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The island of energy TEXT: ELLA PUT | PHOTOS: GEMEENTE GOEREE OVERFLAKKEE
Goeree Overflakkee is one of the most sustainable regions in the Netherlands, with lots of untouched nature. It was recently awarded for being the most sustainable coastal destination worldwide and also received a quality coast platinum award. Therefore, it does not come as a surprise that this is the perfect place to relax and unwind, with city life just half an hour away. The air is clean, the sea is fresh and life is laid-back. In the southernmost delta island of South Holland is the island of Goeree Overflakkee, with untouched nature aplenty, and yet not far from the vibrant city life of Rotterdam. Here, the local government, as well as several national and international companies, are working hard to make their island energy neutral by 2020. 38 | Issue 57 | September 2018
“As one of few municipalities in the Netherlands, we have set this deadline in order to really make ourselves work for our sustainable goals,” says Arend-Jan van der Vlugt, who is councillor of the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee. “By 2020, we hope to obtain our own energy through windmills, sun energy, biogas instead of electricity and the new plans for a tribal power installation. With these natural resources, such as the sun and the sea, surrounding the island, we try to make the most of it,” Van der Vlugt explains.
Role model in sustainability The island tries to set an example for others. Van der Vlugt: “Sustainability can be quite a broad term, but we try our best to make a big change on this small piece of land in terms of energy.” In addition to be-
ing a role model in sustainable entrepreneurship, the island is also home to welcoming locals who are more than happy to receive visitors on their beloved island. And Goerree-Overflakkee is certainly the ideal place to relax and unwind in, whilst still being close to the vibrant city life in the so-called Randstad, a collective of the four