Making sustainability a way of life for Rotterdam - Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018
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Making sustainability a way of life for Rotterdam Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018
Making
sustainability
a way of life
for Rotterdam
Rotterdam Programme on
Sustainability and Climate
Change 2015-2018
2 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 3
Preface
Making sustainability a way of life for Rotterdam
Y
ou have before you the The consequences of climate change will in turn
new 2015-2018 Rotterdam increasingly affect the personal lives of Rotterdam’s
Programme on Sustainability citizens. Flooded basements and quays are no longer
and Climate Change, entitled the exception. In the past few years, we have developed
‘Making sustainability a way of life and implemented several solutions in Rotterdam to
for Rotterdam’. The programme drain and manage the excess water resulting from
is the result of a platform that increasingly frequent incidents of extreme rainfall. In so
was presented to a large number doing, Rotterdam has secured a unique position in the
of citizens and stakeholders of world and has become the role model for other delta
Rotterdam and to which they cities. Over the next four years, we will continue to invest
contributed their ideas. After all, sustainability ambitions our expertise in finding new solutions, generating more
cannot be achieved in isolation. This document describes cross-border trade for Rotterdam-based businesses, thus
projects and measures that the City of Rotterdam intends benefitting from the additional job opportunities created
to implement over the next few years. We will continue by this sector.
to challenge everyone to put forward their ideas and
initiatives to help Rotterdam develop into a sustainable We will continue to focus on energy efficiency and new,
city. Numerous initiatives have already been launched and clean energy sources such as solar and wind energy. By
we have achieved a great deal. However, there is still a 2030, we will be generating more renewable energy than
lot to do if we want to reach the goals we have envisioned the city’s current total consumption. One of the strategies
for the city. Therefore, over the next four years, we will we will use to achieve this is the use of residual industrial
continue to combine our efforts and commit to the cause. heat. Eventually, and by 2030, 150,000 homes in the
city will be heated using this heat source. By the end of
Over the course of the programme, we intend to bring the municipal term of office, at least 10,000 homes will
home the importance of sustainability to the people of be connected, resulting in greater home comfort and a
“ “
Rotterdam. We will do so on both a large and a small considerable reduction in energy consumption.
I try and focus my We need to take a scale, in the port as well as in the residential districts.
It is beyond dispute that Rotterdam, being the largest The port and industrial complex of Rotterdam are the
efforts on elements of more intelligent approach port in Europe, should take the lead in countering the beating heart of the Dutch economy and a driving force
adverse effects of climate change. During these four of job creation for Rotterdam and its surroundings.
sustainability that I can to preserving our planet years, however, we will invest more in projects in the The challenge is to keep innovating and investing
city, the immediate environment in which we live of the in innovative and clean technologies. Rotterdam is
control.” earth.” citizens of Rotterdam, since they are entitled to a healthy, the laboratory where new technologies are invented,
attractive and green city. We will invest in clean air, dry tested and applied in cooperation with businesses and
feet and lower energy bills to ensure that the Rotterdam universities. We will continue to encourage and enhance
Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change will this quality to ensure that these new technologies attract
Astrid Brison Dagmar van Doorn benefit all those who live and work in Rotterdam. new companies and new investments to our region as
well as creating numerous new jobs. This is to ensure
We will be taking further steps to improve the air quality that the environment close to the port and industrial
in Rotterdam. Extra funds have been set aside for this complex remains safe and healthy, and that in future, the
purpose. We will do this by promoting cleaner traffic, complex will continue to serve as the driving force of job
installing more electric vehicle charging stations, and creation it has been since time immemorial.
by further improving the quality of our own vehicle fleet
as well as that of the shipping industry by using cleaner
fuels. We can all chip in and do our bit by choosing to Yours sincerely,
travel by bike or public transport for short trips. Better
bike paths and sheds and public transport interchanges Pex Langenberg
will encourage people to leave their cars at home. This Alderman Councillor responsible for sustainability,
will help us to free up the road network together, exercise mobility and culture
more and improve the quality of the air we breathe.
4 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 5
Contents
Making
sustainability a way
8 What do the 10
citizens of Rotterdam
Aims for making
Rotterdam a
14 Aim 1: 20 Aim 2: 34 Aim 3: 48
of life for Rotterdam think about sustainable city Green, healthy and Cleaner energy at A strong and
sustainability? resilient city lower costs innovative economy
Survey 11
Consultation 12
Participation 12 Clean air 21 Energy savings for 35 Opportunities for clean 49
residents technology
More green spaces 23
01 02 03 Dry feet 27
Energy savings for 39 Stronger competitive position 50
entrepreneurs due to energy efficiency
Sustainable areas 31 Energy savings for 41 Frontrunner of the circular 53
entrepreneurs economy
Being a good 59 Cooperation 63 Practical aspects 67
role model of implementation Wind energy benefits 42 Development of the 54
Promoting sustainability 63 bio-based economy
The sun as a source 45
Green buildings 59 requires a joint approach Organisation 67
of energy Cleaner transport and 55
Sustainable procurement 60 Lobbying 63 Funding 67 logistics
Clean vehicle fleet 60 Exchanging knowledge 63 Communication 70
Adapting the Rotterdam 64 Measuring and 70
Climate Initiative evaluating progress
Clean Tech Delta 64
07 08 09 04 05 06
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Making sustainability
a way of life for
1. Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, we are committed to achieving a pleasant, green and safe city. We
experiment and innovate, and we seize every opportunity for economic growth. By
investing in sustainability for the benefit of and, most importantly, in partnership with the
people of Rotterdam, we aim to create a healthier, more resilient city for all those who live
and work in Rotterdam. Our objective is to provide better air quality, lower energy bills and
more jobs. This is described in the #Kendoe municipal programme.
