Green Guide Gent

Green Guide Gent is a co-creative initiative by Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, HOGENT, LUCA School of Arts, Ghent University, Visit Gent, KU Leuven – Ghent, and Odisee. The initiative aims to make sustainable initiatives in Ghent more visible and accessible to residents, students, and visitors, contributing to a more sustainable and conscious city.

As part of this initiative, I designed and developed a mobile application for iOS and Android that transforms the existing concept into an interactive and future-proof digital experience. While the Green Guide originally existed as a printed guide and later as a static website, the application reimagines it as a user-friendly and actively used mobile platform aligned with modern user behavior.

The application brings together sustainable businesses, organizations, and circular initiatives into one centralized platform. Users can discover eco-friendly restaurants, zero-waste stores, second-hand shops, repair services, non-profit organizations, and other local initiatives. In addition, the app provides articles, tips, and events that inform and inspire users to make more sustainable everyday choices.

A key component of the platform is the integrated points system, which rewards users for engaging with sustainable actions and visiting participating businesses. This encourages ongoing engagement and strengthens the connection between users and local businesses while promoting sustainable consumer behavior.

The application is structured as an interactive ecosystem with two distinct user flows. Users can explore sustainable initiatives, access promotions, and track their engagement through a personal profile. At the same time, businesses have access to a dedicated management environment where they can independently manage their profile, publish promotions, and share content. This creates a dynamic platform where information, interaction, and community converge.

Today, Green Guide Gent is actively used by thousands of users and serves as a scalable digital foundation that strengthens sustainable initiatives and local engagement.

The original Green Guide existed as a printed guide and later as a static website. While these versions provided valuable information, they lacked the accessibility, interaction, and engagement required to actively motivate sustainable behavior.

Modern users expect a mobile experience that is fast, intuitive, and always accessible. The existing solutions did not provide personalized interaction, rewards, or real-time updates, limiting engagement and reducing the overall impact of the initiative.

Additionally, there was a need for a platform that supported both users and businesses. Sustainable businesses required an accessible way to present their initiatives, manage promotions, and communicate directly with their audience.

The challenge was to transform these needs into a cohesive, user-friendly, and scalable mobile application that not only informs but also actively engages its users.

Green Guide Gent was developed as a full mobile application that combines sustainability, technology, and community. The platform provides a clear and intuitive user experience focused on discovering sustainable initiatives.

Users can explore sustainable businesses, access promotions, and read articles about sustainable living. The integrated points system rewards engagement and encourages environmentally conscious behavior in an accessible way.

A key part of the solution is the dual-flow structure. In addition to the consumer experience, a dedicated management environment was created for businesses. This allows businesses to independently publish promotions, manage content, and actively participate in the platform ecosystem.

The application was designed with scalability and long-term growth in mind. New businesses, categories, and features can be added easily, ensuring the platform remains adaptable and future-proof.

By combining technology, sustainability, and community, Green Guide Gent transforms from an informational guide into an interactive and actively used platform.

Green Guide Gent has been successfully launched and is actively used by a growing community. The application has reached thousands of downloads and more than 2,000 registered users, demonstrating its relevance and real-world impact.

The app provides sustainable businesses with a digital platform to increase visibility and connect with users. At the same time, it encourages users to make more conscious and local purchasing decisions through rewards and promotions.

Collaborations with local partners have contributed to increased engagement and platform growth. Continuous feedback from users and businesses has been integrated to further improve the experience.

The result is a scalable and future-proof platform that not only informs but actively contributes to sustainable behavior and community engagement.

Green Guide Gent now serves as a strong digital foundation for continued growth and future expansion.