Klimaataanpak en LR

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how can we make

Limburg climate neutral

by 2020?

Limburg climate policy approach

climateneutral

Limburg

goes


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Limburgs location

Limburg combines the best of Flanders with the opportunities that Europe has to

offer. Limburg is in the northeast of Belgium, at the heart of Europe. It borders

on the Netherlands, Germany and the Belgian provinces of Flemish Brabant, Ant-

werp and Lige. In the east, the river Meuse forms a natural border with Dutch

Limburg.

Limburg is easily accessible. Three main roads cross the region: the motorways

E313 (Antwerp-Lige) and E314 (Brussels/Leuven-Aachen) and the Albert Canal.

The public transport network also offers several possibilities.

Facts & Figures

Surface area: 242,231 ha

Provincial capital: Hasselt

Number of municipalities: 44

Number of residents: 851,803 352 residents/km

(figures from 2012-01-01)

(Source: Federal Public Service Internal Affairs)


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Organisation

The province assists the municipalities and the Flemish and federal govern-

ments. It is responsible for the implementation of certain tasks and can rely on

its own administration to do so. The provincial government also has the space to

develop its own policy for Limburg.

The provincial council is the main governing body. The council is composed

based on direct elections. The number of councillors is determined by the num-

ber of inhabitants. The current council has 75 members. The provincial council

may formulate proposals and launch initiatives of provincial interest by way ofcouncil decisions and regulations.

The provincial executive is responsible for the daily management of the province,

prepares the decisions of the provincial council and executes these later. The

Limburg provincial executive is composed of the governor-chairman, six com-

missioners and the county clerk.

The governor is the representative of the federal and regional government, and a

major player in provincial policy.

The administration ensures that the provincial councils policy takes shape and

that provincial executive decisions can be implemented in practice.


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how can we make

Limburg climate neutralby 2020?

Limburg climate policy approach

1. Limburg and the green gold era ................................... 15

2. The Limburg climate change study ................................ 21

3. Climate policy in practice ............................................... 29

4. Climate neutrality as a business model ........................63


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inhoud

Limburg puts climate change on the map .....................................................7

Frank Smeets, Commissioner for the Environment Province of Limburg

Limburgs efforts from a European perspective ...........................................11

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council

Limburgs future ........................................................................................ 13

Herman Reynders, Provincial Governor Province of Limburg

1. Limburg and the green gold era ................................... 15

A changing world ....................................................................................... 15

Europe sets clear targets............................................................................. 16

The five pillars of the third industrial revolution......................................... 17

Limburg in action ....................................................................................... 18Limburg, the greenest province in Flanders ................................................ 19

2. The Limburg climate change study ................................ 21

The definition of climate neutral ................................................................ 21

The baseline ...............................................................................................24

The reference scenario ...............................................................................24

The 2020 scenario ......................................................................................24

The visionary scenario: step by step towards a sustainable province ..........27

3. Climate policy in practice ............................................... 29

The Limburg Climate Parliament ...............................................................30

Track 1: The companies ..............................................................................36

Track 2: 44 Limburg climate municipalities ............................................... 41

Track 3: 850,000 Limburg climate change ambassadors ............................54

Track 4: The provincial government sets a good example ...........................59

4. Climate neutrality as a business model ........................63

A new start .................................................................................................63Limburgs head start ..................................................................................64

The future ..................................................................................................65


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7

Limburg puts climatechange on the map

Dear reader,

The last three international climate conferencesCopenhagen in 2009, Cancun

in 2010 and Durban in 2011did little to improve the situation. The problem of

global warming and its disastrous consequences for a large proportion of the

world populationespecially the very pooresthas been scientifically provenand requires immediate action. But world leaders have so far failed to conclude

a global agreement. They seem stuck in power structures and their oil-driven

economic model.

According to the latest aims set in Durban, world leaders will seek to agree on

measures that will enter into force from 2020 to keep the average rise in tempera-

ture below the critical level of 2C. Perhaps it will already be too late by then. The

current average increase is already at 1.5C. As we continue to emit greenhouse

gases en massemost of which cannot be broken down by natureit will not be

easy to reverse this trend.

The solution will therefore have to be a bottom-up, rather than a top-down one.

Instead of waiting for international agreements to be imposed from above, we

must implement solutions at both the regional and local level. All the great re-

volutions of the past have emerged from social movements. This is why we are

launching an appeal to all 850,000 Limburgers to make their lifestyles more en-

vironmentally conscious. And to help make changes in production and consump-

tion patterns. Because if you want to change the world, youre better off starting

with yourself.This is why we in Limburg have put together a comprehensive ambition: Lim-

burg goes climate neutral. This publication goes on to explain how Limburg has

approached this ambitious policy.

In the first chapter, we outline international and European approaches in terms

of climate and energy.

In the second chapter, we summarise the key figures from the Limburg climate

study Total CO2 Action Plan (TACO2).

4HamCogen Biomass Plant - Ham Robin Reynders, province of Limburg


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how can we make limburg climate neutral by 2020? | limburg climate policy approach

The Limburg Climate Parliament is discussed in the third chapter. This unique

structure consists of employer and worker organisations, environmental organi-

sations, socio-cultural organisations, research institutes and Limburg ETS com-

panies. These are companies that account for a large share of CO2 emissions

and are therefore included in the European emissions trading system (or ETS for

short).

Following this, the Limburg four-track approach is discussed.

1. 1. Limburg companies can count on the impact of cleantech. Cleantechplat-

form.be and the new Limburg I-Cleantech Antenna support business initia-

tives aimed at attaining climate neutrality. Eleven thematic do tanks are cur-

rently expanding on the TACO2 study and formulating project ideas suppor-

ted by the companies. Thanks to the Limburg Reconversion Society (LRM1)

and the Limburg Climate Fund, Limburg has the leverage to make capital

available to companies and climate projects. Energyville in Genk and Green-Ville in Houthalen-Helchteren make Limburg a Flemish and European region

of knowledge in terms of energy and cleantech.

2. 2. All 44 municipalities in Limburg agreed to a dual commitment in 2011.

First they confirmed (or reconfirmed) their participation in the European Co-

venant of Mayors. And as well as this, each municipality is working towards

the provincial climate change aims. In 2012, the municipalities drafted their

climate plan. This will result in municipal activities and investments in cli-

mate and energy.

3. 3. We want to convince all 850,000 Limburgers of the benefits of energy-effi-

cient heating with the new campaign Warm Limburg (2012-2014). This cam-

paign is the successor of Every day is SUNday (2007-2008) and Limburg In-

sulates (2009-2011). The Infrax figures prove the success of both campaigns.

We aim to continue this positive trend with the Warm Limburg campaign.

4. 4. The provincial government is setting a good example in 2012 by implemen-

ting several large solar projects in its own buildings. Electric service vehicles

are being put into use and, in 2012, the province is dedicating five million

euros to making state buildings more energy-efficient.

In the fourth and final section, we look to the future. The first bricks of the path

to climate neutrality have been laid. Limburg has everything it takes to play a sig-

nificant role in a global transition to a sustainable economy based on renewable

energy.

As commissioner for the environment, I would like to thank all the organisations

and companies who have participated in the climate change parliament as well as

the do tanks, all Limburg municipalities and all employees at the Department of

1. Limburgse ReconversieMaatschappij


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the Environment and Nature and other relevant provincial departments for their

cooperation. The design and implementation of an ambitious policy is only pos-

sible if everyone cooperates.

Finally I would like to thank all Limburgers for their support and all the energy-

efficient investments that have already been made and that will be made in the

future. Together we can put climate change on the map. In our first publication, Ispoke about our unique Limburg feeling. We should cherish that feeling, because

it is the key to our success!

Happy reading.

Frank Smeets

Commissioner for the Environment

Province of Limburg


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European Council


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Limburgs efforts froma European perspective

Specific climate and energy objectives are included in Europes 2020 growth stra-

tegy: 20% renewables, 20% more energy efficiency and 20% less CO2 emissions.

