Rotterdam Sustainability Programme vs5 3 Cover

Investing in
sustainable
growth
Rotterdam Programme
on Sustainability and
Climate Change
Investing in
sustainable growth
Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change
Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 3
Structure of
this Document
Welcome to the Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability
and Climate Change. Here follows a brief description of
the structure of this document. Chapter 1 introduces the
programme and describes how and why this programme
came about. Chapter 2 discusses the need for a sustainable development for our city while Chapter 3 is devoted
to detailing our sustainability aims and targets. Chapter 4
presents suggestions for joint initiatives with the various
partners in the city and discusses what efforts the the
City of Rotterdam is making. Following that, Chapter 5
handles the pre-conditions necessary for implementation of the programme, such as methods for monitoring,
communication, cooperation with other governments
and financial aspects. Descriptions of organisations that
are already taking sustainable measures in their own,
unique way and of inspiring projects that are already being carried out or are soon to be started are interspersed
throughout the document. The document concludes with
a number of appendixes.
Table of Contents
Foreword
1.
Introduction to the Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change
11
2.
The increasing importance of sustainability
15
2.1 International developments................................................................................................................... 15

2.2 Rotterdam and the need for sustainability............................................................................................ 17
3.
Ambitious plans for a clean, green and healthy city
23
3.1 What does Rotterdam hope to achieve?............................................................................................... 23

3.2 Concrete measures............................................................................................................................... 25
4.
Working together to create a sustainable world port city
47
4.1 Inhabitants of Rotterdam....................................................................................................................... 47

4.2 Port, industry and large businesses...................................................................................................... 51
4.3 Shopkeepers, associations and institutes............................................................................................. 54
4.4 Housing corporations, investors en developers.................................................................................... 57
4.5 Motorists, transporters, (public) transport companies and logistic services......................................... 58
4.6 Schools, vocational colleges, universities and expertise centres......................................................... 62
4.7 City administration................................................................................................................................ 65
5. Cross-border Cooperation and Practical Aspects
73
5.1 Beyond the regional borders................................................................................................................. 73

5.2 Communicating about the most sustainable world port city of its kind................................................. 74
5.3 Organisation and finance...................................................................................................................... 75
5.4 Measuring and evaluating progress...................................................................................................... 78
Appendix 1. Overview of the activities and results....................................................................................... 81
Appendix 2. Rotterdam 2042: Connected Port City...................................................................................... 87
Foreword
The children of today become the adults of tomorrow. In what kind of world will they
live and what will Rotterdam be like in thirty years time?
In 2042 Rotterdam will be a lively metropolis in which the port and city are con
nected. Clean production methods and healthy living will be the norm. Residual
heat from the industry will provide a comfortable climate in the city; knowledge and
expertise will ensure a prosperous economy. The city and the port will support and
strengthen each other in a symbiotic relationship.
Ahmed Aboutaleb
What is now a City on the River will have been transformed into a system of recycling streams of water, energy, raw materials, goods and waste products. A network
of information and knowledge, of synergy and vigour.
Rotterdam will be the classic example of the good life: the people of Rotterdam will
be in balance with their environment, socially orientated, respectful of diversity, in
good health and able to optimally develop their talents and interests. Compared to
Alexandra van Huffelen
today, twice as many people will live in the inner city but the impact on the environment will be minimal. In 2042 Rotterdam will be an attractive city for high-quality
living, working and mobility.
In this Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change we look ahead to the next
generation, 30 years from now. This fits in with what many of the people of Rotterdam consider to be the most important motivation in their lives: a better future for
their children and grandchildren and for future generations. Our task is to ensure that
the world is not squandered but is carefully managed and passed on to those who
come after us.
This task can only be achieved if we all play our parts; the future is at stake. By
working together we can widen our scope and set higher targets. And we must work
together. After all true sustainability is not just a bit less of everything, it means really
making conscious choices. In Rotterdam we will not settle for anything less than the
very, very best!
Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam

Alexandra van Huffelen, Vice Mayor for Sustainability, the City Centre and Public Space
Foto: Erno Wientjes i.o.v. Woonbron
1.
Introduction to the
Programme on Sustainability
and Climate Change
Challenging ambitions for a sustainable city

A clean, green and healthy city. Rotterdam aims to
become an economically healthy city that attracts businesses, encourages entrepreneurs and provides high
quality employment. A green city where it is a pleasure
to live and spend leisure time. A healthy city with clean
air and a minimum of noise pollution. A city that promotes educational performance and where everyone
Foto: Jan van der Ploeg
can optimally develop his or her own talent. A city with

a high quality of life. This is what we are working hard
to achieve between now and 2014.
Sustainable development throughout the whole city is
a crucial factor. Our aim is to balance social (people),
ecological (planet) and economic (prosperity) interests
now and in the future. For us, sustainable development
Sustainability in Rotterdam is a joint