O
ver the next few years, the Rotterdam Programme We have asked the people of Rotterdam, its institutions
on Sustainability and Climate Change will focus and businesses what sustainability means to them and
on subjects that directly affect the people of what they feel is important here. The conclusions of
Rotterdam. The focus will shift from reducing CO2 this survey are presented in Chapter 2 and serve as
emissions to cleaner air, enhancing sustainability, cleaner starting points for the new Rotterdam Programme on
energy and energy efficiency (reducing burdens on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 entitled
business), dry feet, and a greater awareness of how we ‘Making sustainability a way of life for Rotterdam’. Our
mange natural resources. goal is to turn Rotterdam into the inspiring example to
other delta cities in the world that are going through
We have achieved great progress in recent years. We a sustainability transition. This is explained in further
have earned a position as global trendsetter when it detail in
comes to water management and delta technology. Chapter 3. In addition, we are committed to three
An extensive heat network has been developed in the overlapping ambitions for 2030:
residential districts that now supplies industrial residual
heat to numerous households. A network of electric 1. We are committed to a green,
vehicle charging stations has been built. Innovative healthy and resilient city.
and remarkable projects have received incentives and
encouragement. Over a brief period of time, these 2. We invest in cleaner energy at lower costs.
developments have turned Rotterdam into an inspiring
example to other European cities as regards electric 3. We aim to build a strong and innovative economy.
transport. Bargemen use quayside power for their river
vessels. Within the space of four years, Rotterdam has Chapters 4, 5 and 6 outline the work schedule for 2015-
managed to leverage the €26.5 million sustainability 2018. Following the consultation period, we will be adding
budget, generating a total of over €400 million in campaigns and projects to these Chapters as suggested
sustainable investments in the city and port complex. by residents and other stakeholders in the city. Being a
good role model. Chapter 7 lists all the campaigns that
Our agenda is now firmly embedded in the city. the municipal organisation itself will be launching for the
Sustainability has been readopted as a municipal priority, purpose of further enhancing the sustainability of our
in line with the ambitions as set out in the City Vision, own operations. The organisation of the new 2015-2018
the Urban Development Framework and the Port Vision Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate
2030. This is the framework for new policy development Change and the anticipated funding are described in
such as the Rotterdam Mobility Agenda and the Strategic Chapter 9.
Policy Document on Air Quality. The new Rotterdam
Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change
takes us further along our chosen path of investing in
innovation and experiments. We are doing this together
with the people of Rotterdam as well as businesses,
institutions, civil society organisations and NGOs in
the city and the port. We team up with our partners in
the Rotterdam Climate Initiative and Clean Tech Delta
to encourage investment, promote innovation and help
create more employment opportunities.
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What do the citizens of
Rotterdam think about
2. sustainability?
with various stakeholders and experts to scrutinise the
Survey Consultation details of the entire programme. The discussion of the
consultation document at the economy, port, mobility and
T
he attitude of the people of Rotterdam towards In order to enhance the initial draft of the Rotterdam sustainability (EHMD) committee meeting was part of this
and awareness of sustainability are the basis Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change, a second round of consultations and the RCI Council were
of a programme that is designed to benefit the number of community input sessions were held with asked for their feedback on the programme.
community of Rotterdam. In December 2014, a survey1 residents and representatives of relevant organisations
was conducted to gauge the Rotterdam public’s (civil society organisations, NGOs, residents’ All the reactions have been included in this document.
perception of sustainability and to find out what efforts associations, housing associations, independent workers Some reactions were included in the text as soon as they
they themselves make towards achieving this goal. The and small businesses) to discuss themes including came in, while others required further cooperation on
results of the survey are summarised below. ‘Green spaces and water’, ‘Air quality’, and ‘Energy certain elements. These matters have been discussed
conservation, heat and renewable energy’. The general in meetings or have already been fleshed out in specific
Sustainability is important to the people of Rotterdam conclusion is that everyone is in favour of a combination commitments with (ongoing) projects.
Over three quarters of Rotterdam’s inhabitants feel of large-scale measures that ought to be mainly initiated
that it is important to pay attention to sustainability. A by the government and the business community, The reactions we received in this second round of
similar proportion agrees that investment in sustainability and very tangible projects in which the municipality consultations show that:
promotes a healthy and resilient environment in which we involves residents and challenges them to make a
live. One third of the population consider sustainability to personal commitment, thus emphasising the personal • There is wide public support for the goals adopted
be a hype. responsibility of the people of Rotterdam. Citizens expect by the Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and
the government to promote awareness and to ensure that Climate Change and the commitment to the various
Some of the people of Rotterdam already make a citizens’ initiatives receive support as they implement themes;
conscious effort towards sustainability, but would like them.
