Greening of Zenica Business Zone I

As part of Zenica’s broader urban greening strategy, the City entered into an agreement to implement horticultural landscaping at the entrance to Business Zone I. The initiative, worth 23,382.45 KM, involved construction work to remove asphalt and underlying layers, followed by soil delivery, levelling, and landscaping. This green intervention aimed to improve the aesthetic, environmental, and microclimatic conditions of a primarily industrial and business-oriented area, demonstrating how greening even hardscape-dominated zones can contribute to the mitigation of urban heat and improve public spaces.

- Contracting landscaping works
- Removal of asphalt and old base layers
- Soil delivery and land preparation
- Planting of 16 purple-leaf cherry plum trees (Prunus cerasifera)
- Planting of 3 silver spruces and 8 catalpas
- Sowing of grass across 600 m²
- Planting of a rose garden with polyantha roses and a boxwood (Buxus) border near the Zenica Development Agency building

The project included standard urban landscaping works involving the removal of impervious surfaces to restore soil permeability and allow plant growth. The selection of hardy, visually appealing tree and plant species supports biodiversity and shade generation. The introduction of grass surfaces improves stormwater infiltration and reduces local surface temperatures.

While this project was not heavily reliant on community participation, its location in a highly visible and frequented area has helped raise awareness among business stakeholders and visitors. The rose garden near the Zenica Development Agency has become a small landmark, encouraging similar greening initiatives.

- Highlight key outcomes, e.g., “Reduced peak temperatures by 1,5°C”.
- Conversion of a previously paved, heat-retaining area into a green zone
- Planting of 27 trees and over 600 m² of green surface
- Creation of an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally functional entrance to the business zone
- Enhanced microclimate and improved biodiversity
- Encouraged the integration of green infrastructure within industrial and business zones

The main challenge was transforming an asphalt-heavy industrial space into a green area. Careful selection of soil preparation methods and robust plant species helped ensure long-term success. Another lesson was the importance of visually impactful landscaping in high-traffic areas—it can influence wider adoption across the city.

Even small-scale green interventions in industrial or commercial zones can bring significant visual and environmental benefits. Prioritise locations with high visibility to build public and stakeholder support.