challenge
means meeting current requirements without jeopard-
The Municipal Executive Committee considers sustain-
izing the potential for future generations of Rotterdam-
ability to be of the utmost importance for the develop-
mers. This programme focuses on ecologically respon-
ment of our city. And we are not the only ones. In fact:
sible solutions, which also provide social and economic
many other parties have long believed this and are all
benefits in both the short and the long term. In this
making valuable contributions. These parties include
way we kill three birds with one stone: our environment
many different organisations ranging from individual
benefits in many different ways, the economy prospers
residents to associations and institutions, from schools
and Rotterdammers feel much happier living, working,
and housing associations to SMEs and multi-nationals,
studying and spending leisure time in a more healthy
from transport companies and semi-government estab-
and more child-friendly city. We stimulate sustainability
lishments to car owners and universities and colleges.
in its many different forms: reductions in CO 2 emis-
Some of these initiatives, initiators and others involved
sions, energy savings, use of clean energy and raw
are described in this document. They make it clear that in
materials, the reduction and re-cycling of refuse, noise
Rotterdam sustainability is seen and felt as a joint chal-
control and improving the air quality. And we are work-
lenge and responsibility. This also affects the role that we
ing to create more parks and biodiversity in the city.
as the city government must play. It is not necessary for
Furthermore we are continuing to make both city and
the city to take the lead in everything. That would only re-
port more climate proof. Protection against floods now
sult in us frustrating and even jeopardising countless ini-
and in the future is essential if Rotterdam is to become
tiatives that are already being carried out. The role of the
a sustainable delta city. We aim to transform our city
city government is primarily that of partner. Where neces-
into a pleasant, safe and healthy place for future gen-
sary we will help our partners by creating the required
erations to live in and where the economy, especially
conditions and removing obstacles and where desired we
that of the port, can continue to flourish. This is our
can gently push matters in the right direction for our joint
understanding of a city with a high quality of life.
interests. And where it fits in with our public task we will
when making decisions and carrying out activities both
smooth the way and create the necessary infrastructure
parties in the city to play an even more prominent role.

When drawing up this programme the municipal executive committee discussed it with many parties in
the city. Central issue was: what do we wish to jointly
achieve regarding sustainability and how can this best
be realized? To this end various meetings were held in
the Floating Pavilion in the Rijnhaven, the icon for floating buildings in Rotterdam. Semi-government organi-
Foto: Hannah Anthonysz
sations, colleges, universities, expertise centres and

social organisations were invited. We discovered that
we all have a similar green heart for the city. We could
not have imagined a better basis!
More than sixty different parties have

contributed to this program
The results of these meetings were used to formulate the
targets drawn up by the municipal executive committee
working programme 2010-2014 Working towards talent
This role suits Rotterdam very well as has already been
and entrepreneurship. And they were also incorporated
proven by joint venture programs such as the Rotter-
in the working document on which this programme is
dam Mainport Development Project (PMR), Clean Tech
based. More than sixty parties, including the city council,
Delta and the Rotterdam Climate Initiative (RCI). RCI
critically reviewed this working document and came up
is a unique partnership, in which the City of Rotterdam,
with additional information, examples and comments.
the Port of Rotterdam, the business community repre-
Organisations such as Stedin, The Chamber of Com-
sented by Deltalinqs and the DCMR Environmental Pro-
merce, Rdamse New, RET (public transport), Erasmus
tection Agency work together to create a better climate
University, Hogeschool Rotterdam (Rotterdam Univer-
and a sustainable economic development of the region.
sity) as well as housing corporations, builders, project
This partnership will be continued and we will be able
developers and many other parties have all indicated
to build on the knowledge, experience and results that
that they would like to actively participate in activities
have been gained over the previous four years. Howev-
aimed at increasing sustainability. In addition various new
er, during the coming years we will require the various
topics have been included and many parties requested
Foto: Freek van Arkel
to stimulate, and if necessary enforce, sustainability.
Foto: Roel Dijkstra
additional explanations of the choices made. Many of the
comes to implementing the various aspects of the pro-
questions involved the long-term focus on air quality and
gramme we will (continue) to consult with the partners
the social benefits to be gained by working on sustain-
in the city. And vice versa. Partners may call the city
able solutions. In addition many people and organisa-
government to account if they feel that it is neglecting
tions stressed the importance of biodiversity, comfortable
its responsibilities. By ensuring that everyone keeps
indoor climates, involving school children and students
a sharp eye on the situation, the programme will be
in sustainability and the desirability of setting up visible
widely accepted and widely implemented. Everyone will
sustainability initiatives in Rotterdam. The Citizen Panel
feel involved, inspired and challenged. The programme
Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Environmental Centre in
will evolve into a social movement that will be able to
particular requested that attention should be paid to in-
achieve far more than we as city government or indi-
volving the residents of the city when actually implement-
vidual parties alone ever could.
ing the program. All these reactions have been incorporated in this Programme on Sustainability and Climate
Change. This programme is much more than just another
item dictated by the city government. This programme is
by and for all the people of Rotterdam.
Everyone must accept their responsibility

and get to work!
The programme must be made to work so that it
becomes more than just fine words and good ideas.
Those responsible for the various parts of the programme must shoulder their responsibilities. The
municipal executive committee is prepared to actively
encourage and, if needed, to enforce this. When it
2.
The increasing importance of

sustainability
2.1 International developments

Many important issues today are caused
by the lack of sustainable solutions
Many of the important issues affecting our world now
and increasingly affecting cities in particular are
the result of the lack of sustainable solutions. Raw
materials, clean water, food and fossil fuels are rapidly becoming scarcer and more expensive. We must
take action now. The 2010 1 energy report published
by the International Energy Agency indicates that the
worldwide demand for energy will continue to increase
rapidly and that the current stocks of fossil fuels will
not (easily) be sufficient to meet this demand. The
world has recently been confronted with the dangers
of nuclear energy and the risks of oil extraction in the
more remote areas and in politically unstable regions.
The fast growing global population and the increasing
concentration of people in cities together with the inefficient use of raw materials and fossil fuels will force
Foto: R. Keus
people to drastically rethink their actions. Especially as

the decennia of continually increasing CO 2 emissions
have already led to noticeable climate change.
National and European climate goals

