Photo: Wikipedia This is the opinion of a group of “sustainable” organisations in reaction to the Actieagenda Wonen 2021 – (Action Agenda Housing 2021). WUR programme leader Green Cities Marian Stuiver initiated the writing of an extra chapter for the Action Agenda. The piece, entitled De Groene Versnelling (The Green Accelerator), has been offered to the building sector which is behind the Action Agenda.
Surprised
One million new homes are to be built in the next decade. The building sector collated their ideas in the Action Agenda. Although there is some attention for sustainable construction, it is nowhere near enough, says Stuiver. ‘I was very surprised when I read the piece. Over the last ten years, numerous experiments have been conducted on circular and nature-inclusive building. Still, none of that is reflected in the article.’
These ideas speak to everyone. Civilians increasingly value green
Marian Stuiver, programme leader Green Cities, WUR
Stuiver collaborated with Tim Vredeveld of Het Oversticht (links to Dutch content) in writing what they consider to be the missing chapter. The piece is signed by, among others, IVN, Nature and Environment Federations, the Dutch Green Building Council, the Steenbeek Foundation, the Royal Society of Horticulturists and Landscape Suppliers, and the Dutch Association for Garden and Landscape Architecture.
They state that sustainable building must rest on the principles of nature-inclusive, circular and climate-proof construction. Nature must be given room in residential areas, and houses must be built with biobased and sustainable materials. The “climate’s course” determines where buildings may be erected, keeping in mind drought, flooding and heat.
Get behind
The short chapter reads like a pamphlet. Stuiver prefers to call it an additional chapter. ‘These are ideas everyone can get behind. There is no politics involved. Civilians increasingly value green.’ Moreover, the chapter is rooted in knowledge. ‘We are supported by solid research.’
‘WUR conducts much research on the relation between nature and health, and the effects of climate change’, Stuiver continues. ‘There is a reason why impact is one of WUR’s pillars. Several knowledge institutes not only have the know-how but also understand how a shift towards more sustainable cities can be achieved.’
Implementation
Whether The Green Accelerator will be included in the Action Agenda Housing 2021 remains to be seen. ‘In a preliminary reaction, they have indicated they want to work with is. It would be great if it were included in the Action Agenda. But it is more important that it is included in the implementation. In any case, they are sympathetic.’