This is Grontmij’s contribution to the ambitions of France as a nation and the city of Paris in particular to be among the world’s most sustainable countries and cities. If the plan is approved, the Eiffel tower will convert 3.6 tonnes more carbon dioxide than it produces annually. It will also absorb dust particles, cut noise pollution and improve the city’s biodiversity.

The fact that this technically possible has been proven in extensive tests using a scale model a few metres high. The plants will have plenty of opportunity to grow because the bags they are placed in will contain fertiliser, and they will be watered regularly through a system of rubber tubes. All of this will add 378,000 kilos to the total weight of the tower. The north and south faces will be covered primarily in vines, while the south and eastern sides will be covered in heat resistant plants. The plants will be placed in such a way that they do not affect the tower’s lighting.

If the plan goes ahead, the plants will be grown in greenhouses until June 2012. After that, it will take six months of daily work to attach the plant bags to the tower’s iron framework. The plants could be in place from January 2013 until February 2016, after which the tower would be returned to its usual grey colour. The total cost has been estimated at € 72 million, which will be raised through private financing.

Radio interview
Listen to the radio interview on Radio 1 (Dutch, 3.59 Mins)