Sustainability
We are working to develop a district where people enjoy living, working and spending their leisure time. This is only possible if sustainability is the starting point in everything we do in the public realm and when building housing, offices and amenities. We are working together with developers, contractors and civil-society partners to make Zuidas into a green, healthy, clean and energy-neutral neighbourhood.
Zuidas is becoming one of the Netherlands’ most densely built-up neighbourhoods. We are committed to ensuring that Zuidas becomes a sustainable neighbourhood. So, what exactly does that mean?
Water
Zuidas is working to develop a water-neutral neighbourhood. We are achieving this by providing more space for water. We are also ensuring that water is kept for longer on the roofs, in the streets and in the (pocket) parks. Space for water in Zuidas is not only useful, but also attractive and beneficial. Water helps ensure that plants and animals have a healthy habitat, provides cooling and creates leisure activities.
Green spaces
Green spaces are essential in order to live a pleasant life in the city. This is particularly the case for such a densely built-up area as Zuidas. We are therefore investing heavily in making the neighbourhood greener. This ensures that it is a pleasant place for people, plants and animals. In order to achieve that in an area where space is in short supply, we aim to achieve the highest possible quality of green spaces: in terms both of biodiversity and the experience itself.
Energy
Zuidas aims to consume as little energy as possible. Any new buildings must meet very high energy standards: on balance, generating as much energy as they consume. New offices and homes are being built without gas connections. Where possible, they make use of local sources of energy, such as thermal energy storage systems and district heating. Energy is also generated on the roofs of the buildings.
Circularity
Zuidas has the ultimate aim of becoming a waste-free neighbourhood. This can be achieved by using waste as a raw material in creating new materials and products. As a result, Zuidas will become circular.
This is still a work in progress. We are already challenging developers to apply circular construction. This can be achieved through flexible design, making buildings that can also be used for other purposes. It is also possible to use construction materials that have a long and ultimately unlimited lifespan because they can be reused. Of course, Zuidas is also working on the separated collection of waste, which will make circularity easier.