Countries all over the world have made agreements
In the Roadmap to 2050 the European Commission
to limit the consequences of climate change by reduc-
proposes to tackle the transition to a competitive low-
ing greenhouse gas emissions. Within Europe these
carbon economy. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme
agreements have led to policies and legislation based
plays an important role in speeding up the process; by
on concrete short-term targets (amongst others a 20%
influencing the price of carbon the scheme encourages
reduction in CO2 emissions in 2020 compared to 1990).
investment in low carbon technologies. For the trans-
The European Commission has formulated a long-term
port sector the European Commission focuses on the
plan in which the European CO2 emissions in 2050 will
relationship with other sustainability targets such as
be 80% to 90% lower than those in 1990 2 . The Europe-
reducing the dependence on petroleum and improving
an Climate Foundation has determined that this level
the air quality in cities. This may provide the necessary
is not only technically feasible but can be achieved in
impulse to stimulate the development and introduction
such a way that the economy also benefits.
of electric vehicles and to speed up the development
of alternative fuels. An intermediary target for the built

1 World Energy Outlook 2010, IEA, 2010
2 Roadmap to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050,
European Commission, 2011
3 http://www.roadmap2050.eu/
environment is that all buildings built after 2021 must be

(virtually) climate neutral. Attention is also being paid to
existing buildings. If we manage to significantly reduce
energy consumption in existing buildings we not only

reduce the (residents) energy bills, in spite of the rising
cost of fossil fuels, but we also contribute to improving public health. Industry will need to prepare for the
large-scale CO2-capture and storage (CCS) that will be
common practice after 2035. All these examples make
it clear that the European Commissions long-term
plans will significantly affect many future developments.
Preparing for the effects of climate change

The (international) agreements regarding the reduction
in CO2 emissions will most probably not be sufficient to
prevent the physical consequences of climate change.
Cities in particular will notice the effects on living conditions and safety. For example there will be an increased
risk of flooding due to the rise in sea level and more
extreme weather. By actively anticipating these effects,
cities are working to ensure that businesses will con-
EU-environmental standards increasingly

determine what is allowed and what is
possible
European cities have to comply with the EU environmen-
Foto: R.Keus
tinue to invest in these cities.
tal standards. These standards, which have been developed over the past decennia, are some of the strictest
Currently more than half the world population lives in and
in the world. They are not only inspired by the struggle
around cities. In Europe this trend is even more notice-
against climate change but also by the desire to main-
able: by 2020 it is expected that 80% of
tain biodiversity and to improve the quality of the air and
Europeans will live in urban regions. A significant propor-
public health. They also contribute to a more prudent and
tion of CO2 emissions up to 70% worldwide
intelligent use of natural resources. These EU environ-
is due to economic activities in cities. In addition many
mental standards increasingly determine what is allowed
cities are located near water and in low-lying delta
and what is possible. This is especially the case in the
regions with an ever-increasing risk of flooding. Even
Netherlands where national spatial legislation is directly
though international climate agreements mainly target
linked to the standards and limits laid down by European
national governments, it is the cities that will (have to)
environmental legislation. Even though protecting the
play a crucial role in tackling energy and climate issues.
environment and improving living conditions are the most
The increasing concentration of people and economic
important aspects involved in these standards, they also
activities in the cities adversely affects the living condi-
contribute to economic growth by stimulating innovation
tions and public health in these cities. Local authorities
and entrepreneurship.
must pay attention to improving the air quality, energy-
Cities and urban regions play an increasingly important role

The United Nations Habitat report indicates that the
4
consequences of urbanisation and the effects of climate

change are strongly linked. This relationship is already
threatening ecological, economic and social stability.
efficient housing, careful city planning, noise control

and creating healthy living conditions. This is the only
way to make the city an attractive, affordable and
healthy place to live.
Sustainability provides economic and social opportunities

Sustainability in all its forms is gathering speed. Eco-
4 GlobalReportonHumanSettlements2011-CitiesandClimate
Change, UN Habitat, 2011
nomically it is a rapidly growing, fast evolving sector.

Innovations are the order of the day. However it is
becoming increasingly clear that sustainability also
ings, capture and storage of CO 2 and stimulation of the
has considerable social implications. Considering its
use of sustainable energy and biomass in the port itself
relation to health, poverty, well-being and educational
really make a big difference. In addition, calculations
achievements, efforts must be made to reduce noise
have indicated that it will only be possible to double the
pollution, to incorporate more trees and green areas in
economic (port)activities in combination with mak-
and around the city, to improve air quality and to stimu-
ing more intensive use of the space if the port makes
late a healthy indoor climate. Investments in energy
significant efforts towards sustainability. How this is to
savings in buildings will significantly help to restrict
be done is described in the Port of Rotterdam s Port
the long-term cost of living. An affordable home is
Vision 2030.
becoming more and more synonymous with an energyefficient home! In short: the development and market-
Compacting hand in hand with sustainability
ing of sustainable solutions provides opportunities for
New urban developments in the city must be sustain-
entrepreneurs, for the development of expertise and for
able. For obvious reasons the City Vision 5 states that
employment, and contributes to improving social cohe-
good living conditions and good health are essential re-
sion.
quirements. The city government has chosen to further

