7. Looking Ahead to 2026
7.1 Heat and Energy
In 2026, we will take new steps toward becoming a sustainable region. We will complete the first feasibility study for the district heating network. We will also encourage insulation by actively promoting the NIP subsidy.
Construction of three solar parks will begin this year. We will also install two medium-voltage cables: from Heerewaarden to Wamel from Appeltern Druten. We are also launching a neighborhood-based initiative to replace transformer stations. This will help strengthen the power grid. Furthermore, in 2026 we will finalize the heating program and establish a community fund, so that revenue from solar parks is reinvested in the local community.
We are working to reduce energy costs for community properties. For example, we are exploring the possibility of sharing solar power between the D’n Hoender swimming pool and the Aquila sports club.
By 2026, we will have completed our energy poverty initiative and provided assistance to the remaining vulnerable households.
Finally, we are expanding the energy help desk into an energy center. Here, we help residents and businesses make their operations more sustainable, in accordance with European regulations.
7.2 Green-and-blue living environment
This year, together with the water board, we will create two more climate buffers: in Dreumel Beneden-Leeuwen. And we will plant another 25 trees in Appeltern.
Furthermore, 2026 is a special year. It will be 100 years since a dike breach occurred, causing our municipality to flood. West Maas en Waal, together with 4 other municipalities and many volunteers, will dedicate an entire year to this.
7.3 Biodiversity and Nature
In the villages and along the riverbanks, we will encourage residents over the coming year to enhance nature on their own property. We will do this by planting native species and creating landscape features. We will also provide advice on proper management.
In rural areas, we work with farmers and other stakeholders to connect isolated natural areas.
7.4 Waste and Circularity
In the area of circularity, the pilot project for the sustainable hub is getting underway. We are also continuing our efforts in socially responsible procurement. Furthermore, we hope to begin drafting a Species Management Plan (SMP) this year, which will allow us to incorporate protected species into our land-use plans in a site-specific manner.
This year, we would like to once again introduce an educational program on litter in elementary schools, so that children can learn about litter and its impact on the climate.
7.5 Organization
This year, we are once again organizing an internal travel challenge to encourage all employees to bike to work more often or carpool, for example. We hope this will help us further reduce our own CO2 emissions.
In addition, there will be another Climate Week at the end of this year, for which we plan to put together another great program.
7.6 Communication and Participation
The participation platform will be further developed and implemented this year. We will explore which sustainability projects can be featured on the platform. We will also send out four sustainability newsletters again this year. Several meetings will be held for the sustainability hub and possibly the district heating network.