The province of Limburg is setting a good example with its Limburg goes climate

neutral in 2020 campaign. By focusing on growth sectors like renewable energy,

energy-neutral and energy-positive buildings and neighbourhoods, methods for

energy storage, smart energy networks and electronic transport, Limburg is ma-king brave choices. The fact that all 44 cities and municipalities in Limburg have

signed the European Covenant of Mayors is a unique achievement. In the 2050

Roadmap, the European Union has set a path towards low carbon economy. I am

very pleased that a Belgian province has contributed to this. Limburg has chosen

for the future and is doing this in collaboration with local businesses, research

institutions, civil society and the Limburgers themselves. This should be sup-

ported.

Herman Van Rompuy

President of the European Council


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European Union


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Limburgs future

Dear reader, Limburg has always been a province which is strongly committed

to nature, ecology and environmental quality. The ambitions linked to Limburg

goes climate neutral in 2020 means that our province wants to ensure that this

region continues to be a nice place to live in the future.

The transition to a society which keeps the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas

emissions to a minimum is ultimately inevitable. Given this, it is in our nature

in Limburg to aim to be a leader and top of the class in achieving this. This is

already evident from the strong involvement of organisations and companies inthe Climate Parliament, in which all sections of society are represented and all

members confirmed their commitment to contribute to Limburg being climate

neutral by 2020.

Working to achieve climate neutrality by 2020 means that we will soon all have

to learn to approach certain things in a different way. In return for this effort, we

will get a region which is even nicer and healthier to live in. The pursuit of climate

neutrality offers numerous economic opportunities to businesses because they

can be leaders in clean technology and the innovation that leads to a sustainable

economy.

Our transition to climate neutrality doesnt just send a signal to our province,

country and the European Union, but also to the rest of the world. As a relatively

small region, these ambitious efforts put us in a positive light, and focus on our

potential. Entering into a partnership with the Chinese Jiangsu provincethe

heartland of green technology in Chinafor example, is as a direct result of our

climate change plan. I am very proud and honoured that we will be presenting

the Chinese version of this publication at the China International Import Expo

in Jiangsu, an exhibition focusing on environmentally friendly technology. Theinterest from China strengthens my belief that our transition to climate neutra-

lity will contribute to attracting new CO2-neutral businesses to our province,

and creating new jobs. We are particularly targeting businesses which manage

to reconcile ecology with economy. Establishing themselves in a climate-neutral

region is a unique asset and strong mark of quality for progressive companies

like these.

Herman Reynders

Provincial Governor Province of Limburg


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1. Limburg and thegreen gold era

We are on the verge of a new energy era. During the next

decades, our reserves will be exhausted. Governments of oil-

producing and -consuming countries must prepare for it now.

Fatih Birol, Chief Economist at the International Energy Agency

The first industrial revolution with its insatiable appetite for fossil fuels trans-

formed Limburg from an agricultural region into a province with a number of

important industrial centres. Coal or black gold, as it was called at the time, me-

ant an impressive increase in employment and prosperity in the region between

1917 and 1992. Now that the last coal mine closed down twenty years ago and

reconversion has been made a reality, Limburg is taking a pioneering role in the

era of green gold. The new industrial revolution is all about sustainability, reuse

of resources and minimal environmental impact. Limburg is rapidly preparing

for a future without fossil fuels, including renewable energy, climate-friendly

agriculture and industry, energy-efficient buildings and transport with low CO2

emissions. By making quick work of these necessary adjustments, the province

will take the lead and its economy and the health of its inhabitants will benefit.

A changing world

A worldwide transition is underway which aims to both make industrial proces-

ses, agricultural techniques, energy production, heating and transportation moreenergy efficient, as well as to encourage all these sectors to gradually switch to re-

newable energy sources. This is not only necessary because emissions from fossil

fuel combustion seriously threaten the climate, but also because oil is becoming

increasingly expensive. We must act quickly, because the oil, coal and natural

gas reserves are finite. Soon rather than late, we will need to be able to live in a

world without fossil fuels. The province of Limburg aims to be one of the first to

be completely ready for this.

Insulation materials Robin Reynders, province of Limburg


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In 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, 37 countries committed to reducing their greenhouse

gas emissions by an average of 5.2% between 1998 and 2002 and to do so in re-

lation to their 1990 emissions. In the end, 55 countries undertook to reduce their

emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), N2O (laughing gas or nitrous

oxide) and fluorinated gases. CO2 is largely produced by human activities, such

as burning fossil fuels and industrial processes. More than half of the methaneon earth comes from human activities such as agriculture, animal husbandry

and processing household waste. Laughing gas is mainly produced in agriculture,

chemistry and the combustion of fossil fuels. Finally, fluorinated hydrocarbons

are used primarily as a coolant, as a solvent and in the production of aluminium.

The Climate Conference in Durban 2011 proposed an extension of the Kyoto Pro-

tocol. Awareness is increasing globally that it is more necessary than ever to curb

greenhouse gas emissions and to invest in clean technology. It was decided in

Durban that a binding global climate plan should be made in 2015 which would

come into force in 2020. The Peoples Republic of China also included somegreen highlights in its 2011 five-year plan.

Europe sets clear targets

Along with all other European countries, Belgium has committed to further redu-

cing its greenhouse gas emissions. Initially, Europe aimed to reduce emissions by

20% by 2020 as compared to 1990, combined with an increase of 20% of renew-

able energy in energy supply and 20% more energy efficiency. Meanwhile there

have been calls to cut back emissions by more than 20% by 2020.

The European Commission has now set out these aims and ambitions in its

Roadmap for moving to a competitive low-carbon economy in 2050. This analy-

sis by the European Commission shows that a 25% reduction of greenhouse gas

emissions would be cost-efficient by 2020. This increases up to a 40% reduction

in emissions by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 80% by 2050. This gives rise to the fol-

lowing picture for all sectors combined.


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0 %

20 % 20 %

40 %

60 % 60 %

80 %

100 %

1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Energy sector

Current policy

Housing and services

Industry

Transport

Non-CO2producing agriculture

Other non-CO2

producing sectors

Roadmap 2050 - European Union

The 2050 Roadmap also teaches us what this transition to a low carbon economy

could mean in terms of costs, benefits and jobs. The EU is counting on an ad-

ditional annual investment of 270 billion, funded by industry and governments.

The resulting increased energy efficiency and a shift to low-carbon energy sour-

ces will produce a saving of between 175 and 320 billion euros per year over a

period of 40 years. This transition will give rise to a great revival in employment

opportunities, not only in the renewable energy sector but also in construction,

for example. To illustrate: during the last five years, employment in the rene-

wable energy sector in the EU has more than doubled from 230,000 to 550,000

jobs. By 2020, the choice for a low carbon economy with a 25% reduction in emis-

sions could lead to 1.5 million new jobs. After all, reducing emissions leads to an

increase of public transport use and a shift to electric transportation, as well as

improving air quality and thus public health.

The five pillars of the third industrial revolution

The visionary author Jeremy Rifkin, adviser to the EU and German Chancellor

Angela Merkel among others, is convinced that we are now at the beginning of

a new era: the third industrial revolution. He imagines a world in which internet

technology and renewable energy go hand in hand and where millions of homes,

offices and factories produce their own green energy and share this with each

other in an energy internet, just like people today share knowledge and are crea-


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tive on the worldwide web. For Rifkin, the third industrial revolution is based on

five pillars, which all need to be present to make a society based on renewable

energy possible. To do this, we need to (1) make the transition to renewable ener-

gy, (2) convert our buildings to renewable energy plants, (3) ensure the storage

of this renewable energy in the form of hydrogen, batteries and other possible

storage methods, (4) manage and distribute this energy through smart grids and(5) transition to electric or fuel cell powered vehicles.