concentrate and condense by bringing the places for
2.2 Rotterdam and the need

for sustainability
work and living closer together. Continuing to develop

such a compact city has its own benefits, such as a
reduction in daily commuter traffic. However it is clear
that this must go hand in hand with improvements in
The specific situation in Rotterdam makes it very
living conditions. In other words, compacting is possible
important that sustainability remains a high priority. As
but only if there are more parks and gardens, the air
low-lying delta and port city Rotterdam is extra vulner-
is clean and noise pollution is reduced. And of course
able to the effects of varying and extreme river levels,
energy consumption must also be reduced.
increased rainfall and a rising sea level. It is essential

that measures be taken to protect the citys future. The
Intrinsic motives for sustainability
Rijnmond region is a key area in the second National
Working towards economic growth, intensifying the use
Delta Plan. Rotterdam is currently one of the safest
of land in the port and compacting the city while at the
ports in the world - and we would like to keep it that
same time improving the quality of the living conditions:
way. It is essential that this is taken into account during
these are the combined targets that we are working
the further development of the city and the port.
hard to achieve. That these can provide a consider-
Sustainability is a great opportunity for

the Port of Rotterdam
able economic impulse has been demonstrated over

and over again by companies such as Dura Vermeer,
General Electric and Kema: businesses for which Rot-
The port is of great economic importance for Rotter-
terdams focus on sustainability was the main reason
dam. Many of the port activities are related to energy:
they chose to move here. And by businesses that were
from petrochemical industries and transhipment to
already located in Rotterdam such as Croon Electro-
transport and production. At the same time, more and
techniek, Eneco, Greenchoice, OVG and Unilever who
more restraints are being imposed on CO 2 emissions.
have all incorporated sustainability into their business
It is becoming increasingly necessary to combine more
strategy. These companies are part of a long tradition.
economic activity with fewer raw materials, less waste,
Rotterdammers, both residents and entrepreneurs,
less noise and lower emissions of pollutants. A more
have always been socially involved. Witness the many
sustainable port is therefore needed for many different
examples during the post-war reconstruction. Many
reasons.. There is much profit to be gained from mak-
sectors today show a similar involvement. Parties in
ing better use of the large-scale of the industrial com-
Rotterdam have their own reasons for choosing for sus-
plex. In addition the different businesses are strongly
tainability. The city government plays an important part,
intertwined and dependent on each other. Over recent
but certainly does not always need to take the lead.
years the port has become experienced in combining
Typical Rotterdam.
economic growth with a reduction in air pollution. The

scale of activities in the port means that energy sav-
5 City Vision Rotterdam, http://www.rotterdam.nl/stadsvisie
Improving public health by cleaner air,

noise control and the creation of a greener
Rotterdam
lises working together to tackle and adjust to climate
We are certainly not proud of some of the characteristics
field of water management. Various delta cities outside
of our city. For example public health is worse than in
Europe have expressed interest in the expertise and
other parts of Holland. The Rotterdammers life expec-
methods used in Rotterdam. For example cities such as
tancy is 1.3 to 1.6 years less than the average in the
Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta and New Orleans have asked
Netherlands. About 10 - 12% of this is due to the poor air
for our city to help with the development of their water
quality. Other explanations are unhealthy life styles and
policies and adaptation plans. Rotterdam is (inter)
(especially) differences in education and income levels.
nationally seen as a decisive, energetic and innovative
This latter issue is being tackled using other programs
world port city and this in turn strongly attracts (eco-
such as the Inner City program, the Regional and Urban
nomic) activities and initiatives in the fields of energy,
Economy program, the Job Market programme and
sustainability and water management.
the programme Working Together for a Good Health.
change. Rotterdam is an exemplary city with its world

port, integral climate approach and experience in the
The Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change
The ten sustainability tasks for Rotterdam
contributes to improving the health of the people of Rot-
The increased worldwide interest in sustainability and
terdam by investing in more green areas, by reducing
the specific situation in Rotterdam illuminate the oppor-
noise pollution and by improving the quality of the air.
tunities in and the challenges facing our city. What this
During recent decennia the quality of the air in Rotterdam
actually means for the coming period has been trans-
has improved significantly. However, although it currently
lated into ten tasks. These are the tasks on which the
satisfies the required standards almost everywhere in
Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change will
the region it remains a serious concern. The relationship
focus during the period up to and including 2014:
between health problems and poor air quality has been

demonstrated time after time. Recent research showed
1. Leading the way in reducing CO2 emissions.
the extremely damaging effect of black smoke: the fin-
2. Energy savings.
est dust particles. The emissions of these are mainly
3. Converting to sustainable energy and biomass raw
caused by road traffic (lorries in particular), shipping and
materials.
industry. If the air quality is to be improved further we
4. Stimulating sustainable mobility and transport.
must focus on these sources of pollution. Road traffic
5. Reducing noise pollution and improving the air
and industry are also the main sources of excess noise.
quality
Although it can never be really quiet in a city, it is pos-
6. More trees and green areas in the city .
sible to significantly reduce the number of people who
7. Increasing investments in sustainability and stimu-
are seriously inconvenienced by noise and this must be

done to improve the quality of life and to reduce damage
to health. The measures chosen to control noise levels
will also help improve the air quality and simultaneously
contribute to reductions in CO2 emissions.
More and more cities are making the same

choice as Rotterdam
lating sustainable products and services.

