Houten is a municipality outside of Utrecht, Netherlands. Currently, 48,000 people reside in the town. For a number of years, the area has seen exponential population growth, along with many initiatives to create a sustainable living environment.
NEW HOUSING VISION
The municipal council of Houten developed and adopted a new Housing Vision in 2021. This was in part due to the increasing shortage of housing in all price ranges and housing types. The plan was created also through the Housing Needs Survey, where residents were able to contribute their opinions on the development of their neighbourhood. As the ageing population increases, there is a greater need for smaller households. 4,750 homes will be created from now until 2040.
ENERGY
The municipal council, adopting the Energy Plan 2020-2025, allocated an annual budget to energy transition and support of local sustainability initiatives. One of the main energy goals set in place is energy neutrality by 2040. In order to achieve this, Houten will dedicate 50 hectares of solar parks and 3 wind turbines, with plans to expand this initiative. Currently, approximately 45% of electricity consumption is generated sustainably.
The Citizens’ Council on Energy was established in autumn 2023, through a random selection of 100 Houten residents. This council provided 10 recommendations to achieve energy neutrality, including education, increased housing energy ratings, and electric cars.
RAINWATER
Houten is tackling water issues with different initiatives over the coming years:
- “Tackling places where water can flow into buildings during heavy showers. In consultation with residents, we are taking protective measures at 58 places with approximately 215 buildings.
- An annual de-stone and greening program of 200,000 euros in the public space. We remove paving stones and tiles and lay lawns in which clean rainwater seeps into the ground. In this way we burden the sewer less and the street looks greener.
- Contribution scheme for residents. This allows them to receive financial compensation to disconnect roofs from the sewer system and to install green roofs.”
“We strive for a ratio of 60/40 between green/water and paving. It is currently 56/44. We want to reduce the negative effects of climate change in urban areas. For this, it is important that residents and companies also design their own terrain as green as possible.”
DUURZAAM HOUTEN
Duurzaam Houten is a local hub where all sustainability initiatives are introduced, explained, and developed. Here, residents can find all information needed on regulations and aid for continued greener living.
Overall, the Houten council makes it possible for residents to easily make decisions and changes, in all aspects, from waste management to wind farming.