Smartgrids Roadmap 2050 - European Union

Limburg in action

In Limburg, the transition from central energy systems (oil, gas, coal, nuclear)

to decentralised energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, ...) is already visi-

ble. At the end of 2011, Limburg had 23 wind turbines with an average power of

3.5 MW, and over 31,000 solar panel installations with a combined capacity of

290,000 kWp at its disposal. Limburg is assuming the installation of 150 poten-tial wind turbines on its territory, of which 86 (on 31 December 2011) have already

been given an environmental permit. There are also large biomass projects in the

pipeline which could provide for a CO2 reduction of over 2 million tonnes during

the next few years.

In accordance with the European framework, the Flemish climate policy for 2013-

2020 chose a combination of mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (re-

ducing the negative effects of climate change and harnessing its positive effects).

From 2013 onwards, Flanders may be able to use the profits from auctioning

(1)

(5)(4)

(3)

(2)


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emission rights to finance the Flemish climate policy. The province of Limburg

is making full use of the tools provided by other policy levels. But the provincial

government has always been a pioneer in the field of the environment and nature.

Limburg, the greenest province in Flanders

Limburg is the greenest province in Flanders. With more than 50 000 hectares

of forests, it stands head and shoulders above the rest of Flanders. Limburg is

not only home to unique forests, wildlife and landscapes, the range of species

living there is also striking. Ninety per cent of typical Flemish animals and plants

are to be found in Limburg and many rare and endangered species are exclusive

to Limburg. This is why Limburg was a partner for Countdown 2010, a Euro-

pean initiative to stop the loss of biodiversity by 2010. In 2008, spurred on by the

provincial government, all Limburg municipalities will become partners. In the

coming years, the province will remain committed to biodiversity, for exampleby way of its participation in the UN initiative Decade of Biodiversity 2011-2020

and the Limburg species project.

The concern for biodiversity goes hand in hand with a focus on the climate. A

climate with rising temperatures will have additional impacts on biodiversity.

Conversely, nature is needed to temper the impact of climate change such as

floods and droughts. Natural systems can store CO2. A natural floodplain pre-

vents downstream residential areas from flooding. Eleven Major Landscape

Units (GLEs2) chosen based on their distinctive landscape features, provide the

basis for targeted actions regarding biodiversity and landscape. By using nature

connections between green core areas, the province would like to improve the

resilience of species and their habitats.

The conservation of biodiversity and the fight against global warming fits with

the efforts to create a more sustainable Limburg, a place where future genera-

tions will also enjoy living, without other areas in the world having to suffer. The

interests of people, the environment and the economy need to be balanced with

each other as well as possible, and climate change targets should be given a place

in all policy areas and sectors of the province.

Municipalities adopt Limburg species

The province of Limburg is very rich in species: over 90% of Flemish plant and

animal species can be found there. Some are doing well, others are having a har-

der time. Just as in the rest of the world, an increasing number of plant and

animal species have an ever smaller area to live on. Since 2006, the Limburg pro-

ject Municipalities adopt Limburg species has attempted to do something about

2. Grote Landschappelijke Eenheden


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this. First, the province mapped out which endangered species were typical of

each municipality. All 44 municipalities in Limburg adopted one of these species

and promised to give them extra attention. Meanwhile, all municipalities with

environmental associations have developed specific action plans for each spe-

cies. Municipalities have made the changeover to ecological verge management,

hedgerows have been constructed and various habitats have been taken care of.Many species have shown an improvement. Several other Flemish provinces have

followed Limburgs example.

A strong climate policyas part of sustainable developmentis an open one.

Issues such as biodiversity, commodities, materials, water, ... and social effects

should be taken into consideration in all decisions.

Global warming is a global problem which Limburgs population of 850,000

inhabitants and its economic and social developments contribute to. For years,

Limburg has been trying to reduce this impact by focusing on sustainable buil-ding and lifestyles, rational energy use, sustainable water management, the in-

stallation of renewable energy production, with successful campaigns like Every

day is SUNday (regarding solar energy), Limburg Insulates and the recently

launched Warm Limburg (regarding sustainable heating systems).

On 18 June 2009, the Limburg Provincial Council committed to making the pro-

vince climate neutral by 2020. The Board did not just do that for the benefit of the

climate, the environment and biodiversity, but also because these efforts could

potentially offer unique opportunities for the economy and for Limburgs com-

petitiveness. The time had come for new and more extensive steps to be taken.

A sounder scientific basis was needed in order to be able to implement an ef-

ficient and effective climate change policy. This is why a studywhich you can

read more about in the next chapterwas carried out in 2010.


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2. The Limburgclimate change study

It is technically possible to be CO2 neutral by 2020.

Study consortium led by VITO, TACO2 study.

When the province of Limburg announced its aim to be climate neutral by 2020,

this was done under the name TACO2 (Total CO2 Action Plan). The idea met withsome scepticism. That is perfectly understandable. The province of Limburg does

have a long tradition of successful energy campaigns to build on, but raising the

bar so high compared to the rest of the world is something else entirely. Even so,

the provincial government believes that setting a target date in the near future is

necessary in order to start changing now and to make progress which will deliver

benefits in all areas.

Before we turn to the Limburg approach in the next chapter, it is important to

first define the concept of climate neutrality more precisely. The province com-

missioned a scientific study to ascertain the feasibility of its ambitious objectives.

Under the leadership of VITO3, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research,

a consortium carried out research into whether it would be feasible to achieve

climate neutrality by 2020. The consortium described how Limburg could best go

about tackling the transition and what pitfalls would need to be avoided.

The definition of climate neutral

The province of Limburg aims to tackle the emission of all major greenhouse gas-es and is therefore also including CO2, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)

in its figures. Hence the choice for the more general term climate neutral rather

than the more specific CO2-neutral. The figures are expressed in CO2-equival-

lents.

Limburg is committed to climate neutrality on its own territory, in other words

achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in Limburg

and what is absorbed by nature and the soil. The board has therefore decided

3. Vlaamse Instelling voorTechnologisch Onderzoek


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The Energy Harvester harvesting shortrotation wood (biomass) with willowin the doublerow planting system. Inagro vzw


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news is that the options to achieve that goal are rather limited. After all, the

timing of 2020 limits the range of possibilities to technology which is availa-

ble today. All measures from the 2020 scenario result in an overall balance

between the emission and absorption of greenhouse gas emissions and help

make Limburg climate neutral by 2020. A complete overview of this is to be

found in the publication How to make Limburg climate neutral by 2020. Resultsof the TACO2 study and the English summary which can be downloaded from

www.limburgklimaatneutraal.be.

Results of the baseline, reference scenario and the 2020-scenario

-2 000

-1 000

0

1 000

2 000

3 000

4 000

5 000

6 000

7 000

8 000

9 000

10 000

Baseline2008

REF2020

TACO22020

Agriculture & Nature (emissions)

Trade and servicesIndustry

Households

Transport

Energy sector

Agriculture & Nature (capture)

(ktCO2

eq.)

The marginal cost curve for this scenario shows that the measures to reduce the

last tonnes of CO2 would be very expensive, but also that a series of financialmeasures would be interesting because they are cost-effective or even generate

revenue. This allows a cost-neutral set to be put together: Limburg could save 3

of the 10 million tonnes of CO2 at no extra cost at the provincial level. If existing

support measures used by higher authorities are taken into account, then this

could even reach 5 million tonnes of CO2.


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Marginal cost curve for the 2020-scenario. Left: measures with negative

costs (or revenues). Right: measures with high costs. In between:

measures with a marginal cost per tonne of CO2between 0 and 100.

The implementation of all measures is required to achieve climate

neutrality.

Marginalcost(/tonneofCO2eq.)

CO2 eq. reductions (kt)

-500

0

500

1 000

1 500

2 000

2 500

3 000

3 500

9 0008 0007 0006 0005 0004 0003 0002 0001 000

payable measures charged to a very high cost per tonne of CO2(over 100)

payable measures charged to a cost per tonne of CO2between 0 and 100

profitable measures (no regret)

Besides the high cost of the last measures, there are significant downsides to the

2020 scenario. This scenario makes Limburg too dependent on partly external

biomass which may not always be sustainable. It is also unfortunate that the

2020 scenarios short time horizon may not take account of promising innovati-

ons like geothermal energy (terrestrial heat) and carbon capture, also known as

CCS (carbon capture and storage). After all, local resistance to the siting of wind

turbines and biogas plantswhich can be high at timesteaches us that just

because something is technologically feasible, this does not mean that it actuallygets realised in practice. The lack of a market response, social resistance and ad-

ministrative issues such as licensing may inhibit certain developments.