8. Increasing public support for sustainability and
firmly anchoring sustainability in education and
research.
9. Preparing for the consequences of climate change.
10. Stimulating sustainable urban and regional development.
Rotterdam is of course not the only city to be con-
As city government, we ourselves must set a good ex-
fronted with these issues, to have to balance various
ample. We believe that sustainability should be continu-
interests and to have to make choices. More and more
ally and more and more as a matter of course woven
cities are also choosing to invest in sustainable devel-
into our daily practices and processes. For example by
opment. Hamburg, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm and
using green electricity and green gas, by making the
Vancouver are all examples of cities taking the lead in
vehicle fleet more sustainable, by building a sustain-
devising an integral approach to improving the quality
able city office and (in 2015) by buying 100% sustain-
of life in the city. Within the C40 Large Cities Climate
able products. In this way we hope to encourage others
Leadership Group (supported by the Clinton Climate
to follow suit and to increase public support for and
Initiative) Rotterdam is part of a large group of metropo-
acceptance of sustainability.
Jeannette Baljeu (Vice Mayor for Port, Transport and Regional Economy)
Two for the price of one:

Sustainability has economic benefits
In recent years businesses have come to realise that
their work cut out to ensure that new initiatives, such as
economic strength and sustainable growth need to be
CO2 storage, succeed.
in balance. Sustainability is becoming more and more
Over the coming years, the municipal executive com-
a standard part of business operations. Significant
mittee aims to promote a new way of thinking throug-
progress has been made because people have become
hout the city. The sustainability awareness in the port,
aware of the double benefits: energy savings are not
industry and large organisations in the city has grown
only good for the environment but are increasingly
significantly over recent years. Now it is time for the
advantageous for the business economy. These benefits
ordinary people of Rotterdam to become involved. It is
cannot always be achieved alone; working together
mainly a question of showing what is possible. Elec-
frequently leads to much better results. We are working
tric transport is a good example. Sustainable mobility,
towards the creation of a complete, intertwined system
especially public transport, will greatly help to improve
throughout the whole port-industrial complex. The Port
the air quality, reduce noise pollution and reduce CO 2
of Rotterdam is continuing to improve the production
emissions. We firmly believe that Seeing is believing.
chain by identifying links in which one company can
A strong aspect of the Programme on Sustainability and
make use of the surplus at another company. A good
Climate Change is that we, the various vice mayors,
example is the exchange of residual heat. Our role,
can all take concrete actions according to our areas of
together with that of the Port of Rotterdam, is mainly to
responsibility. We are jointly striving for a good balance
make the people and businesses in Rotterdam enthu-
between the economic dynamics on the one hand and
siastic and get them involved. We do this for example
high-quality living conditions on the other hand. They
by providing publicity for those taking the lead; putting
go together perfectly. In addition, sustainability provides
them in the limelight. Within the RCI we are actively
many businesses with opportunities for innovation and
lobbying National Government and Europe to remove
can contribute greatly to increasing employment. Some-
legislative obstacles and to cover the financial risks of
thing that is very welcome nowadays.
major innovations. The various governments will have
Hamit Karakus (Vice Mayor for Housing, Spatial Planning and Real Estate)
As municipal executive committee we must take the

lead in demonstrating creative opportunities
Sustainability has been a priority since 2007. In the goals
Private housing is another bottleneck. There too energy
expressed in our City Vision we realised even then that it
consumption should be an aspect included in mortgage cal-
would become an important issue. The only way to make
culations. However the banks remain wary and slow to take
the city more compact is to do it sustainably. Otherwise
measures. After all it requires flexibility and creativity. Howe-
insurmountable problems will inevitably arise. It wasnt
ver, if you can be flexible and creative suddenly so much is
long before we had approached various market parties
possible. Look at the way in which the municipal executive
and made binding agreements with them. This worked
committee tackled the renovation and maintenance of the
well. Apart from the social and emotional side, sustai-
swimming pools. For the construction companies this was a
nability also has commercial aspects. It was possible to
new methodology that had never been done before. But now
make agreements in which the energy consumption in
we are doing it and it is working. It is making an enormous
new office buildings is reduced by 50% simply because
difference to our energy bill. Another example is the way
it does save money and everyone benefits. Money can
in which our city offices are being developed into the most
be made from sustainability. This is also true for the
sustainable offices in the Netherlands. Here too we are
housing market. The trick is to make sure that the housing
taking the lead. As municipal executive committee it is our
corporations and investors also profit from investments in
responsibility to demonstrate these types of creative oppor-
energy saving measures in rented housing. Currently the
tunities. We must show how it can be done. In the Rijnhaven
tenants are the only ones to benefit from reduced energy
we are investigating the possibilities for construction of a
costs. This means that only about 2000 existing premises
complete floating district with streets, parks and sports fields.
are being renovated annually whereas it should easily be
Such projects are interesting for businesses and encourage
possible to increase this to 8000 or even 10000 buildings.
innovation. Innovative companies are attracted and econo-
To achieve this, new legislation must be introduced. We
mic opportunities created in the city. The municipal execu-
definitely support this but it does require a new system in
tive committee regularly consults with the market parties to
which the energy costs are included in the price scoring of
discuss problems, devise solutions and make agreements.
rented accommodation. We will have our work cut out.
Some would say that is unique to Rotterdam. To me it seems
logical. I wouldnt want it any other way.
Foto: Marc Heeman
3.
Ambitious plans for a clean,

