Hoek van Holland Starts Unique Solar Energy Project
In only four weeks time, Woningbouwvereniging Hoek van Holland (WVH Housing association) and its partner, WAIFER Nederland, pulled off an entire solar energy project. Seven residences were supplied with solar panels without any investment on the part of the housing association or the tenants. Covering two thirds of the tenant's power bills, the solar panels were brought into use from a tower waggon by the Rotterdam alderman for Sustainability, Alexandra van Huffelen.
WVH and WAIFER Nederland developed a special method that may be applied elsewhere in Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam, and in the Netherlands as well. WAIFER Nederland invests as private partner and construction supervisor for the solar panels, providing the residents with the energy that is generated. The project gives an impulse to the sustainable society without the tenants or WVH having to make investments.
Involvement
On 7 May, Alexandra van Huffelen, Rotterdam Alderman for Sustainability, officially put the first solar panels on the first block of seven residences into service. “Rotterdam want to become a clean, green, and healthy city. Solar energy is one form of sustainable energy that we focus on. We are not alone in this endeavour. It's good to see that organisations including WVH and WAIFER show their commitment to the city and to sustainable energy. In these challenging times for both tenants and housing associations, both have developed a creative approach to push sustainability."
Sustainable Actions
WVH and WAIFER Nederland were inspired by the Green Deal that several Rotterdam housing associations including WVH closed with WAIFER Nederland, VvE010 and the municipality of Rotterdam. Under the 'Sustainable Acts' motto, participants have promised to take big steps towards a sustainable Rotterdam. Aside from solar energy and waste heat recycling projects, this should lead to at least 2,500 sustainable rental homes and private properties within 2 years time.
Rotterdam Solar City 2012
On 7 May, Rotterdam was officially proclaimed Solar City 2012 by the Solar Days organisation. The Solar City is a city which actively promotes and uses solar energy and/or has a lot of remarkable solar energy projects. The presentation of solar panels in Hoek van Holland is only one of many activities that are held during the Solar Days. For more information on the Solar Days, please click here..