The study consortium was therefore requested to draw up a visionary roadmap

alongside the 2020 scenario that looks further into the future and takes the above

concerns into account.


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The visionary scenario: step by steptowards a sustainable province

Like many international climate plans, the visionary scenario takes 2050 as the

end date, with the following interim targets:

1. Limburg aims to reduce emissions by 50% by 2020.2. Limburg aims to achieve optimal renewable energy generation and maximum

energy efficiency by 2050.

3. Limburg is developing an overarching strategy to grow into a sustainable,

resilient and able-bodied province.

The 2050 plan initially makes full use of the momentum generated by vision-

2020. This involves a selection of desirable measures from the 2020 scenario

being used to achieve a significant reduction in emissions by 2020. Limburg does

not just develop and implement next generation technologies for energy produc-tion, but also manages the transition to a resilient, energy-efficient and sustain-

able province. The latter movement does require time to bear fruit, but also offers

the most prosperous perspective for Limburg.


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The visionary reduction scenario with a short-term perspective by 2020

(Target 1) and a long-term perspective by 2050 (Targets 2 and 3)

5000

9000

CO

2

reduction(ktCO2

eq.)

Jaar

Target 1 Targets 2 en 3

20202008 2030 2050

profitable measures (no regret), optimumself-sufficiency and energy efficiency, investmentsin promising long-term measures

small geothermal plants, sustainablebiomass, smartgrids, ...

large geothermal plants, microbialfuel cells, hydrogen, radical

breakthroughs in wind and solarenergy, ...


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3. Climate policyin practice

I have a lot of admiration for the province of Limburgs ambition

which matches that of our country to be climate neutral by 2020.

This is an act of solidarity that we as Maldivians value highly,

precisely because it is a matter of life and death for us.

Ali Hussain Didi, Ambassador of the Maldives to Belgium.

Making Limburg climate neutral is only possible if the majority of Limburgers,

businesses and municipalities are convinced of the necessity of this energy and

behavioural revolution. Moreover, the timely and proper steps must be taken and

all parties involved must support and help each other in these efforts. The pro-

vincial government aims to act as both the director and facilitator of this process,

as well as setting a good example itself.

The official launch of Limburg goes climate neutral took place on 20 May 2011

at the first session of the Climate Parliament, the binding element in the four-

pronged approach towards climate neutrality. In this chapter, we elaborate on

what the Climate Parliament is, precisely what the four tracks consist of, what

has already been achieved and what the future may bring.


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Limburg Climate Parliament

Climate neutral Limburg

Limburgcompanies

44Municipalities

850 000Limburgers

Provincialgovernment

The Limburg Climate Parliament

Involvement from society will make or break Limburg goes climate neutral. From

the earliest study stage, all aims were presented to a focus group composed of key

Limburg organisations that had ample opportunity to follow the proceedings, ask

questions and make suggestions. To maintain, and even strengthen, this involve-

ment, a forum was set up following the completion of the study in which Limburg

organisations and companies were able to make their voices heard. This forum

is the Climate Parliament, a broad arena of the most diverse organisations and

companies. The Climate Parliament will meet twice a year, examine the state of

affairs in terms of climate policy, and make recommendations and adjustments

where necessary. The members of the Climate Parliament sit in it voluntarily and

free of charge, but certainly not without obligation. They represent a sample of

Limburg. Through their own operations and/or members, they can make a diffe-rence in terms of climate neutrality. The organisations involved can be classified

into seven groups. Specifically, it includes (in alphabetical order):

Limburg ETS-companies: Aperam Stainless Belgium nv, Borealis Polymers

nv, Celanese nv, DOW Belgium bvba, DSM Specialty Compound nv, E.ON

Benelux, EMGO nv, Farm Frites Belgium nv, Ford Werke GMBH, Ineos Chlo-

rVinyls, Keramo Steinzeug nv, NITTO Europe nv, Norbord nv, Nyrstar Bel-

gium, Pittsburgh Corning Europe nv, SAPPI Lanaken nv, Scana Noliko Groep,

Sibelco nv, Tess Group, Vandersanden Steenfabrieken nv, Visko Teepak nv;


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Business groups: General Farmers Syndicate, Limburg Farmers Union,

Limburg Construction Union, Limburg Confederation of Construction, As-

sociation of Architects, UNIZO4Limburg, VKW5Limburg, VOKA Chamber of

Commerce Limburg non-profit association;

Trade unions: ABVV6Limburg, ACLVB7Limburg, ACV8Limburg;

Public companies: De Lijn Limburg, Infrax, Limburg Tourism Federation,Limburg Reconversion Society (LRM), Limburg.net, NMBS9, NUHMA, Pro-

vincial Development Agency (POM10) Limburg;

Research institutions: Limburg Catholic University College, Provincial Col-

lege of Limburg, University of Hasselt, XIOS11University College Limburg;

Civil society organisations: ACW12, Limburg, Diocese of Limburg, the Fede-

ration for a Better Environment, Chiro Limburg13, Limburg Christian Trade

Unions, Limburg Welfare, Diyanet Belgium14, Limburg Family Union, Belgian

Islamic Federation, Belgian Islamic Association, KAV15 Limburg, KSJ Lim-

burg16, KVLV17 Limburg, KWB18Limburg, Limburg Landscape, NatuurpuntLimburg (Limburg Nature Point), OKRA Limburg19, S-plus, Limburg Scouts

and Guides, Liberal Trade Unions Federation, Flemish Neutral Health Insu-

rance Fund, Liberal Limburg;

Advisory boards: Limburg Health Consultations, Limburg Integration Coun-

cil, Limburg Youth Council, Provincial Environment and Nature Council,

Provincial Council for Cultural Policy, Provincial Council for Senior Citizens,

Provincial Sports Council.

First session of the Limburg Climate Parliament

The Ambassador of the Maldives to Belgium, Ali Hussain Didi, put the work

being done in Limburg into a global perspective during his speech at the first

session of the Climate Parliament on 20 May 2011. The Maldives, a country in

the Indian Ocean consisting of some 1200 small islands which are no more than

2.4 m above sea level, is in danger of being partially submerged under water due

to global warming and rising sea levels. The Republic of the Maldives has also

4. Unie van ZelfstandigeOndernemers Union ofIndependent Entrepreneurs

5. Verbond van KatholiekeWerkgevers Association ofCatholic Employers

6. Algemeen Belgisch Vakverbond -Belgian General Trade Union

7. Algemene Centrale der LiberaleVakbonden van Belgi - GeneralFederation of Liberal TradeUnions of Belgium

8. Algemeen Christelijk Vakverbond- General Christian Trade Union

9. Belgian National RailwayCompany

10. ProvincialeOntwikkelingsmaatschappij

11. eXpertisecentrum voor Industrie,Onderwijs en Samenleving -Centre of expertise for industry,education and society

12. Algemeen ChristelijkWerknemersverbond Confederation of ChristianWorkers

13. A youth movement

14. Turkish Bureau of Religious

Affairs

15. KristelijkeArbeidersvrouwenbeweging Christian Women WorkersMovement

16. Katholieke Studerende Jeugd Catholic Studying Youth

17. Vrouwen met vaart Womenwith momentum

18. Kristelijke Werknemers Beweging- Christian Workers Movement

19. Organisation for the Over 55s


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First sitting of the Limburg Climate Parliament,Hasselt - 20 May 2011. Robin Reynders, provincie of Limburg


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Ali Hussain Didi, the Ambassador of the Maldives to Belgium, put the Limburgclimate aims into a global perspective. Robin Reynders, provincie of Limburg

Commissioner Frank Smeets, Ambassador Ali Hussain Didi, and the membersof the Climate Parliament sign the Limburg climate aims. Robin Reynders, provincie of Limburg


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Limburg gaat

Klimaatneutraal

3

Members of the Climate Parliament present their initiatives.