green and healthy city
3.1 What does Rotterdam hope

to achieve?
The long-term target for noise reduction is that in 2025

30% fewer people will be disturbed by noise than in 2007.
For the quality of the air a more wide-ranging approach
must be developed aimed at a structural improvement,
In short, our aim is to make Rotterdam the most sustain-
with the special goal of improving public health. In the
able port city of its kind: clean, green and healthy. As
short-term we intend to work towards solving the bottle-
was explained in the introductory chapter we are aiming
necks in the city. Agreements have already been made
to balance the social (people), ecological (planet) and
with the National Cooperative Programme Air Quality
economic (prosperity) interests. We intend to achieve
(NSL).
this using ecologically responsible solutions that also

generate social and economic benefits. We are work-
In addition all development or re-construction of areas in
ing together with a number of partners to transform the
our city must lead to an improvement in the quality of the
city into a pleasant, safe and healthy place in which the
living conditions. In this way we not only ensure that there
economy can flourish. The Dutch Research Institute for
are no detrimental effects on air quality and noise levels
Transitions (Drift) based at the Erasmus University and
but we also achieve that the city becomes more attractive
Doepel Strijkers Architects have presented a picture of
and that the public health in Rotterdam improves.
what Rotterdam could be like in the future. This picture is

presented on page 24.
Sustainability also affects the classic environmental
The opportunities for and the challenges facing Rotter-
issues (such as external safety, water quality and
dam are quite clear. These are incorporated in the targets
sewage treatment). We will continue the (current) poli-
and goals and act as guidelines for our efforts.
cies: the Programme on Sustainability and Climate

Change doesnt formulate additional goals for these
Above all we must concentrate on the main target set
issues.
by the Rotterdam Climate Initiative: in 2025 a halving of

CO2 emissions compared to 1990 and Rotterdam 100%
climate-proof.
Within the Programme on Sustainability and Climate
In the short-term this programme will provide an impor-
Change we are working together with residents, busi-
tant contribution to achieving the following targets set by
nesses and institutions to reduce climate change and limit
the municipal executive committee:
its effects.
1. By the end of this councils term at least 350 million

invested in sustainable solutions in Rotterdam.
2. By the end of this councils term the traffic noise af-
At the same time one of our main challenges is to ensure

that sustainability becomes a normal, matter-of-course
fecting 15,000 Rotterdammers in their homes will be
aspect in other programs. If we succeed in this, then it will
at least 3 decibels lower than in 2010.
no longer be necessary to have a separate Programme on
3. By the end of this councils term the total areas of
Sustainability and Climate Change in the future.
parkland, greenery and water will have been increased in all of the ten districts that were the least
This unique Rotterdam approach is already inspiring
green in 2010.
other cities. To emphasise this we intend to contend for

the 2014 title European Green Capital Award, a Euro-
pean title awarded to sustainable cities that have demonstrated exceptional achievements in the field of sustainability, who are working towards ambitious sustainability
targets and who are an inspiration to others.
A glimpse of the future

What will Rotterdam look like once our sustainability targets have been achieved? The municipal executive
committee invited the Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (Drift), an institute linked to the Erasmus
University, and Doepel Strijkers Architects to devise a written artists impression of Rotterdam in the
future. The following paragraph is a summary of Rotterdam 2042: United Port City. The complete text is
included in appendix 2.
Rotterdam 2042: United Port - City
Between 2011 and 2042 the port and industrial complex
In 2042 Rotterdam is a bustling metropolis in which the
developed into an industrial ecosystem. Sustainable
port and city are woven together by streams: both physi-
production processes maximise the recycling of raw
cal and virtual. Physical streams such as energy, materi-
materials and make use of techniques based on natural
als, goods, water and people. Virtual streams such as
processes. The port is completely based on the many
expertise, information and money. Both streams ensure a
different forms of bio-raw materials. The transition from
continual, dynamic exchange between port and city. The
a petrochemical to a sustainable bio-based economy,
residual streams emitted by the one, form input streams
as was described at the time in the Port Compass,
for the other: industrial residual heat warms the buildings
has almost been completed. Rotterdam City Harbours
in the city and streams of raw materials and goods criss-
has developed into an efficient interchange linking the
cross the city and provide additional economic value
port with the city. This old harbour area was the first to
before they continue their way inland. Water is retained in
implement the newest systems for recycling on a large
the city, filtered and then used to transport new streams
scale while at the same time experimenting with other
of raw materials back to the port.
processes. Pioneers from all over the world started the

