Prague faces a significant setback in its urban development as a proposed amendment to the Energy Act threatens to strip the city of its unique Building Regulations, potentially ending its ability to plant new tree-lined streets.
The issue emerged during an extraordinary meeting of Prague City Council on January 28th, where officials discussed the implications of the amendment to Act No. 458/2000. The city’s deputy mayor for strategic development, Petr Hlaváček, expressed concern that this change would severely limit Prague’s authority to designate planting strips for trees in public spaces – a power the city has successfully exercised since 2014.
The situation isn’t just about aesthetics. According to Pavel Hnilička, the author of Prague’s Building Regulations, the absence of trees could lead to severe urban heating issues. During summer, asphalt surfaces can reach temperatures of 60-70 degrees Celsius, while trees can reduce temperatures in shaded areas by up to 40 degrees.
The impact extends beyond Prague itself. Other major cities like Brno and Ostrava, which have adopted similar regulations, could also be affected. These regulations have been crucial in balancing various urban needs, from technical infrastructure to transportation and green spaces.
If the amendment passes, it could take 30-40 years to rectify the situation due to the complexity of relocating utility networks. As Hlaváček pointedly remarked, “When people ask in eight years why there are no trees in the streets, the answer will trace back to today’s press conference.”