What is DistrictEES?

The WDW District Energy Efficiency Subscriptions Project (DistrictEES) was set up to drive investments from different target groups into energy efficiency and sustainable energy projects in city and town districts across the Netherlands. Accounting for approximately 40 % of total energy consumption, the building sector has a critical role to play in the energy transition needed to realise the Green Deal. However, only 1 % of building stock is retrofitted annually with energy efficiency measures. The EU-funded DistrictEES project aims to accelerate the rate of energy efficiency renovation in multiple districts in the Netherlands.

The main aim of the DistrictEES project was to realise an approach for making entire districtsgas-free, covering all major target groups: private owners, housing associations, public buildings and commercial buildings.

An innovative method

01. Inventory & Analysis

In the first phase, we conduct a technical exploration of the district to determine which heating vision is appropriate. We identify sub-areas and determine the optimal starting point. The result is a sustainability plan for the district, including sustainability measures for all property owners.

Zo doen we dat
02. Communication & Participation

Our communication strategy effectively conveys the measures, both offline through model homes and online via an accessible visitor centre. Here, residents can explore gas-free measures and request detailed quotes.
03. Implementation & Monitoring

The implementation starts with the renovation or demolition/new construction project of the housing association within the first sub-area, from which the communication begins. Monitoring includes tracking the progress toward a gas-free district. We know the initial gas consumption of the district. Through our viewer, we monitor the decline in these figures.

WDW uses the District Level Approach to accelerate the renovation rate in the Netherlands. This approach consists of three