Local Governments & Energy
Zwolle and Kampen are saving energy in the energetic society Our social awareness of global warming and energy savings was raised by governmental campaigns in the seventies, instructing us to turn off lights and turn down the heater. Nowadays, these kinds of campaigns are no longer effective. They only marginally raise the already existing awareness, without offering citizens the tools to actually lower their energy usage. The current energetic society needs a different approach.
“V
erbeter & Bespaar – Zwolle en Kampen” is an initiative of both the cities of Zwolle and Kampen to save energy in local housing and strengthen the local economy. The approach is based on meeting the demands of modern day citizens. It has proven to be very successful, and has resulted in over 550 renovated houses within a few months’ time. The approach is based on the following principles: • Citizens want information that is available fast, easy, always and everywhere. We are information seekers, not receivers. • Citizens seek tailor-made information that meets their personal demands and needs. • In order to share responsibilities, citizens and companies should be treated as partners rather than clients: communities have the future.
Toolbox to energy efficient households | With these 3 principles in mind, Verbeter & Bespaar Zwolle en Kampen developed a toolbox. This toolbox consists of the following tools, among others: A personal energy adviser, who visits homes and offers free advice. Citizens are not only instructed about how to save energy but also receive help with applying for governmental grants and offers from local companies. Next, citizens are asked to become ‘energy ambassadors’ to share their experiences with their neighbors. Furthermore, the energy properties of ‘model houses’ (Voorbeeldwoningen) are shared online.
The first Energieplein was developed for Zwolle and Kampen. For the future, plans have been made to open different Energiepleinen in other regions in the Netherlands together with local stakeholders. In combination with the work on the ground we plan to develop a third space for energy that will help us achieve the policy goals set for CO2 emissions reduction and renewable energy, and preferably beyond!
The Verbeter & Bespaar Zwolle en Kampen websites which offer information for the household level. House owners are informed how to save energy regarding their personal housing situation. The online Solar Map (Zonnekaart) offers homeowners insight into the expected efficiency of solar panels on their roof. The energy advisors are the eyes and ears in the neighbourhood, keep information up to date and match citizens expectations. The ‘Neigborhood Approach’ (Wijkaanpak), during which the Energy Bus, a mobile energy information centre, meets citizens in their own street. On the bus, citizens are informed about energy savings and the offers of local building and installation companies.
Contact: Project Manager Coos Timmermans, (0031) (0) 6 2397 6208 For more information please visit: www.verbeterenbespaar-zwolle.nl
Energieplein (Energy Square) | The Verbeter & Bespaar Zwolle en Kampen approach is already expanding to sports clubs, schools and small enterprises. While at the same time the initiative is working in cooperation with local governments, networks of civil societies and businesses to make use of existing resources and create a mutual benefit. The Energieplein offers citizens and companies an online market place (Marktplaats).
www.verbeterenbespaar-kampen.nl www.energiepleinzwolle-kampen.nl
NRG Magazine Edition 10 | 59