to do more • A number of parties feel that Rotterdam could
Four out of every ten citizens of Rotterdam are currently We also met with various companies, knowledge show greater ambition as regards their approach to
consciously engaged in sustainability. In addition to institutions, NGOs, and civil society organisations. sustainability;
energy-related efforts such as setting the thermostat to
The people of Rotterdam are They applaud the municipality for making sustainability
a lower temperature and providing the home with double committed to sustainability and a priority again. They emphasised the importance of • Citizens and companies are very interested in the
glazing, people mention waste separation, using the collaboration between the main partners in Rotterdam, as opportunities offered by solar panels and greenery
bike more often and minimising the use of plastic bags
expect the municipality to adopt well as proper coordination with The Hague and Brussels. on roofs;
as the efforts they are making towards sustainability. a more active policy to support They argued in favour of a clear ambition, a clear dot
Themes that are most closely related to the immediate on the horizon for a cleaner and healthier Rotterdam • The majority of area committees would be more than
environment in which we live are considered most
their efforts. with a strong economy. The latter requires a proper willing to help implement sustainability measures in
important. Additional municipal measures are desirable in balance between reinforcement of the economy through their respective areas;
every area. energy savings and modernisation on the one hand, and
attracting and supporting a new type of business in the • There is a great need for information and advice on
One quarter of Rotterdam’s population would like to step field of clean technology on the other hand. improving the level of sustainability as well as on
up their sustainability efforts. Lack of time, resources a proper dialogue regarding the implementation of
and knowledge, however, prevent them from doing Following publication of the programme in the form of a measures such as the development of wind farms;
so. The City of Rotterdam can promote sustainability consultation document, a second, intensive round was
efforts further by providing the people of Rotterdam organised. Using the programme as a basis, over 100 • There is no objection to challenging the market to
with information as to how they can achieve a higher parties in and around the city were asked for a detailed contribute initiatives. This should be facilitated;
impact here. If people are better informed, sustainability response. The responses we received (over 60) have
efforts will often take less time. Citizens of Rotterdam been summarised in the appendix entitled ‘Making • There are concerns about the environmental impact
predominantly search the Internet for information about sustainability a way of life for Rotterdam’. This appendix (air quality and noise) of certain major development
sustainability. also includes a summary of four large meetings on the projects.
programme. This appendix is only available in Dutch. In
collaboration with LOKAAL and Nationale These items will be addressed as the programme is being
1
Source: Blauw Research BV, n= 760, December 2014 Nederlanden, AD/RD hosted an election debate on implemented.
Aim 2. The municipality hosted a discussion meeting
10 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 11
people of Rotterdam to participate in the Rotterdam 1. Offer sustainable solutions and improvements in the
Participation Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change as immediate environment in which Rotterdam’s citizens
well as in other programmes (€440,000 available for live.
Understanding the needs and views of residents and sustainability and mobility solutions). The Air Quality
local businesses is important – not just in preparing the City Lab is another example. At the request of the 2. Offer Rotterdam citizens more knowledge
Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate municipality, residents came together to share their ideas and information on sustainable solutions and
Change. The input of the people of Rotterdam is to improve the air quality at ’s-Gravendijkwal. Their good improvements.
essential, particularly when implementing a programme. ideas and drive have resulted in a City Lab that embraces
Involving residents and entrepreneurs in projects ensures a much wider focus than ’s-Gravendijkwal alone. This is 3. Promote and support initiatives of the people of
that the municipality attracts additional expertise from how participation leads to greater commitment. Rotterdam and ensure that they can participate
the city and that they know exactly what the people personally.
and companies need. Apart from substantive input
for projects, this raises additional awareness about 4. Reinforce cooperation in the city between the
sustainability among the people of Rotterdam. The Guiding principles for the municipality, institutions and companies.
constructive involvement of residents and business
owners helps build support and confidence. programme 5. Build up close bonds and maintain a dialogue with the
central government and Brussels.
Rotterdam is rife with good ideas that can benefit the
city, ideas that are worth implementing. Experimenting, Based on the results of the consultation with the people 6. Ensure that new branches of industry are attracted to
innovating and giving the people of Rotterdam more of Rotterdam and stakeholders, we have established the the city and the port, such as clean technology.
power are top priorities for the incumbent City Council. following guiding principles for the programme:
CityLab010 is a municipal programme encouraging the
12 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 13
Aims for making
Rotterdam a sustainable
3. city
The Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change focuses on accelerating
and upscaling activities that will make Rotterdam healthier and more future-proof for
everyone during the current municipal term of office. This involves activities that the
municipality itself will pursue, but also, and specifically, activities that citizens, companies
and organisations in Rotterdam will undertake. Targeted support and smart combinations
will help us bolster these activities.
Our aim for 2030
Rotterdam is the inspiring example to other delta cities around the world going through
a sustainability transition.
The people of Rotterdam live in an Rotterdam generates more Rotterdam is a city with an efficient
attractive, green city with a great renewable energy than the city’s and clean port complex, making it
quality of life and clean air. We use current total power consumption. the European centre of the bio-
mobility solutions that have minimal The city and the port complex have based and circular economy. One
impact on air quality, travelling by forged a successful partnership of the ways we achieve this is by
bicycle, public transport or electric in this area, and the residual heat using our waste as a resource for
T
vehicles. This is a city that is safe recovered from the port heats and manufacturing new products and hese three ambitions form the basic principles for terms of a greener, healthier and economically stronger
and functions properly even in cools at least half of all homes and generating energy. On a global the Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and city of Rotterdam during this municipal term of office.
extreme weather conditions. Despite buildings. Renewable solar and wind scale, Rotterdam is at the forefront Climate Change. They overlap and by tackling To this end, several themes have been defined for
more and heavier rainfall and higher energy plus energy savings will result in the field of water management them head on in a single programme, we reinforce every aim, each with their own specific goals. Alderman
water levels, we keep our feet dry. in lower energy bills for Rotterdam and delta technology. This places their implementation and create logical combinations of Langenberg is responsible for the sustainability portfolio
citizens by 2030 than they would the economic Clean Tech cluster in measures. In doing so, we aim to set a good example and therefore for a large part of this programme.