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Limburg gaat Klimaatneutraal en zoekt

850.000 klimaatambassadeurs. Want elk initiatief telt.

Neemt u ook een initiatief? Laat het dan weten:


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committed to being climate neutral by 2020. It seeks to achieve this by focusing

on renewable energy, butas a small countryit remains dependent on the ef-

forts of other countries to stop climate change. The larger global picture reminds

us that striving for climate neutrality is not only beneficial to Limburg, Flanders,

Belgium and Europe but is also desperately needed for the world as a whole.

A transition such as this to a new economy doesnt just happen overnight. Itrequires a change in mindset, which is initiated by sharing information, raising

awareness and carrying out practical experiments. Thus, small-scale innovations

are tested and evaluated on their desirability, and professionals and installers get

to know new techniques which they then learn to apply on a larger scale.

Second session of the Limburg Climate Parliament

Based on this need for practical experiments, members were asked during the

second session of the Climate Parliament on 26 October 2011, to publicly present

a number of initiatives which they have undertaken. The result was no less thanninety initiatives, from installing solar panels, drawing up mobility plans, inves-

ting in sustainable buildings, heat recovery and other energy-saving measures.

Third session of the Limburg climate change parliament

The next Climate Parliament focuses on cleantech. And, as described below, Lim-

burg will increasingly present itself as a region of knowledge in the future in the

field of cleantech and energy.

Below we elaborate on the four tracks of the Limburg climate policy: the compa-

nies, the municipalities, the Limburgers and the provincial government.

Track 1: The companies

The provincial government actively involves Limburg companies in its climate

policy. Communication with the ETS companies happens in several ways, inclu-

ding through the Climate Parliament. But of course, all companies in Limburg

can seek advice at the cleantech unit.

Cleantech in Limburg

Cleantech literally means clean technology. Stimulated by regulations and their

own commitment to sustainability, all progressive companies are working to re-

duce the amount of waste they produceincluding by closing material loops, the

sustainable use of energy and the avoidance of harmful substances in production

and in their finished products.


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The Cleantech Platform is a platform coordinated by the University of Hasselt,

the Province of Limburg, and the Provincial Development Agency (POM) Lim-

burg. The goal is to strengthen and expand cleantech initiatives in Limburg and

the rest of Flanders.

The substantive work carried out on the Cleantech Platform takes place in ele-ven do tanks. They are working around a specific theme, populated by business

people, investors, trade associations and other associations, research institutes

and government departments. Each do tank works on the basis of the scientific

findings from the climate study and creates project proposals after carrying out

consultations. The focus is on the combination of economic value and environ-

mental benefits, with particular attention being given to initiatives that make a

significant contribution to Limburgs climate change objectives.

Do Tank

Biomass

Do Tank

Industrial estates

Do Tank

Renewable energy

Do Tank

Sustainable building

Do Tank

ETS-companies

Do TankLogistics

Do TankAgriculture

Do TankThe use of materials

Do Tank

Nature

Do Tank

Mobility

Do Tank

Underground

think tank

Cleantech is becoming more visible through the establishment of the non-profit

association I-Cleantech Flanders and its Limburg division, Limburg I-CleantechAntenna. I-Cleantech Flanders will be responsible for the streamlining and coor-

dination of all cleantech initiatives in Flanders. The international promotion of

Flanders as a cleantech region falls under its remit. Limburg I-Cleantech An-

tenna is responsible for the development of ideas from the do tanks into viable

projects. The ideas are financially, technically and legally screened. I-Cleantech

Flanders and Limburg I-Cleantech Antenna are based in GreenVille (Houthalen-

Helchteren).


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Of course, business groups from the Climate Parliament can also develop clean-

tech initiatives. VOKA - Chamber of Commerce Limburg, for instance, has intro-

duced the Limburg Charter of the Environment and Sustainable Enterprise. In

2011, the twelve participating companies reduced their CO2 emissions by 16,150

tonnes. Some of the savings this led to included 1,950 MWh of electricity, 675

MWh of gas, 85,000 litres of oil, 110,000 litres of diesel and 1.7 million km of roadtransport. In 2012, 21 new companies started taking part. Other business organi-

sations such as VKW Limburg, UNIZO Limburg, Limburg Farmers Union, Lim-

burg Construction Union and the Limburg Confederation of Construction have

also undertaken concrete actions.

GreenVille: A unique Cleantech service centre

HUB

The former mining building in Houthalen-Helchteren has been converted into

GreenVille, Centre of Cleantech. Greenville will play the role of Flanders and

Limburgs cleantech service centre. The content focuses on the Cleantech sector

recycling centre, new materials and the underground. There will be 150 peopleworking there once full capacity has been reached. The first inhabitants of Green-

Ville are the staff of I-Cleantech Flanders and Limburg I-Cleantech Antenna. To-

gether with EnergyVille, BioVille and the Hasselt Research Campus, GreenVille

will play an important role in the development of Limburg into a European clean-

tech region.


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Reduce CO2 by 20% by 2014?

When a large company takes an important step and is encouraged and suppor-

ted by the provincial and higher authorities to do so, then giant steps can be

taken within a short period of time. This is evidenced by the plan to make Lan-

gerlo power plant (Genk) climate neutral. The electricity producer E.ONs coal

power plant (556 MW) is currently responsible for approximately 20% of totalCO2 emissions in Limburg. Switching to biomass would make this plant climate

neutral immediately, because then the plant would emit the same amount of CO2

as that which the biomass has absorbed during its growth process. Discussions

between E.ON and the Flemish government regarding a regulatory framework

are due to be rounded off by summer 2012. If that process leads to sufficient sup-

port, then a reconversion will be achievable from 2014, says Michel Groeneveld,

Commercial Project Manager at E.ON Benelux.

The energy producer would invest around 100 million euros to adapt the cen-tre for the combustion of biomass. After the conversion, the plant will be fired

with wood pellets, a residue from the wood and paper industry, says Groene-

veld. The large-scale production of these pellets is situated mostly in North and

South America, but the transport is done using large ships. In the short term, it

is not possible to bring these pellets onto the local market because there is a very

limited availability of pure residual wood here. We are therefore forced to look

outside Europe, though Russia and the Baltic States might offer a solution in the

future.

Transport by ship is not completely climate neutral, but the impact is relatively

limited, Michel Groeneveld notes. Transporting pellets from the USA or Canada

by ship is about ten times more efficient in terms of CO2 emissions than trans-

port by truck in Europe. Moreover, the CO2 impact of sea transport is deducted

during the calculation of green energy certificates.

Groeneveld continues: The conversion to a biomass plant means we can ensure

the employment of approximately 125 colleagues at the plant, a larger number

of these are suppliers and a large number are temporarily employed during theconversion phase. This is by no means unimportant in these economically tur-

bulent times.

Along with the conversion from a coal to biomass power plant, E.ON is consi-

dering the provision of green heat(residual) heat from the production pro-

cessto large-scale consumers and potentially to some areas of Genk. The heat

network would initially deliver heat to Ford Werke GMBH Genk, other industrial

customers in Genk-Zuid, and East Limburg Hospital, says Groeneveld. Residen-

tial customers are also among the possibilities, but that would be mainly newly


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built or renovated areas where the infrastructure is to be adapted to the supply of

heat. A feasibility study is currently being carried out on these projects.

You may wonder whether there will still be a need for a large-scale biomass plant

in Genk after 2025, in a future that may be will be devoted to more decentralised

energy production. Certain parts of the plant, such as the turbine and boiler, datefrom the late seventies, Groeneveld explains. We estimate the technical lifetime

of the current plant at around 12 to 13 years, following some adjustmentsso un-

til approximately 2025. What will come after that is pure conjecture for the time

being. E.ON believes strongly in long-term decentralised energy production, but

is also convinced that centralised energy generation will continue to be necessary

to promote the security of supply and affordability of electricity. With its strategic

location, the Langerlo site is ideally suited to a continued role in energy supply,

even after 2025.

