Nico Wissing

About Nico Wissing

Nico Wissing is a nature-inclusive landscape designer at heart. In everything he designs and undertakes, he strives for an environment where humans and nature are in balance. For this reason, he is often referred to as a ‘green visionary’ by many.

Nico builds on more than 40 years of experience in creating natural gardens and landscapes and is an advocate for a more sustainable world. He enjoys international recognition for his unique vision of the nature-inclusive living environment, which pays equal attention to humans as well as flora and fauna. The nature-inclusive living environment is climate-resilient, biodiverse, and has a positive effect on the health of all users. Both nationally and internationally, Nico is frequently invited for designs, advice, or lectures, where he helps people recognize the value of greenery.

An important project in Nico’s career was the design of a landscape park around the headquarters of the Water Authority Rijn and IJssel in 2008. It was the first time such a large-scale project was designed according to Nico’s vision: fully nature-inclusive. This assignment marked a turning point, not only in Nico’s work but also in the awareness surrounding sustainable design in the Netherlands.

To further increase this awareness, Nico, together with TV gardener Lodewijk Hoekstra, started NL Greenlabel in 2010. This ambitious initiative makes sustainability tangible by measuring concepts such as circularity, climate resilience, biodiversity, health, and the relationship between buildings and their surroundings. By providing insight into the interconnections between these themes, opportunities in the field of spatial use and spatial quality can be optimally utilized. The NL Greenlabel method is validated annually by an independent Scientific Advisory Board. With NL Greenlabel, Nico is building a societal movement towards a nature-inclusive way of living. Many organizations and companies from the green and construction sectors have since joined NL Greenlabel.

One of Nico’s recent projects is the design of Rivierduinen in Silvolde. This nature-inclusive, sustainable residential area features a shared outdoor space, a communal workshop, a greenhouse, and a vegetable garden. The homes are circular, ecologically responsible, and provide an energy-efficient and comfortable living climate. Sustainable, in line with Nico’s vision.

For his projects (both nationally and internationally), Nico has received several awards. A highlight was winning the Gardening World Cup in 2010. Additionally, he has written several books, including Sparren voor een Duurzaam Leven (2012). Due to his progressive ideas – which have put the Achterhoek on the map – and his valuable contribution to a sustainable society, Nico was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2018.

From practice, Nico demonstrates how important the value of greenery is, and he aims to be meaningful for future generations. To pass on his knowledge and vision, he gives guest lectures at universities, colleges, and secondary education. He hopes to inspire new generations to take action together for a more sustainable world.