Bremen's 'Sponge City' Pays Residents to Tear Up Concrete and Go Green

Bremen has taken steps to encourage residents to remove paved surfaces from their properties. The city launched its 'Sponge City' program in early 2025, offering financial incentives for depaving. This initiative aligns with a nationwide push to increase green spaces and improve urban environments. Under the 'Sponge City' program, private property owners can reclaim 30% of depaving costs from the state. The move aims to promote unpaved soil, which absorbs water more effectively and reduces sewer overflow risks. Bremen also introduced a fee structure that charges higher rates for properties with more sealed surfaces, further incentivising depaving.

The city has seen a rise in interest since the program’s launch. Between 2020 and 2024, only 10 grant applications for depaving were processed, but that number has more than doubled to 24 since early 2025. Environmental engineer Elke Meier has been advising residents on how to depave and green their properties.

Bremen joined the nationwide 'Unpave' initiative in 2025, which encourages citizens to replace sealed surfaces with greenery. Studies show that green spaces improve air quality, lower depression risks, and reduce air temperatures while providing habitats for wildlife. Adjusted wastewater bills reflecting the new fee structure will be sent in 2027 and will apply retroactively. The 'Sponge City' program and related efforts aim to transform Bremen’s urban landscape. More green spaces will help manage water runoff, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. Residents will see the financial effects of the new fee structure in their 2027 bills.