Investing in a green economy

The transition to a clean, sustainable economy is a great opportunity for creating

new jobs, generating profits and attracting new investments, as evidenced by the

Limburg Reconversion Society (LRM) on a daily basis. LRM is a profit-driven in-

vestment company with shares in both SMEs and large enterprises. It specialises

in the technology sectors of ICT & Media, life sciences and cleantech & energy.

Between 2009 and 2011, LRM invested 53 million in the Limburg cleantech sec-

tor, accounting for about a quarter of its total investment during that period.

Globally speaking, cleantech is a sector with enormous future potential, says

Roeland Engelen, Head of Cleantech & Energy at LRM. The need is there, the

social support also. This is why LRM has had a specific investment focus on this

industry for some years.

The Department of Energy & Cleantech rests on three pillars: investing in innova-

tive companies and renewable energy processes, the realisation of sector-specific

real estate, and attracting foreign companies. The unique thing about LRM is

the coupled supply of both capital and infrastructure, says Roeland Engelen.

LRM is participating actively within its domain of expertise in the developmentof a Limburg incubator network. This is why we are establishing the GreenVille-

incubation centre in Houthalen-Helchteren with a focus on the management of

materials and recycling. We are developing the EnergyVille project on the former

mine site at Waterschei (Genk). This will eventually accommodate two hundred

researchers from KULeuven (the Catholic University of Leuven), VITO and the

International Management Education Consultancy (IMEC). These three renow-

ned Flemish research institutes have joined forces to carry out research into re-


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newable energy and the use of smartgrids. Such initiatives are crucial in order to

put Limburg on the European map.

The Limburg Climate Fund

Anyone can invest in and reap the benefits of this new economy, even the ordi-

nary citizen. In early 2012, LRM, Nuhma and LIMCOOP are setting up the Lim-

burg Climate Fund (CVBA - a cooperative company with limited liability). Anyone

can have a share of over 100 euros in this. The money ends up in climate-friendly

investment projects, including initiatives on energy-saving, energy and heat re-

covery, solar power, wind energy, biomass, combined heat and power (CHP) pro-

jects, grouped low-energy housing and residential construction (new buildings

and renovation), hybrid and electric vehicles, LED lighting or heat pumps. Even

members of the Climat Parliament and other climate organisations and busi-nesses can hold shares in the Climate Fund. The projects must meet certain ef-

ficiency standards. Transparency, social relevance and respect for the role and

contribution of all partners are essential to qualify for an investment from the

Climate Fund.

Track 2: 44 Limburg climate municipalities

Limburg was the first province in Europe which managed to get all municipalities

to join the Covenant of Mayors. In this initiative by the European Commission,

municipalities commit themselves to realise the European 20-20-20 goals at the

very least. These commitments include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by

20% by 2020.

The municipalities are closest to the people and can have a major impact on the

pursuit of climate neutrality. Every city and municipality in Limburg has received

its CO2 baseline in 2011, thanks to the joint efforts of the province, Infrax, Lim-

burg Sustainable Building Centre (Dubolimburg) and the Federation for a BetterEnvironment. These organisations will support the cities and municipalities in

drafting and implementing their own climate plans in 2012. This will result in

municipal operations and investments around climate and energy. Through the

provinces Centre for Social Planning, the county municipalities receive an an-

nual data summary (climate basket) which allows them to follow up the results

of their efforts in a straightforward manner. The climate figure basket is a user-

friendly statistical overview of some fifty climate and housing-related factors that

can be used for environmental analysis as a function of climate policy. The cli-


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Provincial Governor Herman Reynders explains Limburgs approach during thethird Covenant of Mayors ceremony in the European Parliament,Brussels - 29 november 2011. European commission


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Third Covenant of Mayors ceremony. Local and regional authorities arecommitted to implement the European 20-20-20 goals.Brussel - 29 november 2011. European commission


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mate basket contains, for example, specific data on energy consumption, energy

efficiency investments and renewable energy, but also on social housing, building

permits and land use.

Sustainability is more than renewable energy

Wim Dries is the Mayor of Genk, the third largest industrial city in Flanders. Likeall other municipalities in the province of Limburg, Genk is committed to striving

towards climate neutrality. To the mayor, this means going far beyond switching

to renewable energy sources. Climate neutrality requires a genuine social revo-

lution.

The municipality should strive for climate neutrality, we need the citizens to get

fired up about this and to attract companies and thus to create a new dynamic.

That is just the beginning, says Wim Dries. Genk is trying to be an innovative

city in which sustainability is essential. This is not just a matter of solar panels,

but another way of doing things. Our starting point in this is Corporate SocialResponsibility. Passive houses and solar panels are very important, but they

should fit into a certain philosophy.

Wim Dries is convinced that Genk holds the trump cards in order to play a lea-

ding role in the new economy, as they have done so often in the past. Our coal

industry meant we were leaders in the first industrial revolution. We were pio-

neers in the second industrial revolution with Ford Werke GMBH and Arcelor

Mittal. We are now trying to take the lead in the third industrial revolution with

renewable energy as an engine and with creativity as an important commodity,

especially through projects like C-mine and EnergyVille. We are very pleased that

the research institutes have chosen Genk as their base for carrying out further

research into renewable energy. It is very symbolic that they have established

themselves on the same site as where it all began with the coal industry.

But its not just research for the sake of research, stresses the mayor. We must

ensure that this research has economic applicability in Limburg, Flanders and

beyond. The research must promote the economic development of our city by

attracting new businesses and creating pilot projects in existing companies. Theplans for EnergyVille are quite firmthe first researchers have already started

work. The next step is getting every resident of Genk feeling involved, by way of

information campaigns and education.

The municipality is setting a good example in this. Its infrastructure is preserved

by focusing on renewable energy and making contracts with renewable suppliers.

This line is extended to citizens and businesses. There are plans to install a heat

network which reuses industrial waste.


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Recently, Michael Braungart, the spiritual father of the Cradle to Cradle philo-

sophy, spoke in Genk. Braungart argues that we need to organise our industrial

processes by modelling them on nature in an endless cycle in which waste be-

comes food, as it were. Product design should take into account the whole life

cyclealmost everything is reusable. Nature provides an abundance of energy

and pollution is a thing of the past. A vision with dramatic implications, whichare being put into practice by more and more companies. Mayor Wim Dries is

on the same wavelength. We must dare to think about other techniques in the

economy, about how we deal with raw materials. Only then can we move towards

a truly sustainable society. In this sense, Genk has a special eye for energy po-

verty. The energy unit at the Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW20) ensures

that disadvantaged residents are informed about energy costs, energy use and

insulation.

How does Wim Dries view the near and distant future for Genk? I hope that wesucceed in creating a sustainable society in all its facets by 2020. A society where

our people live in symbiosis with nature and with the companies that have esta-

blished themselves there. This will require an effort by everyone in the coming

years, but I am convinced that Genk has the assets needed to realise this vision.

EnergyVille, an innovative energy research centre

Poponcini & Lootens Ir. Architecten bvba

EnergyVille is a collaboration between VITO, KULeuven and IMEC and is being

implemented at the THOR science park in Genk. This will be the centre for re-

search and development in the field of new energy. EnergyVille fits in well with

the EU objectives to achieve a low carbon economy by 2050.

Europe has substantial budgets available for this. Funds are provided within the

Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET) for joint energy research programmes.

20. Openbaar Centrum voorMaatschappelijk Welzijn


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There are funds available for large-scale technological innovation projects. In

the next few years, Europe will devote 8 to 9 million euros to projects within

EnergyVilles research area, especially the development of new production pro-

cesses, products, services and management systems to make the urban regions

more energy-friendly. By 2050, about 500 billion euros will have been invested in

Europe in the development of the necessary energy infrastructure. Limburg andFlemish industry have already played an important role in these growth sectors

and would like to significantly strengthen these in the future. Like GreenVille

(Houthalen-Helchteren), EnergyVille (Genk) is being implemented on a former

mine site. This is literally a transition from old to new energy.

