Lead the Change: How Nico Wissing Makes the Value of Nature Tangible

He is the founder of Studio Nico Wissing, co-founder of NL Greenlabel, and a recognised voice in nature-inclusive design. His mission: to bring nature back into our daily lives and show that this is not just more beautiful, but also smarter and essential.

“This is not a hype for me. I was doing it long before sustainability became a trend.”

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From vision to action

Nature has been Nico’s greatest inspiration since he was ten years old. What began as a childhood fascination became his profession. With Studio Nico Wissing, he designs gardens, neighbourhoods and business sites where nature plays a full role, not as decoration, but as a functional, valuable part of the whole.

For him, every design starts with a moral question: what impact does your space have on the world? “It’s not only about aesthetics, but about ethics,” he says.

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An ecosystem is built together

In his projects, you won’t see high fences but hedges. Not paved gardens but water-absorbing soils. Green roofs, shaded areas, nesting spots. He works with care institutions, municipalities, schools, businesses, and private clients. Wherever space is created, Nico advocates for more than just planting, for a complete ecosystem.

“You are not worth more than a tree or a ladybird. We need to stop thinking we stand above them.”

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Green with measurable value

Through NL Greenlabel, Nico makes the value of nature visible and measurable. One key tool they developed is the ‘passport’: a detailed profile that records the green and sustainable value of a garden, building, neighbourhood, site or product. It makes the ecological and social value of a place or product clear and comparable.

These passports combine objective geodata with expert assessments, scoring biodiversity, soil quality, climate adaptation, water, health and circularity. With this information, designers, policymakers and entrepreneurs can make informed choices and take targeted action. “We’ve already assessed over 9 million objects,” says Nico.

Companies and municipalities also receive a label (A to E), not just as insight, but as a guide for action. How can your environment become greener, healthier and more future-proof?

“Measure, understand, act. That’s how greening becomes part of your business model.”

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Innovation as a force of nature

Nico sees plenty of opportunities for innovative solutions, but misses the courage in the sector to use them at scale. “We still design only for people, not for the whole. There’s too much repetition, it’s too safe,” he says.

“Why couldn’t a lamppost also be a charging station, a nesting place, an air filter?”

For him, innovation means starting with the ecosystem and using technology to strengthen nature. From façades that capture fine dust to circular street designs, the possibilities are already here. Now we need the courage to implement them.

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SMEs can lead the way

Nico believes there are significant opportunities for SMEs. Businesses often have space, influence on their surroundings, and the freedom to choose.

“If you see green as a cost, you’re wearing glasses from the last century.”

Green business grounds, nature-inclusive buildings, and more biodiversity around your premises improve health, attractiveness and your reputation. They also help prevent risks like flooding and make your business more climate-resilient. In short: only benefits.

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Learning to think in systems

Alongside his work as a designer and speaker, Nico also teaches. He calls for a holistic view, especially among young people.

“We teach children many things, but forget to teach them that they are part of an ecosystem.”

Nico sees youth as the key to change. “Young people see things differently. They’re less stuck in old patterns. My daughters are vegan, don’t own cars, and buy second-hand. That inspires me.”

His message: learn to see differently. Not just your immediate surroundings, but the bigger picture. That’s how we create a generation willing to take responsibility for themselves, each other and the planet.

“You are the system. Just as much as the tree, the bee, the worm in the ground.”

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Lead the Change

Nico Wissing shows that nature-inclusive thinking is not idealism, but a logical, measurable and inspiring way to shape our world. With NL Greenlabel, he makes the value of green visible. With his designs, he makes it tangible. And with his conviction, he shares a message that stays with you:

“We already live in paradise. We just need to learn to see it.”

As a true “gardener of paradise”, Nico has spent his life making that paradise real for businesses, councils, and anyone ready to see the world differently.

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Just like Nico measures and improves the value of nature, you can measure and improve the sustainability of your business. Start seeing your impact, make it tangible, and turn it into a strength for the future. Book a meeting to discover how and shape a sustainable future for your business and the world around you.