have been without this renewable a solid position as one of the pillars as the municipality by implementing measures in our Achieving these ambitions and goals requires the
energy transition. The roofs of of the Rotterdam economy. own organisation and on our own property that will save commitment of the entire municipality and City Council.
municipal buildings will be greenified energy and contribute to better air quality. Furthermore, Alderman Eerdmans is responsible for implementing
and used to generate solar energy every spatial change should result in an improvement in measures relevant to the theme of ‘More green
wherever possible. the quality of the environment in which we live. This will spaces’. The themes of ‘Sustainable areas’ and ‘Energy
help us avoid new bottlenecks in the area of air quality savings for residents’ are within the scope of Alderman
In brief: In brief: In brief: or noise pollution, while at the same time ensuring that Schneider’s portfolio. The themes that are part of Aim 3,
the environment in which we live contributes to the A strong and innovative economy, are divided between
attractiveness of the city and the health of the people of Aldermen Langenberg and Struijvenberg. Councillors
We are committed to We invest in cleaner We aim to build a strong Rotterdam. Visser and De Jong will each manage the portfolios
a green, healthy and energy at lower costs and innovative economy relating to energy conservation in sports clubs and
resilient city The target for achieving each of these ambitions is 2030, schools. Further details on these aims are given in the
and the performance of activities with a focus on this next few Chapters.
long-term ambition should have an immediate effect in
14 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 15
Aim 1 Aim 2 Aim 3
A green, healthy and Cleaner energy at lower Strong and innovative
resilient city costs economy
Ai
In order to create a healthy, green The use of more types of clean, Strengthening the existing economy
1
A green, healthy
m
and future-proof city, we will be renewable energy and energy while at the same time attracting
Aim
investing in the following themes: savings will have a cost-cutting effect new, clean technology companies. and resilient city
2
over time on energy prices. We will Offering space for the ‘next
achieve this through: economy’, by pursuing the following - Clean air
themes:
- More green spaces
- Dry feet Cleaner energy
Clean air: optimising Energy savings for Opportunities for clean - Sustainable areas at lower costs
sustainable mobility aimed residents: the programme technology: promoting the
at less-polluting vehicles in entitled Acceleration010 will clean technology industry in - Energy savings for residents
the city centre and growing tackle energy consumption in Rotterdam. - Energy savings for entrepreneurs
use of bicycles and public rented as well as in owner- - Industry as a source of heat
transport. occupied homes. Stronger competitive - Benefits of wind energy
position due to energy - The sun as a source of energy
More green spaces: Energy savings for efficiency: developing
increasing the quantity and entrepreneurs: by carrying large-scale infrastructure for
diversity of useful plants and out energy scans, we can recovering industrial residual
vegetation in (and around) show small and medium- heat, steam and CO2.
the city. sized (SME) owners exactly
where and how they can Frontrunner of the circular
Strong and
Dry feet: a combination save energy and money. economy: Rotterdam as the innovative economy
of flood management and hub in the circular economy.
strengthening the city’s Industry as a source - Opportunities for clean technology
resilience. of heat: expanding the Development of the bio- - Stronger competitive position due to
number of connections to based economy: aimed at energy efficiency
Sustainable areas: adopting the industrial heat grid of the green chemistry, green fuels - Frontrunner of the circular economy
standard frameworks and district heating network. and other biomaterials based - Development of the bio-based economy
sustainability goals for every on second- and following
- Cleaner transport and logistics
spatial development project. Benefits of wind energy: generation resource and
honouring our ambitious residual flows.
agreements with respect to
Rotterdam as a ‘wind-win Cleaner transport and
area’, directly benefitting the logistics: greater use
people of Rotterdam. of LNG and hydrogen in
The sun as a source
transport and logistics.
Aim 3
of energy: facilitating
expansion of the application
of solar energy.
16 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 17
“ I practise guerrilla gardening,
removing pavement slabs and planting
flowers to help save the planet.”
“ If I asked my brother, he could take me to
my internship by car, but I take the conscious
decision to travel by bike.”
Hans Swart Kamar Rahbi
18 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 19Aim 1: Clean air
Green, healthy and resilient city
O
ur ambition as regards air quality is quite a • the reduction in the concentration of elemental
The people of Rotterdam live in an attractive, green This means that we reduce exposure to challenging one. The people of Rotterdam live, carbon due to road traffic (average of 0,75 µg/m3)
city with a great quality of life and clean air. We polluted air, enhance biodiversity, greenify work and relax in a clean and healthy city. The must be accelerated to 40 per cent (as compared
use mobility solutions that have minimal impact on the city while at the same time improving impact of traffic on the health of Rotterdam’s citizens to 2014). The overall EC concentration now hovers
air quality, travelling by bicycle, public transport flood management and reducing the risk of is minimal. The city is easily accessible even though around 1,5 µg/m3;
or electric vehicles. This is a city that is safe flooding. These efforts will open up more traffic is restricted. The air in Rotterdam is clean and
and functions properly, even in extreme weather space for cyclists and pedestrians. We take causes minimal health problems for residents. Cycling, • the municipal vehicle fleet must be 25% ‘cleaner’;
conditions. Despite more and heavier rainfall and specific measures to improve the quality of the walking and using public transport are the best ways to
higher water levels, we keep our feet dry. environment in which we live. Examples include get around the city. Traffic passing through the city is • the use of bicycles at the measuring points around the
the cycle paths and shelters, expansion of the emission-free. This means a huge improvement in the city centre must have increased by 10%.
