Energy transition in Oosterpark

On Saturday the 2nd of July, students and researchers of the NoorderRuimte Research Center organized a participatory event, in collaboration with the local citizen initiative Duurzaam Oosterpark. They exchanged information with local citizens about the main housing types in the district and how they can become more sustainable. How they can save and produce energy and what are the costs, available subsidies, pay-off times. But most importantly, they shared research results not only about the financial, but also about the environmental and social impact of these interventions. Moreover, research by design results on the transformation of the old “Van Houten” school into a community center have been discussed with the participants. How can a monumental building become sustainable and serve as a role model for the local society? How can this be done in a respectful way to its architectural values and historical character? And how can the new function be designed in such as way that it enhances social cohesion and alleviates energy poverty impact? The event has been organized in the context of the 3-days “Bij Van Houten” open event and constitutes part of the ongoing research within the EU Horizon2020 “Making City” project