An inspiring example for many, but it didn't come without its challenges. We spoke with Chantal Akkermans, project leader at the municipality of Halderberge, about the sustainability ambitions and the hurdles she had to overcome to realize them.
In the search for opportunities for grants or other forms of financial contributions for the sustainability of the church, Chantal came across BOM through the Province of North Brabant (PNB). The situation was outlined through several discussions with Jack Wasser, Project Developer for Energy Transition in the built environment at BOM. The location was also visited to review the technical condition and installations.
Sustainability roadmap
Based on this information, a sustainability roadmap was created in collaboration with OVVIA, in which the possible routes from the current situation to the desired situation - achieving a Nearly Energy-Neutral Building (BENG) - were mapped out. The roadmap showed that the municipality of Halderberge was already well on its way to making the church nearly gas-free (A++ label). "It's great to see that the roadmap confirmed we were already far along. Still, new insights emerged that can take us that 'plus' further," said Chantal Akkermans.
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Energy Service Company
Additionally, for this specific project, it was investigated whether outsourcing by an Energy Service Company (ESCo) was possible. It is possible to enter into a contract with ESCo's like OVVIA where you are completely relieved in terms of sustainability of your building for a period of 12 to 15 years at a fixed amount. The package includes, for example, the supply of sustainable energy, investment and installation of all new sustainable equipment, maintenance, and replacement and repair costs during the entire term of the contract with the ESCo. Such a contract is also known as an Energy Performance Contract.
This fit perfectly with the sustainability plans of the municipality of Halderberge and the relieving principle sounded like music to our ears. Unfortunately, after investigation, it turned out that the ESCo principle was not suitable for this new construction project due to business economic reasons. "The possibility that the ESCo principle would not be suitable for this project was, of course, present. However, we have learned a lot from the process. We keep it in mind for other sustainability projects because it is a great principle."
DuMaVa subsidy
In addition to new insights and experiences, the collaboration has also yielded concrete results. On BOM's advice, Chantal applied for a new subsidy for sustainable social real estate, the DuMaVa subsidy. On January 15, it was announced that the DuMaVa subsidy was granted. "We are incredibly happy with that!" said Chantal.
Pioneering
What is beautiful about this project is the intrinsic motivation and ambition expressed by Chantal Akkermans: “We had set very high sustainability requirements for the new design of the community center. It is a large investment, so you want to create something that is future-proof. It is public money, which you want to invest in a good way.”
Making a national monument more sustainable in combination with public real estate was new territory for Chantal, and she approached it with an open mind and sought advice from experts: “It's great that we could leverage the expertise of others. Jack was a great sparring partner who we could approach with all kinds of questions.”
As BOM, we are happy to contribute to innovative sustainability projects to accelerate the energy transition, especially when it serves a societal purpose like this. “This sustainable community center in the vacant church in Hoeven is a wonderful showcase! The municipality of Halderberge is setting the bar high for its sustainability ambitions by repurposing the church for various community associations and organizations,” says Jack Wasser of BOM.
Proud
In the summer of 2025, it should happen: the opening of the sustainable community center in the church of Hoeven. The new community center will become the living room and meeting place in the center of Hoeven, and a place where daily community life takes place. With regular users such as the library, a consultation bureau, the Red Cross Association, the KBO Seniors Union, and other associations, it has become an inclusive community center for young and old alike.
How does such an A+++ rated community center in a monumental building look? The church will house a new installation package (a new building within the existing building). The building is not connected to gas. Furthermore, it features triple glazing, a heat pump, and works with sustainable installations for climate control and energy saving. Interestingly, no solar panels will be used. This is because the appearance of a monumental building may not change, which is one of the factors that made this project such a great challenge.
But even without it, the municipality of Halderberge will manage. “I am very proud of everyone who has worked on this project. On February 8, 2024, the municipal council of Halderberge approved the credit for the new community center with the desired sustainability requirements. We can finally start focusing on its realization,” says Chantal Akkermans.
Challenges & tips
For Chantal and her colleagues, who lack a technical or sustainability background, it was sometimes quite a challenge to face such a complex technical issue. “I sometimes missed a bit of layman’s terms.” Her tips for people who are also undertaking a challenging sustainability project:
- Don’t be intimidated by the technical jargon
- Involve parties who are knowledgeable; engage the right people
- Ask questions; have it explained to you
- Find out if any subsidies are available
OVVIA – OVVIA shows companies, institutions, and governments that energy saving, CO2 reduction, and cost saving go hand in hand in the sustainability of real estate. OVVIA ensures a healthy business case that eliminates real estate risks. With their unburdening concepts, they help clients make their buildings financially profitable & comfortable in a sustainable way.
Together with expert partners like OVVIA, BOM makes it possible to sustainably transform both public and commercial real estate. Do you also want to make your (public) real estate more sustainable? Then contact Jack Wasser.