In brief: we
are committed to a green, low emissions zone, electric vehicle charging quality of living conditions, turning Rotterdam into an
stations, a clean fleet of municipal vehicles, attractive city for residents, visitors and business owners Sustainable mobility as a solution
healthy and resilient city measures concerning navigation and green alike. To achieve these targets and to turn Rotterdam into a city
river banks. Further examples include the with clean air, we need to take a number of measures.
intelligent design of residential districts and Rotterdam has a serious air pollution problem. Several A proposal containing a set of measures in addition to
buildings, the landscaping of public spaces locations in the city fail to meet the European air quality the previous package (which included the scrappage
with the emphasis on green spaces and water standards for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The Netherlands scheme and the ban on lorries at ’s-Gravendijkwal)
and sustainable renewal of the urban and has a direct link between decisions on spatial planning has been included in the Strategic Policy Document on
regional traffic and transport policy. and European standards. This poses yet another risk in Air Quality. The measures are designed to achieve an
the procedures for spatial development plans. Rough ongoing reduction in the exposure to elemental carbon as
calculations show that up to over 50% of all traffic would well as a reduction in NO2 concentrations. This requires
have to be eliminated in order to remove all Rotterdam’s (structural) changes, for which preference is given to
NO2 bottlenecks over the next year with measures that measures of a generic, source-oriented nature. The main
we ourselves can take. The impact on society would be source within the urban area is motorised traffic. Hence
unacceptable, especially in view of the fact that it would the approach predominantly focuses on more sustainable
have to be reduced as early as next year. mobility. We aim to achieve this by means of measures
which include the following:
Even more important is the fact that the air quality in
the city contributes significantly to the frequently poor • The existing low-emissions zone must be expanded
health of the people of Rotterdam. The main culprit so that the most polluting cars can be banned from the
behind this poor health is soot (Elemental Carbon, or EC), zone. This expansion may be defined either in terms
and this can be largely attributed to traffic emissions. of geographical locations or types of vehicle (such as
The challenge Rotterdam faces is to reduce traffic soot lorries, vans, and cars) and the environmental features
emissions soon. In addition to this challenge, Rotterdam of these vehicles (Euro class).
must take firm action to reduce the background
concentrations of air pollution by teaming up with other • Traffic circulation in the city must be highlighted in the
large cities, the province and central government. These urban mobility plan. The urban mobility plan will reflect
concentrations come from Europe, the Netherlands, and choices that are made in traffic circulation with respect
the Rijnmond region (including glasshouse horticulture, to bicycles, public transport, and cars; choices that are
manufacturing industry, the shipping industry and made with an emphasis on a healthy, habitable and
motorways). economically prosperous city. The principal idea is to
reduce motorised traffic in the city centre over the long
The Mayor and Aldermen have set targets for air quality. term and to have cars park in carparks instead of next
By 2018: to the curb. This will help us to create more space for
cyclists, pedestrians and public transport. This is the
principle of a City Lounge: the car is a guest here.
20 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 21• Facilitating choices for the people of Rotterdam that • In line with the national aim concerning electric
are consistent with a healthy lifestyle with regard transport and Rotterdam’s leading position in this
to mobility and encouraging them in this. This may respect, the number of electric vehicles can increase
include providing information on quick and easy cycle to at least five thousand by 2020. By 2025, we should
routes, promoting the use of Park & Ride facilities, and have at least twenty-five thousand.
continuing the successful scrappage scheme.
Please note: the topics of air quality and sustainable
• Providing attractive Park & Ride facilities. This will mobility are important elements in Rotterdam’s
help to reduce car use in the urban area and will have sustainability approach.
a positive effect on the reduction of harmful traffic The Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and
emissions. The Parking Plan proposes measures that Climate Change will coordinate policy, communication
will further enhance convenience for this using the and monitoring. The phrasing of the measures and
P&R facilities. their implementation will be described separately in
the Strategic Policy Document on Air Quality and
• Promoting the use of public transport by improving the Rotterdam Mobility Agenda. A separate budget
the quality of transfer options and the layout of is available for this purpose (air quality approach,
interchange locations, as well as the connection to €11.7 million, as part of the Urban Layout programme,
bicycles and cars (increase in the number of bicycles Environmental Product).
available under the Bike Rental membership scheme
[OV-fietsen] and extension of this facility to metro
stations; Park & Ride facilities). The objective is to
achieve 2% growth in public transport during the Important to Rotterdam (93%), EC breakdown (%)
current municipal term of office. importance of municipal attention
to this theme (75%).
- As part of the ‘Beter Benutten’ (‘Optimising Use’) Abroad
programme, we team up with other stakeholders Rest of the
Netherlands
to invest in quality improvements at the Blaak and 51% of Rotterdam citizens travel by bicycle Traffic
Alexander interchanges. whenever they have the opportunity Industry
Shipping
- As part of the ‘Beter Benutten’ (‘Optimizing Use’) 43% use tram, bus or metro whenever they Consumer
programme, Rotterdam examines, in cooperation with have the opportunity
MRDH (Metropolitan Region Rotterdam-The Hague),
whether it is possible to increase the average speed of 20% have bought or drive efficient cars Relative breakdown into sources of EC, 2013. The size of
trams 23 and 25 and the express tram in Alexander. the pie chart represents the concentration of EC in the air.
