Over €2 million for sustainability of social housing
On May 6, 2025 Alderman Bouke Velzen (municipality of Zoetermeer), Aniel Ramawadh (housing corporation Vidomes) and Mariëtte Heemskerk (housing corporation De Goede Woning) signed the covenant "Measures against energy poverty. Thanks to support of over 2 million euros from the national government to the municipality, the housing corporations can take extra energy-saving measures at a part of their social housing. Such as insulating the cavity, floor, facade and replacing glass. These improvements help reduce energy consumption, lower energy costs and increase comfort in the home. Many residents at risk of energy poverty live in social housing. Therefore, this cooperation between the municipality and housing corporations is important for achieving energy-saving measures.
Councilman Bouke Velzen of Poverty Policy, Sustainability and Energy Transition said, "This is a great opportunity to make social housing more energy efficient and lower energy costs for our residents. Together we are fighting energy poverty and building a sustainable future."
On behalf of the Zoetermeer housing associations, Aniel Ramawadh, director at Vidomes, says that this support is very welcome at this time: "I am happy with this contribution to make some of our social housing in Zoetermeer more energy efficient. I am very concerned about the high energy costs of our tenants. This is because the proposed rent freeze hits a hole in our investment budget, forcing us to make choices in making our homes more sustainable and/or building new homes."
Energy-saving products and savings advice for vulnerable households
The State already made money available in 2022 and 2023 to households in a vulnerable position because of increased energy costs. Through the "Energy Help at Home" action, more than 2,000 owner-occupied and rented homes were helped by energy helpers with small energy-saving products such as LED bulbs, radiator foil and draft strips. In addition, residents also received concrete advice and tips on how to save more energy at home.
Energy Desk Zoetermeer
Want to know what other steps tenants and other Zoetermeer residents can take to make their homes more energy efficient? Visit www.energieloketzoetermeer.nl, for more information.