Sustainable construction means living differently

Limburg has a considerable way to go in terms of sustainable (re)building, but

the ambition to make the province climate neutral gives us a lot of leverage to get

ahead in the future and to get everyone working towards the same goals, saysKris Asnong, coordinator of Dubolimburg. Her organisation provides advice on

sustainable construction to individuals, professionals, governments, educational

institutions and NGOs.

In the past, Limburgalong with the rest of Flandersbroke major rules in

the principles of sustainable construction. The housing model of a contiguous

settlement of detached houses is anything but sustainableit is often not com-

pact, difficult to insulate and entails high public infrastructure costs. Our way of

life is based on the principles of individual home and car use. This has spatial as

well as social consequences.

Sustainable building is a container term. In essence, it deals with the way we

manage energy, water, materials and our environment when building, and in our

daily lives. Sustainable energy use is based on the triad of energetics, a roadmap

for dealing with scarce fossil fuels in a more rational way. First, we must avoid and

reduce unnecessary energy consumption. The energy that is necessary should be

generated as much as possible from renewable sources. If that is not enough, we

can make optimum use of fossil fuel sources, such as with a condensing boiler.

Energy saving or energy-neutral building is the future, says Kris Asnong. In

Flanders, the Action Plan Nearly-Energy Neutral (BEN21) is ready, which means

that all new government buildings must be almost energy neutral by 2019 and all

new homes by 2021. But you dont have to wait that long. We are already trying to

encourage those who are building today or tomorrow to evolve in that direction.

Being nearly energy neutral is not always possible when renovating, admits Kris

Asnong. We want to be both as ambitious and realistic as possible. We must

21. Bijna-Energieneutraal


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also try to avoid people investing today in measures that do not go far enough. If

you insulate your roof now then you are better off doing that according to future

standards because its unlikely that you will do it again in five or ten years if you

do not have enough insulation. The same goes for your heating system. The most

important advice we can give today is: choose a robust, user-friendly and reliable

property with a sustainable balance between energy efficiency, comfort, cost ef-ficiency and maintenance. Provide a well-insulated unityou can always add the

extra frills later on. This doesnt mean that everyone should replace his/her hea-

ting system with a heat pump right now. If your house is insulated well enough,

then a small gas condensing boiler is also an excellent solution.

The big question is whether we can continue to build and live outside town cen-

tres, as has been the norm for a long time now: detached houses in a contiguous

settlement. The ideal solution in terms of energy and space usage is inward ex-

pansion and living compactly in core centres, says Kris Asnong. But you cantjust eliminate the existing patrimony. We have to be realistic and choose a mid-

dle ground. Out of necessity, we need to think more carefully about how we use

space. This includes multifunctional and collective use of space. If you approach

it in the right way, then we would no longer all need to have a separate heating

system, washing machine or our own car.

A movement has already developed of those who are not necessarily willing to

rearrange things within their own four walls, but who do see the need for public

services. People who are willing to share space, technical equipment, a place for

doing laundry or a car. A lot of financial, social and practical benefits are associ-

ated with this kind of lifestyle. It also helps us to move towards a stronger social

fabric. Kris Asnong: Isnt it crazy, for example, that we have to rely on babysit-

ters when there is probably someone living two doors down who could look after

our children perfectly well? I think a lot more people would take that step if the

legal obstacles surrounding collective provisions were to be eliminated and if a

few good examples were put into practice. An example of a district like this is

Tweewaters in Leuven, says Kris Asnong. It is a sustainable, pedestrian districtwith 70% open and public space. The district will soon generate its own green

energy in a CHP plant. A system of co-ownership means common features are

also provided such as a bicycle repair service, a crche and an ironing workshop.

I think a lot will have changed in Limburg by 2020, says Kris Asnong. I believe

we are evolving into a society with a much larger social anchorage, with much

more attention being given to local and collective elements, and to each other.

The world is becoming a village. At the same time, we will start to be more care-


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Concrete core activation allows smart energy management in buildings. Houben Construction Team


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The mass of the building is activated, resulting in constant comfortable indoortemperatures. Houben Construction Team


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ful in our use of space and mixed uses will increase even more. Many of the

problems we face today as regards sustainable building and living are related to

reckless spatial planning. The aim to make Limburg climate neutral could provi-

de vital leverage in addressing those issues. I think our province will really make a

difference in years to come. I think well be a forerunner and set a good example.

There is not yet a broad social vision of sustainable building and living amongthe general public, but rather within an enthusiastic group of pioneers, admits

Kris Asnong. Companies are starting to pick up on this way of thinking. Think of

innovative construction kits in the field of timber frame construction. LRM also

aims to provide capital for this. What we really need to be alert to, warns Asnong

is avoiding energy poverty. But I have noticed that municipalities are working on

third party financing and community facilities for social housing areas, so that

disadvantaged social groups dont miss out.

Spatial planning to serve the climate

The province has a lot of influence in the field of spatial planning. That gives it the

chance to lead by example in the practice of the principles outlined in the climate

change study. To maximise the use of renewable energy, the county has prepared

a wind plan showing preferred areas for the optimal siting of wind turbines. The

province is also looking to identify opportunities for district heating, for example

by reusing residual heat released in power plants and industrial processes.

The transition to a climate neutral region fits into a larger vision: the transition

of Limburg to a sustainable, resilient province. This includes a thorough review

of the provincial structure plan, with attention being given to the correct location

of features, the accessibility of the regions major attractions, the further expan-

sion of the cycle network and putting the sustainable and multiple use of space

into practice. This could include the combination of wind and mobile phone

masts and layering and interweaving functions: greenhouses above manufactu-

ring companies, offices on top of car parks, the well thought-out siting of shops,

sports and employment infrastructure.

New residential areas must be made easily accessible by way of public transpor-tation in urban planning. Based on that schedule, the province must also spe-

cifically consider the implications of the changing climate. So there should be

more room for water, minimal paved surfaces and rainwater should be reused for

plumbing and irrigation.

A province with better spatial planning can accommodate more forest, nature

and sustainable agriculture than is currently the case in Limburg. Open space

areas are getting larger and more robust and species can move between green

core areas. But many species feel equally at home in residential, working and


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industrial areas. Cleaner transport and production systems make it a healthy and

pleasant place for humans, animals and plants to settle in.

A climate plan for each municipality

In 2012, each municipality in Limburg will draw up a climate plan. The plan pro-

vides specific answers to questions like: where are we today, where do we wantto go and how will we achieve these objectives? The Limburg municipalities have

played a leading role thanks to a unique initiative by the province of Limburg and

its partners. They proposed a draft action plan that meets the provisions of the

Covenant of Mayors. Each municipality can of course choose what actions they

wish to include and how they want to reach specific target groups. Each munici-

pality differs in its local context and is thus able to identify its own concrete goals.

From time to time, the provincial government brings together the municipalities,

members of the Climate Parliament and the do tanks to share experiences during

key moments. The board believes that this intersection of contacts and ideas canpotentially lead to the best projects.

In order to support municipalities in informing and involving all sections of the

population, the provincial government offers a wide range of communication

tools: brochures for specific target groups, posters, sample texts and the website

www.limburgklimaatneutraal.be.

The municipalities are also working on sustainable energy in their own patri-

mony. The network company Infrax provides the municipalities with a detailed

overview of energy consumption in their own buildings. If needed, municipalities

can outsource full energy management and all energy-saving investments to the

ESCO (Energy Service Company) programme at Infrax, meaning energy savings

benefit the municipality.

Nuhma, the Limburg climate company

As a utility holding company of the 44 Limburg municipalities, Nuhma invests in

sustainability projects with a focus on energy, innovation, or activities of commu-

nity interest with an added value on a societal level. Nuhma was not presentedas the Limburg Climate Business without a reason. Through its participation,

Nuhma has the potential to provide 90% of Limburgs green energy.

