Foreword and introduction Sustainability Report 2024
Foreword
Marieke van den Boom, Alderman for Sustainability
Sustainability is alive and well, both inside and outside the town hall. Almost every day, I see and hear about wonderful sustainability initiatives. It inspires me time and time again, especially because we can only ensure a sustainable West Maas and Waal by working together. All these initiatives deserve to be seen. This sustainability report is a wonderful way to look back on what we have already achieved. Of course, there are still plenty of challenges, but it is precisely the results we have already achieved that motivate us for the future!"
Evert Jan Slootweg, Alderman for Climate Adaptation
It is good, but above all necessary, that we prepare ourselves well for climate change. We asked for extra attention to be paid to this during Climate Week in October. The biodiversity plan has been approved by the council. And we are continuing to make good progress in the area of climate adaptation. Sustainability encompasses so many different themes. It is a very broad concept, ranging from biodiversity and climate adaptation to energy issues and the circular economy. This report provides a good overview of the overall picture. It is a wonderful summary of all the great projects that contribute to sustainability in our municipality."
Together, we look back with pride on the steps that have been taken and remain committed to a future in which sustainability is central.
Introduction
As a municipality, we have broad ambitions in the field of sustainability. We want to create a sustainable future for our community. As a municipality, we are therefore working on many different projects and initiatives to become more sustainable. As a municipality, we do not do this alone, but together with residents and entrepreneurs.
We are in the midst of a transition to a sustainable society, with clean energy and circular use of raw materials. This transition is one of the most important social challenges for the coming years. The goals are clear: by 2030, we will 'emit 55% less greenhouse gases than in 1990' and 'use half as many raw materials'. We agreed on this in the Climate Agreement, the Gelderland Energy Agreement, the National Raw Materials Agreement, and our own policy document on Energy Transition and Circular Economy.
This sustainability report covers [all] projects and developments from 2024 in which the municipality took the initiative, was involved, or took a keen interest. The report therefore covers both topics and results over which the municipality had considerable influence, as well as topics over which the municipality had no influence.
2024 will be the first year in which we publish a sustainability report. We will do this annually so that we can monitor developments and share our progress.