Growing economy, falling energy consumption

Twente’s economy is doing well, and this reflects in the construction and renovation of houses. Sustainable construction entails, among others, reducing energy consumption and applying renewable materials. It means a world that runs on clean and renewable energy, and in which raw materials are not lost. Now that people's sense of urgency is increasing, for example due to the ambition of the Netherlands to become gas-free, sustainable construction is becoming even more innovative. The question that remains is:

 

• Which mix leads to an energy-efficient result with sufficient living or working comfort and minimal housing costs or operating costs?

 

↓ Continue reading after 'create impact togehter with...'

Saving energy

As opposed to new buildings, it is quite a challenge to make buildings energy neutral by renovating. Not to speak of making the actual building process fully sustainable. Innovative systems such as heat pumps and solar boilers are becoming increasingly smarter, and contractors use more and more energy-conscious materials during construction. We’re moving in the right direction quite fast!

 

Building Twente

The town hall of Almelo has been built sustainably and has been equipped with energy-saving systems. Some call it the most sustainable town hall of the Netherlands. Twente also contributes to the European Interreg project CATCH. 

 

Parties such as the University of Twente, the City of Enschede, the province of Overijssel and the Vechtstroom Water Board want to prepare cities for climate changes by making cities in the North Sea region climate-proof. One of the pilots is taking place in Enschede; at the Pinkeltjesplein the Stadsbeen has been turned into a playground for children while serving as water storage during heavy rainfall. Materials are essential in construction. In Twente, a ‘green paint’ has been developed, as well as a biological protective wood coating for wood. We jointly innovate in Twente.