- Research should be conducted into whether traffic The responsibility for cleaner air is mainly delegated to the
control systems at important public transport corridors Dutch central government and the corporate sector, even
can give more priority to trams. though twenty per cent feel that the municipality has a greater
responsibility for this. The people of Rotterdam regard
- Research should be conducted into options for the measures taken by the municipality on this theme as
making the public transport network more robust and insufficient. For instance, according to Rotterdam citizens,
for moving towards multimodal access to economic it would do no harm for the municipality to add a little more
development locations. coercive muscle by pedestrianising a number of areas,
banning polluting cars or lorries from the city centre, and
- In concert with MRDH and RET, we want to invest in holding companies or factories to account for pollution. Even
maintenance and, wherever possible, improvement of free public transport was mentioned as an option.
high-quality bus, tram, and metro services.
- Participation in the innovative sustainability solutions
action campaign of public transport in the metropolitan
region.
22 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 23More green spaces
Important to Rotterdam (88%), importance
of municipal attention to this theme (75%).
R
otterdam as a green city is an attractive and - Removing tiles from the garden will help drain
76% of the total roof surface
resilient city where people love to live, work and off rainwater, thus reducing the pressure on the
in Rotterdam is flat
relax. Greenification is an important municipal sewerage system in extreme weather conditions.
priority (portfolio of Alderman Eerdmans, responsible for In conjunction with the Schieland and Krimpener-
39% are willing to take measures against
safety, enforcement and public spaces). It brings people waard Higher Water Board and the municipal Green
flooding, such as installing a green roof
together, inspires them to go out and explore and creates Team, we organise annual Green Do Days (‘Tiles
and removing tiles from the garden
healthier living conditions. Joining hands to improve the out, plants in’ campaign). The focus on these days
green quality of the neighbourhood contributes to the is on district greenery. Plants are distributed and
people’s resilience and to the quality of life in the neigh- information is provided. The objective is to remove
The City of Rotterdam is considered to be primarily
bourhood. bricks and tiles from as many square metres as
responsible for this theme. People expect the municipality
possible. We will set a good example ourselves by
to take a more active stance in efforts to install and maintain
In and around Rotterdam we have a myriad of wildlife engaging in activities in public open areas.
green places in the city. There is a fairly general perception
habitats and places of natural beauty to enjoy. They ran- - Wall gardens, or vertical gardens, not only brighten that green spaces increasingly need to make way for new
ge from large parks to concealed gardens in courtyards up the streets but also prevent the wall from war- developments. By being more careful with existing green,
and on roofs, from nature conservation areas in the city ming up too much during extremely hot days. The open spaces or by adding more green spaces, we may be able
to small beaches by the waterside and from monumental installation of wall gardens is encouraged by means to change people’s opinions.
trees to baby trees. Rotterdam is greener than you think, of a brochure and an active policy in conjunction
but there is always room for improvement. Together with with the area development organisation and dis-
the people of Rotterdam, we will give the city what it trict-based intermediaries.
deserves: an even greener appearance. We will actively
- Green roofs enhance Rotterdam’s green appeal
involve citizens in creating more green spaces, ensuring
and absorb excess rainwater. Green roofs are
that everyone is inspired, motivated and eager to get Perception of neighbourhood green
necessary to keep our feet dry, particularly in
started. spaces in 2013
brick-dominated areas such as the city centre and (such as lawns, trees and parks)
old urban districts. In addition, green roofs save
In the period leading up to 2018, we will engage in activi-
energy (keeping homes cooler in summertime) and insufficient presence
ties including the following:
double the life of the roof. Furthermore, they en-
hance the city’s biodiversity. The target is to install
• Together with residents, we will plant more flowers and
40,000m2 of green roofs every year, in partnership
shrubs in the brick-dominated districts of Oude Noor- perception: neutral or varying
with the water boards. The tools we use to achieve
den, Nieuwe Westen/Middelland, Tarwewijk, Bloem-
this goal include a grant scheme (that will gradually
hof and Hillesluis. Where possible, we will combine
be phased out over the next few years), campaign
greenification efforts with measures to contain storm
periods, information days and personal advice. In ample presence
water runoff in incidences of extreme rainfall. As part
addition, research is conducted into the desirability
of this, we will also explore new solutions such as rain
of mandatory green roof installation and the options
gardens. Source
of longer-term guarantees. 2013-2014 Enquête Wijkprofiel
• We will explore additional opportunities for adding
• Making green spaces in the city more readily (District Profile Survey)
green elements to existing facilities, such as green car City of Rotterdam
accessible to residents and visitors. Green is good
parking sites.
(exercise, mental health) and contributes to the ima- Processing
• The introduction of lush greenery and a healthy cover ge of Rotterdam as a hip and trendy alpha city. That 2013-2014 Enquête Wijkprofiel
of vegetation along the river banks of the New Meuse is why we are developing and combining tools to Webservice vierkantstatistiek.nl
River (Nieuwe Maas), the New Waterway, the River encourage people to use and enjoy beautiful green
(Web service quadratic statistics.nl)
Rotte and the River Schie will result in the creation areas, including cycling routes, walking routes, run- Weighted average of at least 10 individual perceptions
of attractive green corridors where it is a pleasure to ning routes, exploration routes as well as a green
(respondents) in 300-metre radii around the centre of
every square.
live and work. The works involving the creation of the app.
Size of square: 100 x 100 metres.
Depending on their location, at least 25% of
Mallegatpark tidal channel and the construction of an respondents are included compared to an unweighted
• We support research and efforts to create a new average calculation.
eco-friendly river bank at Nassauhaven will start short-
urban park, a floating forest in the Rijnhaven and City of Rotterdam
ly. Department of Research and Business Intelligence
pocket gardens at the former Hofplein tracks. www.rotterdam.nl/onderzoek
• Promoting biodiversity through tree and shrub
• Residents will be encouraged to plant more flowers, maintenance, for instance by introducing a greater
shrubs and trees near their homes: variety of tree species.
