International visitors for POCITYF in Alkmaar
This week, all participating cities in the European POCITYF project will gather in Alkmaar. Officials and organizations implementing sustainable solutions in Évora (Portugal), Bari (Italy), Celje (Slovenia), Granada (Spain), Hvidovre (Denmark), Ioannina (Greece), and Újpest (Hungary) will observe and learn from all the sustainable developments in 'POCITYF' Alkmaar. All share the same goal: making historic cities more sustainable by preserving their original cityscapes.
Alkmaar smarter, greener and more livable
The POCITYF project was launched to make historic cities like Alkmaar greener, smarter, and more livable. Along with the Portuguese city of Évora, Alkmaar is a "lighthouse city," or model city. POCITYF aims to create "energy-positive" buildings or areas. This means that buildings produce more sustainable energy than they consume.
The POCITYF project is being carried out in Alkmaar by the municipality of Alkmaar, New Energy Coalition, housing associations Van Alckmaer and Woonwaard, InVesta, Firan, Neroa, InHolland, TNO, HCV and Connexxion.
Being part of the POCITYF project ensures that we are a role model in the energy transition. As a municipal organization, we strive to continuously make our buildings more sustainable. The energy-positive De Meent sports centre is a prime example. Involving local residents in the various phases of sustainable projects is a key success factor.
- Christian Schouten, Alderman for Sustainability of Alkmaar
Get to know some highlights of POCITYF Alkmaar
Circularly insulated homes in Bloemwijk
"Providing pleasant, energy-efficient, and affordable homes in a pleasant living environment" is the mission of housing association Van Alckmaer for the new Bloemwijk district. A total of over 160 homes in the district will be demolished. New houses and apartments will be built in their place, including 11 single-family homes and 42 apartments within the POCITYF project. The homes are insulated with circular insulation materials, the roofs are equipped with solar panels, and heat pumps provide heating and hot water. In addition, five homes have batteries to store electricity for later use.
Heating with an ice machine in the De Meent sports complex
No fewer than 2.650 solar panels have been installed at the De Meent sports complex. The electricity generated by the solar panels is stored in a battery. With the help of the POCITYF subsidy, a unique heating system has also been installed at the sports complex: the system uses the residual heat from the ice rink's ice machine to provide both heating and cooling for the sports complex. The building also features sustainable cooling and an energy network that manages energy production and consumption as efficiently as possible. This makes De Meent a leading example of sustainability for other (sports) buildings.
Less energy for Noordertogt apartment building
Housing corporation Woonwaard installed no fewer than 910 solar panels on the roof and gable end of the apartment building on Van de Veldelaan in Alkmaar. The solar panels generate 100% of the apartment building's electricity needs. To conserve energy, the roof has been insulated with circular roofing, and the heating and ventilation systems have been improved. The surplus electricity generated by the solar panels on the gable end is also stored in two batteries. This allows the sustainable electricity to be used later for the building's central services (lighting and elevators).
Together with the people of Alkmaar
Besides all the sustainable renovations, POCITYF also focuses on involving residents in sustainability. For example, through the TIPPING method, a unique way for Alkmaar entrepreneurs and residents active in various sectors to generate ideas together. The municipality, in collaboration with Junior IOT, also organizes sustainability-related competitions for children. For example, the "School Reinventing Cities" project will launch in the spring. Using the Minecraft computer program, primary school students will make the former gas site on Helderseweg self-sufficient in terms of energy, food, and construction.
Read more about POCITYF on the project page.