterdam home care and welfare organisations on paper and how they work in practice.
The cooperation and division of tasks between GPs, pharmacists and home care during heat
How is the division of roles between GPs, pharmacists and home care workers during heat in Ommoord, Afrikaanderwijk and Vreewijk, what would they like and could they do more to provide care for vulnerable target groups?
Supermarket air conditioning too cold – Why does the shop manager do it?
By designing a practical and effective health intervention, this research seeks to contribute to a safe, healthy, and accessible shopping environment for the elderly population of Ommoord.
Supermarket air conditioning too cold – How can we empower older shoppers?
This project aims to better understand the perceptions and needs of elderly residents, to issue practical recommendations for promoting safe and health-consciou behavior during warmer summer days.
The Costs and Benefits of Heat Stress Mitigation in Rotterdam’s Social Housing
This thesis examines how heat stress mitigation measures for the existing social housing stock can be both socially and financially viable.
Adapting to Rising Temperatures
This study dives into the implementation of heat management strategies in existing rental housing in Rotterdam, along with the division of responsibilities between housing associations, local governments, and residents within the implementations process.
Preventing Urban Heat Stress: Exploring the Role of Hospitality Entrepreneurs in Public Health Promotion
This study exploreshow hospitality entrepreneurs perceive their role in supporting public health by offering free tap water during heat, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework.