Amsterdam-North is one of the seven city districts of Amsterdam and is situated in the north part of the town. My city district is a vibrant area which is developing rapidly with new housing, a metro to improve the connection with the other parts of the city, many cultural activities and industrial revitalization. All changes in Amsterdam-North aim to improve the lives of the 90.000 inhabitants now and in the future. The city district also pays attention to energy saving and use of renewable energy.  Many of the existing homes in Amsterdam-North were build in the ’60 and ’70’s when energy saving was not a topic. Most of the houses are owned by housing corporations. I’m happy to see that they are wiling to take their responsibility not only to refurbish the dwellings but also to invest in energy saving and in the use of renewable energy.

In the Staccatoproject ‘Het Breed’, a partnership of the city district, the two housing corporations, the energy company and consultancy bureau’s, 1170 dwellings are improved with better isolation, high efficiency boilers and 1200 m2 solar collector. Thanks to financial support from the European Union, the refurbished dwellings will have the same energy level as dwellings that are built according to current standards. Leading to lower energy bills, better housing and a sound environment. Together with the fellow partners in Budapest (Obuda) and Sofia (Oberishte),  I hope that the projects will be an inspiration for others.