More than €2 million for the sustainability of social housing
On 6 May 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 more than 2 million euros from the government to the municipality, housing corporations can take additional energy-saving measures in some of their social housing. Such as insulating the cavity, floor, facade and replacing glass. These improvements contribute to reducing energy consumption, reducing energy costs and increasing comfort in the home. Many residents at risk of energy poverty live in social housing. This collaboration between the municipality and housing corporations is therefore important for realising energy-saving measures.
Alderman Bouke Velzen of Poverty Policy, Sustainability and Energy Transition says: "This is a great opportunity to make social housing more energy-efficient and to reduce energy costs for our residents. Together we are fighting energy poverty and building a sustainable future."
On behalf of the Zoetermeer housing corporations, Aniel Ramawadh, director at Vidomes, indicates that this support is extremely welcome, especially now: "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. The proposed rent freeze will create a hole in our investment budget, which means that we will have to make choices in making our homes and/or new homes more sustainable."
Energy-saving products and savings advice for vulnerable households
In 2022 and 2023, the government already made money available to households in a vulnerable position due to increased energy costs. Through the 'Energy help at home' campaign, more than 2,000 owner-occupied and rented homes were helped by energy workers with small energy-saving products such as LED lamps, radiator foil and draught strips. In addition, residents also received concrete advice and tips to save more energy at home.
Energy Desk Zoetermeer
Would you like to know what other steps tenants and other residents of Zoetermeer can take to make their homes more energy efficient? Visit www.energieloketzoetermeer.nl , for more information.
