Policy Brief on Energy Transition and Circularity

On June 27, 2024, the municipal council approved municipal council updated policy statement on Energy Transition & Circularity.

The purpose of this memo is to get us on track with our sustainability goals of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to 1990 levels. The document outlines what we will and will not do to achieve these goals. We have chosen to focus on the areas where we have the most influence: housing and our electricity supply. For example, we have little influence over the inland waterway vessels on the Waal River. While these emissions are attributed to us, we as a municipality cannot prevent them.

Focus on housing

Our focus will therefore be primarily on making homes more sustainable in the coming years. To ensure we can actually make progress, funds have been allocated to hire staff. We will also be exploring future heat sources in West Maas en Waal. To that end, we’ll be visiting neighborhoods to talk with residents. This takes a lot of time and energy. It’s wonderful that the municipal council recognizes municipal council and is providing funding for it.

Getting started with specific projects

To develop policies that better meet the needs of our residents, a focus group has been established. This group consists of interested residents who work with the municipality to shape our sustainability policy. Together, we are brainstorming concrete projects to implement the policy statement. These include accelerating insulation efforts, supporting farmers in the transition, and making our own real estate even more sustainable.

If you are interested in joining this advisory group and helping to shape the implementation of the objectives outlined in the strategic plan, please email Nando Habraken at nhabraken@westmaasenwaal.nl.