redevelopment of the old harbour areas and expanded
The Rotterdam of 2042 is a true Port City, no longer just
it step by step. Re-organising the use of resources,
a city with a port. The port and city have a symbiotic
up- cycling waste products and recycling raw materi-
relation in which they help each other to flourish. In 2011
als, goods and energy led to significantly less pollution,
the Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change,
reduced transport costs and lower energy consumption
the City Harbours sustainability strategy and the new
as well as to better living conditions and a higher quali-
harbour vision Port Compass accelerated the transitions
ty of life. A striking example is the fact that although the
of the city, the city harbours and the port itself. These
number of inhabitants of the inner city doubled it was
programs sped up changes in the perception and practi-
still possible to halve the effects on the environment.
cal application of urban, economical and social sustain-
Dangerous emissions of pollutants have just about
ability. The large-scale transformation of the city was the
been eliminated, the city is 100% climate proof, the air
result of a number of widely accepted guiding principles:
quality is good and technical developments in traffic
sustainable energy generation; recycling of energy, wa-
have led to a minimum of noise. The state-of-the-art
ter, waste and materials; sustainable economic growth;
sustainable environment, with all facilities within walk-
high quality living, housing and mobility. These success-
ing distance, attracts many people to live, work and
ful transitions in the port and city enabled Rotterdam
spend leisure time in the city. Life in Rotterdam is the
to achieve the 80% reduction in CO2 emissions set by
national and international classic example of good liv-
the European Union eight years earlier than had been
ing: in balance with the environment, socially engaged
agreed. Bear in mind that the scale of the industry locat-
with respect for diversity, good health and maximum
ed in the area made this target extra difficult to achieve.
potential for the development of talent.
3.2 Concrete measures

Task 1. Leading the way in reducing CO2
emissions
rent policies are continued. The RCI targeted reduction

in CO2 by 2015 is 4.2 Mton.
How will these targets be achieved?
The most important target set by RCI is to accelerate
To reduce CO2 emissions our approach focuses on
the transition to a low-carbon economy. This will give
three sectors: industry, built environment and traffic
Rotterdam a significant competitive edge. Although the
and transport.
Rijnmond economy forms about 8.5% of the gross domestic product, it generates about 16% of the total CO2
The Rotterdam petrochemical and energy cluster is
emissions in the Netherlands. If we do not take specific
extremely important for the economy of both Rot-
measures to reduce CO2 emissions they are expected
terdam and the Netherlands as a whole. At the same
to increase even more to between 39 and 46 Mton CO2
time these activities are CO 2 intensive and contribute
by 2025. This would mean that emissions would almost
significantly to the total CO2 emissions in the Nether-
double compared to the 24 Mton emissions in 1990,
lands. This makes them vulnerable to price increases
instead of being halved (the RCI target). This increase
and stricter restrictions on CO 2. We intend to use RCI
is mainly due to the increase in industry related to the
to facilitate the transition to a truly sustainable industry
new Maasvlakte II and due to bringing two new coal fired
and energy cluster. By saving energy, making produc-
electricity generators in Maasvlakte I into operation.
tion processes more efficient and by setting up an

infrastructure for the exchange of residual heat and
Currently 88% of the CO2 emissions in Rotterdam is
CO2 it is possible to continue production in a responsi-
caused by the industry and energy generating facilities
ble way. Rotterdam will become a more attractive place
in the port area. 7% of emissions is generated by traffic
for businesses and our impact on the climate will be
and transport, 5% is due to the built environment. This
reduced. At the same time truly sustainable forms of
latter percentage is relatively low because emissions
energy generation and industrial activities are being de-
due to the generation of the electricity used in buildings
veloped. Key methods are the use of biomass and wind
are included in the statistics for the industry sector.
and solar energy. Research is being carried out into the
After all the CO2 emitted during the generation of elec-
possibilities of geothermal energy.
tricity occurs at the generator itself. The RCI targets

require the halving of emissions by all three sectors.
Emissions generated by the industry sector must be

significantly reduced if we are to meet the target of
What do we hope to achieve?
halving total emissions.
In 2025 CO2 emissions will have been halved compared

to the levels in 1990. CO2 emissions in 2025 must
Emissions will be reduced by a combination of measures
therefore not exceed 12 Mton. This is 27 to 34 Mton
including: reduction in energy consumption, biomass ap-
less than the level of emissions that there would be if
plications and CCS. Capturing and storing CO2 makes it
no measures are taken to protect the climate and cur-
possible to reduce emissions relatively quickly.
Figure 1. Actual emissions

up to 2009 and estimated
future emissions (in the
absence of climate policies)
based on the 2010 CO2 reconnaissance (DCMR 2010
and ECN 2010)
Whether it is possible to actually implement the meas-
In 1990 there were a total of 1,305 Kiloton CO2 emis-
ures on a sufficiently large scale depends on many
sions in the built environment. The target therefore
different factors. We are dependent on national and
requires emissions to be reduced to only 650 Kiloton
international climate agreements, National Government
in 2025. If no additional measures are taken to tackle
and the EU providing financial and legal support for the
this problem, the emissions are expected to be 1,160
chosen measures as well as the setting up of a CO 2
Kiloton in 2025. In short: this sector needs to further
emissions trading system including a sufficiently high
reduce emissions by 510 Kiloton. This can be achieved
enough price for CO2 emissions rights.
by the efforts of housing corporations, by investments

in renewable heat supply and by energy savings by
The realistic savings potential for CO 2 emissions using
middle- and large-scale consumers (offices, health
CCS is 17.5 Mton in 2025. Together with the savings
care institutions, etc.). All in all these parties should
potential due to industrial energy savings (4 Mton) and
be able to reduce emissions by 400 Kiloton, which is
due to using sustainable raw materials in the chemical
nearly enough to achieve the desired halving of CO 2
industry and using bio-mass for co-firing (4.5 Mton) this
emissions. We are looking into how the remaining re-
gives a total savings potential of 26 Mton CO2 in the
ductions can be achieved by making the heat-network
industrial complex in 2025. This is just about sufficient
more sustainable and by energy savings in existing
to cover the targeted halving of CO2 emissions in 2025
buildings.
compared to 1990. The remaining 1+ Mton reduction

will need to be achieved by the sectors built environ-
It is not realistically possible for the traffic and transport
ment and traffic and transport.
sector to halve emissions. In fact it is anticipated that
Figure 2. Effect of measures