24 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 25Dry feet
R
otterdam is one of the lowest-lying cities in
Europe. We are protected by levees, dams, Rotterdam as a resilient city
embankments and water defences, but in extreme
weather conditions, we are still vulnerable to flooding. A sustainable city is also a strong, resilient
That is why we keep investing in safety measures to and resilient city. Flood safety is just one of the
avoid serious problems in the future. We apply proven tasks confronting the city. The ongoing energy
techniques and smart, innovative solutions. This is how transition, the next economy, obsolescence,
we turn a waterproof and resilient city of Rotterdam into a cyber issues - these are all developments
showcase for new export opportunities. that generate opportunities as well as risks.
Rotterdam needs to anticipate these changes
In September of 2014, the national Delta Programme and develop resilience. Combining sustainability
was adopted by the House of Representatives. The Delta efforts with a programme to develop
Programme lists the Rijnmond-Drechtsteden region assertiveness and resilience will enable us
as one of the most important regional elements. The to identify what future risks and opportunities
flood management approach as described in the Delta specifically will present themselves, so that
Programme is part of the Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy. targeted actions can be undertaken, actions that
This strategy also aims to contain storm water runoff in contribute to the self-reliance of the people of
incidences of extreme rainfall, if possible in combination Rotterdam and the businesses based in the city
with measures to improve and enhance the green quality and which will result in smart, comprehensive
of open spaces in the city. It includes measures at solutions at district level as well as in future-
neighbourhood, street and building level to minimise the proofing the city as a whole. Participation in
consequences of extreme precipitation that will, at the the Rockefeller Foundation ‘s100 Resilient
same time, result in a more beautiful, green city for the Cities programme the will support Rotterdam in
people of Rotterdam. developing this strategy through funding and the
knowledge and best practices of other cities. The
Over the next few years, Rotterdam and its partners, resilience programme can provide very useful
including the water boards and the Port of Rotterdam support for the other pillars and ambitions of the
Authority, will continue to invest in flood management and Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and
a safe, future-proof and resilient city. We aim to achieve Climate Change, not least by linking the various
this by with measures that include the following: themes and intelligently anticipating future
trends.
• Implementing the Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy:
- with a comprehensive policy for the areas outside - with additional water storage capacity for
the levees. The focus in this respect is on risk incidences of extreme rainfall in the three areas
communication and flood management plans for inside the levees:
the three areas outside the levees (which were
also named as pilot areas in the national Delta 1, Zomerhofkwartier;
Programme): 2. Leonidas;
3. Rubroek.
1. Kop van Feijenoord/Noordereiland (2015);
2. Merwevierhaven (2015); The implementation in all of these is aimed at
3. Botlek (2016). getting residents and entrepreneurs involved who
are based in the district concerned.
The flood management plans are linked to area
development and refurbishment of the open space.
The focus for Noordereiland is on residents’
participation.
26 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 27- Including adaptation principles in investments in
the city as much as possible. This includes more The Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy (2013) charts
small-scale measures in districts, focusing, for the course by which Rotterdam plans to adapt
instance, on the application of permeable paving, to the consequences of climate change and
green roofs (with options for subsidies for residents shows how residents, businesses and the city Flood chart Rotterdam areas outside
the levees 2100
and businesses), more pocket gardens in streets can gain maximum benefit. This strategy offers
climate scenario W+ with a repeat time
and the smart design of open spaces to include the framework and the guiding principles for of 1 x 1,000 years
playgrounds and water storage facilities, for a future-proof development of Rotterdam and
example. ensures that every future (spatial) development
will include subjects such as flood management,
• Supplying capacity, content and where possible accessibility and robustness of the city as basic
providing financial support in offering space to principles from the very outset of the process.
innovations such as ‘polder roofs’, water-storage road
structures, multifunctional levees, water playgrounds,
floating constructions, adaptive construction, Source: Deltares
and a 3Di model to improve flooding predictions.
Participation in the regional ‘Valorisation Programme
Delta Technology and Water’ (together with partners Important to Rotterdam (84%), importance
including the water boards, Rotterdam University of of municipal attention to this theme (66%).
Applied Sciences, Deltares, and Delft University of
Technology) helps generate the capacity mentioned
above. The aim is also to continue this successful 42% of the people of Rotterdam are
partnership beyond 2015. concerned about rising sea levels
40% of the people of Rotterdam are
• Implementing the national Delta decisions in concerned about flooding
Rotterdam, such as short-term and long-term levee
reinforcements, improving crisis management
(including by means of pilot projects and a strategy for According to the citizens of Rotterdam, the government is
local evacuation to higher ground or taller buildings), primarily responsible for preventing flooding. The majority of
and reducing the vulnerability of vital networks and the population is unaware of the City of Rotterdam’s efforts
objects to flooding. in this respect. More information is required. Measures
mentioned are sewer replacement and maintenance of drain
• Preparing and adopting a Resilience strategy that is pipes, drain canals, and levees.
set out in detail at project level. In 2016 and beyond,
implementation will take place in conjunction with the
stakeholders concerned, supported financially and Water issues Bottlenecks and vulnerable areas Flooding risk chart 2100
The risk chart shows the areas where safeguarding controls may
substantively by the 100 Resilient Cities network. be deficient in the future and which are vulnerable to more intense
Topics that will be addressed include: precipitation due to uneven soil subsidence. This concerns mainly
built-up peatlands. In addition, the chart shows bottlenecks in
- the relationship between flood management, energy sewerage, groundwater flooding, and low-lying infrastructure such
as tunnels.
and IT security;
- smart IT applications and self-reliance;
Source: De Urbanisten XXXX
- smart data management and data access.
