Energy efficient living and working

The Climate Accord agreed that all buildings must be natural gas-free by 2050. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is running out. Moreover, using natural gas releases_CO2 , which contributes to global warming.

That is why in the Netherlands we are looking for energy-efficient solutions for heating, cooling and hot water without natural gas. If we want the Netherlands to have a sustainable energy supply by 2050, we will also have to set to work in Kerkrade. The municipality is therefore working with experts, energy companies, housing corporations and, of course, residents to see how best to achieve this.

We describe in detail the steps we want to take together in the coming years in the Transition Vision for Heat (TVW). This document describes how and when neighborhoods will switch from natural gas to sustainable ways of heating, cooking and using hot water. The TVW helps residents, businesses and other parties prepare for this step by step.

Every five years we produce a new TVW. We do this because: 

• New solutions are emerging to heat homes without gas.
• We learn from previous plans and what works or doesn't work.
• The State wants the plans to remain current.
• Residents can participate again.

In this way, the municipality ensures that the plan always fits the times. Right now, we have the Heat Transition Vision 2.0. 

The municipality would like us in Kerkrade to use between 25% and 30% less gas in 2030 than in 2022. In the Transition Vision Heat 2.0, we will look at how we will do that. 

Would you like to read the document? Then request it from team Sustainability of the Municipality of Kerkrade

You don't have to make major renovations right away to save energy. Even small measures can make a difference. 

• Stick draft strips on doors and windows to keep cold out.
• Replace old bulbs with LED bulbs - they use much less power.
• Stick radiator foil behind your heater. That way less heat is lost through the wall.
• Use a water-saving faucet or shower head. You will use less hot water.

Insulating is always smart. If you need less energy to heat or cool your home, you don't have to generate that energy. That way you save money and it's better for the environment.

There are many ways to insulate your home (better). Consider insulation of the floor, roof, windows or walls.

Do you want to know what is possible for your house? Then do the housing scan of the WoonWijzerWinkel or the improvement check of Milieu Centraal.

Note: Insulation and ventilation belong together. If you are going to insulate, don't forget to properly ventilate as well. That's how you Health fresh air and a healthy home.

Find more information about insulation and saving energy on the Milieu Centraal website

In addition to insulating your home, you can also save a lot of energy with energy-efficient appliances. Think about the refrigerator, washer, dryer or television. 

Always check the energy label of an appliance. An appliance with label A (green) uses much less power than one with label D or E (red). Sometimes it is therefore smart to replace an old appliance, even if it still works. This way you save energy and money on your energy bill.

Want more information on subsidies and financial schemes for improving and preserving your home? Then check out the Energy Subsidy Guide. This website shows what subsidies and loans are available for homeowners, tenants and homeowner associations. So you know quickly what you are entitled to and what your options are.

The WoonWijzerWinkel is the place in the Parkstad region where you can get help to make your home better and more sustainable To use less energy and save money on energy bills. 

In the store, you get clear and honest advice about what you can do to your own home, whether you're renting or buying. They explain what products you can use, such as insulation materials or a heat pump.

They also provide information on grants and financial schemes so you know what you are entitled to and how to arrange it.

Website WoonWijzerWinkel