Track 3: 850,000 Limburg climatechange ambassadors

However much effort is made by the Climate Parliament, do tanks, municipali-

ties and the province, the final goal is and will remain convincing all Limburgers


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Provincial Governor Herman Reynders, Commissioner Frank Smeets and representatives of all Limburg municipalities and the climatepartners sign the European Covenant of Mayers, Hasselt - 30 november 2011. Eddy Daniels, provincie of Limburg


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to lead a climate-friendly way of life. The range of energy-friendly products and

services will only take effect if a large number of consumers choose to implement

them. As an example, if we were all to choose passive or near-neutral energy in

new constructions or renovations, the energy demand would be drastically redu-

ced along with emissions, with a multiple positive effect on the prosperity and

wellbeing of local residents in Limburg.The province is therefore trying to create a broad basis and a major commitment,

for example through campaigns on climate, insulation, mobility and regional

products, through publications in newspapers and magazines, social media like

Facebook and Twitter, the website www.limburgklimaatneutraal.be, by joining

third party climate-friendly initiatives and of course through the Climate Parlia-

ment. All those beautiful words and actions should lead to the creation of a Lim-

burg climate community, a large community to which everyone wants to belong.

Everyone is a climate change ambassadorVic Santermans (64) from Diepenbeek is one of the original climate ambassa-

dors. He is a retired bank employee who is active in the KWB (Christian Workers

Movement), where he was president of the local branch in Rooierheide for sixteen

years. Five years ago, he joined the climate change districts (Klimaatwijken) ini-

tiative (now called Energiejacht - Energy Hunt) through KWB. This is a project in

which households work together to reduce their energy bills.

Saving energy is not difficult if youre consistent, said Vic Santermans. I have

insulated the attic in my house. Since then, I have reduced my heating costs by

around 30%. I have switched from fuel oil to natural gas for my heating, with

equally pleasant consequences for my wallet. I replaced my double glazing with

high-efficiency glass. Such interventions do of course cost some money, but you

earn it back quickly. As well as lower consumption, there are tax breaks, grants

and subsidies that help to fund the whole thing. I do not feel that I have had to

fork out a lot for this. Its nice to make a significant saving while doing something

for nature and the climate at the same time. The KWB has also committed to

working towards climate neutrality and I like participating in that. There is great

enthusiasm within the KWB to work on this and I must say that the municipalityof Diepenbeek has made a lot of effort to try and convince people.

And Vic Santermans hasnt stopped at insulating his house, switching to gas and

taking note of his standby consumption. We eat local Limburg products as much

as possible and we leave the car at home as much as possible. We always use our

bikes for short distances. Nine times out of ten, my wife and I travel the 7 km to

Hasselt by bike. I always take my bike to go the bakers and I always wonder why

others dont do the same. But giving up my car altogether is not really an option.


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We live a bit too far from the major town centres to be able to do that and I cant

run all errands by bike. Im not sure whether my next car would be an electric or

hybrid one. I dont know how Ill feel about buying a car in five years time.

Cleantech ambassadors

People who would like to voluntarily get involved in Limburgs climate change

aims by informing citizens, associations or institutions about the focus on clean-

tech, can contact the association CleanTechPunt (cleantech point). This associa-

tion wants to make cleantech more widely known. Its introduction at all levels in

our society can only be successful if it is accompanied by the sociocultural tran-

sition, attention to environmental concerns and economic profitability. The main

objective of CleanTechPunt is also identifying, recognising, communicating and

visualising the positive effects of cleantech together with pioneers in the industry.

This is why cleantech ambassadors are now being trained in Limburg. They willmake the benefits of cleantech visible for our society in a comprehensive way.

Successful energy campaigns

There are many Limburgers who think and act like Vic Santermans or who have

plans similar to his. And that produces results. The sum of all these efforts and

investments means Limburg has been able to present a good interim report. The

results are especially impressive in the field of solar panels, roof insulation, wall

insulation, floor insulation, insulating glazingand by extension wind energy.

These themes were addressed in provincial energy campaigns carried out in re-

cent years. Limburgers could count on practical information and customised ad-

vice and some joint purchases were even arranged.

Every day is SUNday

Between 2007 and 2009, the campaign Every day is SUNdaywhich

focused on solar energygave a real boost to PV installations in Lim-

burg. Whereas only 77 systems were installed in 2006, there were 15,851 by

2011so 200 times more within five years. All 31,000 PV installations from re-cent years together provide green energy for the equivalent of 70,327 households,

representing 20% of all Limburgers.


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0

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2007

Evolution of roof insulation in Limburg in terms of number of premiums(Source: Infrax)

Numbersofpremiumsperyear

2008 2009 2010 2011 Target

Limburg Insulates

The energy campaign Limburg Insulates (2009-2011) was a great suc-

cess. It encouraged a mass transition to the insulation of private homes

in Limburg. The number of insulated roofs tripled between 2008 and 2011. When

checked against the figures of the Flemish Energy Rehabilitation Programme of

2020, it appears that Limburg is a whopping 50% above the Flemish target figure

for roof insulation. The figures are also impressive in terms of wall insulation.

The number of investments quadrupled in 2011 compared to 2008 to 35% above

the target figure. The same trend has manifested itself in floor insulation. That

tripled in 2011 compared to 2008 and is thus 54% above the target figure.

A final consideration in the campaign Limburg Insulates is insulated glazing.

The growth in this is less impressive than that of roof, wall or floor insulation.

Limburg remains below target, but the trend is increasing. The increase of 47%in 2011 compared to 2008 is certainly worth a mention.

If the trend in insulation investments continues in the coming years, then Lim-

burg will be able to meet the objectives of the Flemish Energy Rehabilitation Pro-

gramme of 2020 very quickly. However, caution is needed. The removal of tax

incentives at the national level causes uncertainty as to whether the above trends

will continue in the same way.


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0

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Evolution of insulation in Limburgin terms of number of premiums(Source: Infrax)

Numbersofpremiumsperye

ar

Roof insulation

Wall insulation

Floor insulation

Insulated glazing

Energy-efficient investments withineveryones reach

The success of Limburg insulates is partly due to Duwolim and the insulation

teams. Duwolim22 (Sustainable Living Limburg), a non-commercial initia-

tive that encourages investments in energy-efficient homes for underprivileged

groups in Limburg. Duwolim grants loans for energy-saving measures at a fa-

vourable interest rate of 2%. These loans can also help Limburgers with limited

financial resources to save on their energy bills.

Within two years time, Duwolim approved 842 loans totalling more than 1,051

energy-efficient investments. High-efficiency glass and condensing boilers con-

stitute a significant share of these. Roof insulation is also well represented. The

investments saved 2,686,412 kg of CO2 in total. That is the same as the annual

emissions of 2,500 cars. Now that all Limburg municipalities are partners ofDuwolim, it is expected that the number of loans will increase significantly in the

coming years.

It is noteworthy that 41% of the files are assigned to families with a net monthly

income of under 2,000 euros. One in five credits goes to families with a signi-

ficantly lower income than average or Limburgers with increased reimburse-

ments. More than a quarter of the files are related to single people. Even senior

citizens can be convinced to invest. As many as 60% of the files were implemen-

22. Duurzaam Wonen Limburg


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ted by those over 55 and one in three customers is over 65 years old. These older

people are at risk of falling by the wayside in ordinary banks.

Six Limburg insulation teamsfrom the social economy sector have been insu-

lating the roofs of disadvantaged groups since 2010. The costs for these social

groups are kept low by subsidies, favourable financial arrangements and joint

purchases. The results speak for themselves. At the end of 2012, 1711 homes willbe provided with roof insulation, which is equal to 78,286 m.

Warm Limburg

The aim of the province of Limburgs most recent campaign Warm

Limburg (2012-2014) is to improve the energy performance of both

existing and new homes and apartments together with its partners, the Limburg

municipalities and of course building professionals (architects, builders and in-

stallers). The province is thus again supporting the implementation of the Fle-mish Energy Rehabilitation Programme of 2020.

Klimaataanpak en LR

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