28 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 29Sustainable areas
S
ustainability is an integral part of all area • In large-scale spatial development projects – think
development projects in Rotterdam. Sustainable of Hart van Zuid and Rotterdam Central District –
areas are future-proof areas with good living sustainability will be included as a requirement in the
conditions. This means that the housing here is development criteria, for instance in the tendering
comfortable, readily accessible, with low energy bills, methodology.
attractive outdoor spaces, responsible transport,
clean air, optimal use of facilities and amenities, etc. • In smaller area development projects, we will gain
Furthermore, sustainable areas are potential money- experience with a tool that enables comprehensive
makers. Think, for instance, of energy-neutral or even analysis of the sustainability criteria for a certain area.
energy-generating homes, large-scale applications of This tool is based on the internationally recognised
renewable energy, so-called smart grids and urban BREEAM standards. Based on these standards, the
farming. The implementation of several combined forms City Council and the market players concerned will
of sustainable measures results in profitable areas that draw up a plan for implementing specific measures.
harbour intrinsic added value. These sustainable areas Affordability, feasibility, and method of implementation
help to avoid future and hidden costs; they promote will feature as aspects of this plan. If successful, we
health, are prepared for the consequences of climate will translate the experiences gained in the current
change (adaptation) and give new life to vacant property. pilot areas to other area development projects that will
be launched in Rotterdam over the next few years. Our
We aim to achieve this by means of measures which objective is to apply this methodology in all new area
include the following: development projects, to ensure that sustainable areas
will be the norm instead of the exception.
• In every development project, we will consider the
interconnection of aspects such as green outdoor
spaces, air quality, sustainable construction, reuse
of property, affordability and accessibility, as well
as noise and due consideration for an exercise-
friendly layout (encouraging cycling and walking),
and implement the projects accordingly. Obviously,
the developers of these areas will have the major
responsibility for this. In many cases, this concerns
property developers, housing associations, and other
market players rather than the municipality itself, as
well as growing numbers of ‘smaller’ parties that have
joined the market in recent years (think of collective
private commissioning and self-builds). Over the next
few years, the City Council will focus explicitly on
facilitating and providing framework conditions for this.
30 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 31“ In my view, power generation
deserves a more sustainable approach,
with more wind energy and solar
“ Hot groundwater that is stored at a depth
of 2 to 3 kilometres below ground level can
be used to heat surface water, which in turn
energy.” can be used to heat municipal or corporate
buildings.”
Montessir Karroumi
Mario Huiberts
32 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 33Energy
Aim 2: savings for
Cleaner energy at lower costs residents
R
Energy conservation will reduce energy bills for otterdam promotes energy-efficiency measures in
Rotterdam generates more renewable energy Rotterdam-based citizens and businesses. We can existing homes by close cooperation with various
than the city’s current total power consumption. A achieve this efficiency through behavioural change, parties in the city. Investing in energy-efficiency
successful grid now connects the city to the port structural measures such as insulation and by generating measures will result in energy savings and reduced
complex, and the residual heat recovered from the our own energy, for instance by using solar panels. We energy bills, while at the same time increasing the level
port heats and cools at least half of all homes and will reinforce the urban energy-efficiency programme for of comfort in homes. Furthermore, they will upgrade the
buildings. Renewable solar and wind energy plus the built environment (Acceleration010), and invest in energy performance label of the home, increasing its
energy savings will result in lower energy bills for energy efficiency in commercial property. value at the time of a future sale.
the citizens of Rotterdam by 2030 than they would
be without this renewable energy transition. The aim is to have 150,000 homes connected to the 2013 saw the launch of the Acceleration010 partnership,
heating network by 2035. This will provide affordable, in which the municipality and fifteen partners from
Kortom: weare investing in cleaner reliable and sustainable heating, as well as improved sectors including housing associations, construction
air quality. Furthermore, we set a good example and energy pursue the goal of accelerating the
energy at lower costs. by implementing measures in our own property in implementation of sustainability measures in existing
accordance with the ‘swimming pool approach’ that homes. These homes will be renovated with a focus
was implemented earlier and that helps to recover the on energy efficiency. In total, this will amount to an
costs of energy-efficiency measures through the energy investment of over €67 million in the existing housing
savings achieved. stock. These investments will furthermore facilitate the
creation of additional jobs and work-study programmes.
Wind and solar energy are important for achieving a
clean and future-proof energy supply. The support of We will invest in actions which include the following:
the people of Rotterdam and their awareness of this
are important in this respect, as is a financial return • Improving energy efficiency in 7,000 housing
for the environment. Constructive consultation with the association homes.
stakeholders around us and their involvement are pivotal
to achieving our aim. - Agreements to this effect will form part of the
performance agreements with the individual
housing associations.
- The municipality and housing associations will
act in unison to activate tenants, gain access
to relevant (European) funding sources, and
implement innovations that will enhance and
accelerate this approach.
• Activating owner-occupiers to improve the energy-
efficiency level of 3,000 homes.
- Part of this plan is a specific approach for owners’
associations to improve the energy-efficiency
level of 1,500 apartments. A special owners’
associations’ desk has been set up and we
organise workshops on this.
- Residents are informed, activated and facilitated to
increase their awareness, take firm measures and
adapt their behaviour to energy-saving lifestyles.
34 | Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change 2015-2018 | 35You can also read