RCI 2015 (DCMR, 2011)
Figure 3. Effect of measures RCI 2025 (DCMR,

2011)
CO2 emissions from this sector will greatly increase in

the period from now until 2025. The target for the traffic
and transport sector is 725 Kiloton in 2025. However,
without additional climate measures, the prognosis is
Eleven companies working together on the

Rotterdam CCS-network
2,600 Kiloton. A reduction of 1,875 Kilotons is required.

The expected reduction of 600 Kilotons emissions due
CO2-capture and storage (CCS) is an important cor-
to the introduction of bio-fuels and electric transport
nerstone in the ambitious approach by the Rotterdam
and the development of even more efficient engines
Climate Initiative. In the Rijnmond region work is being
will not be sufficient to halve emissions in this sector.
carried out into the large-scale storage of CO2 under
Together with National Government and with the sup-
the North Sea. The presence of empty oil and gas fields
port of inhabitants and local entrepreneurs we need to
just off shore, and the concentration of energy intensive
find extra solutions. We are currently investigating the
industry make this region ideal for this technique. The
use of hydrogen to fuel delivery vans in the city and for
Rotterdam Capture and Storage Demonstration Project
transport at the port terminals.
(ROAD) for example is one of the largest CCS demonstration projects in the world. And for years OCAP has
supplied CO2 produced by the Shell Refinery to the Westland greenhouse area.
Eleven Rotterdam businesses are working together to
develop a joint, regional CCS network: industries emitting
large amounts of CO2 can be connected to the Rotterdam CO2 Common Carrier Pipeline (R3CP) that is linked
to potential offshore storage locations. The RCI expects
that this network will contribute to improving the investment climate in the port and will lead to the creation of
a suitable infrastructure for transhipment, transport and
processing of CO2. The large-scale of the joint network
will ensure the rapid development of CCS techniques and
mean lower costs for market parties who wish to capture
and transport CO2. The network confirms the leading
position of RCI and its partners within the development of
CCS worldwide.
Hans Schoenmakers (ROAD): for Rotterdam CCS
is not just an important technology to help achieve
the climate target, it is also crucial to the sustainable
economic development of the Rotterdam Region.
Key information
Parties involved: RCI, E.ON Benelux, Electrabel Nederland/GDF-SUEZ, Port of Rotterdam, OCAP, Gasunie,
Stedin, Air Products, Air Liquide, Shell, Vopak, Anthony
Veder, Maersk, TAQA.
Targets: CO2-reduction, economic strengthening of the
region, reuse of CO2 by greenhouses and gas and oil
extraction
Task 2. Energy savings

An important European and national climate target is
to reduce annual primary energy consumption by 20%
by 2020. Achieving this target would make it possible
to reduce the impact of climate change and the dependence on imported fossil fuels. But there are more
reasons to save energy in production processes, buildings and services. Introducing energy saving measures improves the competitive position, contributes to
employment. The savings made will help recover the
costs of investments in innovative technologies and can
be used to reduce the energy bills in homes and businesses.
We have adopted the target of 20% energy savings
Foto: Ben Wind Fotografie
the development of new technologies and stimulates
in 2020. Industry in particular will have to contribute

significantly. The aim is to stimulate energy saving in
Potential for energy savings in the city lie with the shops,
industry in the port area so that by 2025 CO2 emissions
businesses and institutions that implement energy savings
will have been reduced by 4 Mton. To achieve this,
measures and who make more effort than the minimum
businesses must save energy and improve production
prescribed by law. In addition housing corporations can
efficiency by 2% annually. The intermediate target for
contribute by investing in energy saving measures in their
2015 is a 900 Kiloton reduction in CO 2 emissions.
properties and by making agreements about this with their

tenants. Businesses and consortia of financiers and con-
For the built environment (see also the previous para-
tractors can also help by making result based agreements
graph) the target for 2025 is also to halve CO2 emis-
with home owners and tenants and so convince them of
sions compared to 1990. This gives a desired reduction
the need to save energy in the home. The city adminis-
of 510 Kiloton. The intermediate target for 2015 for built
tration can also save energy in its own buildings and in
up areas is a reduction of 100 Kiloton CO 2.
street lighting. A big step can be made with the installation

of cooling networks and by expanding the existing heat
networks. It is our aim that in the period up to 2015 all new
The concentration of logistic and industrial activities in
buildings (both housing and offices) will be connected to
the Rotterdam port area provides a unique opportunity
the heat network, as will an additional 4,000 existing build-
for a pragmatic approach to linking national and local
ings.
goals. We do not only focus on individual businesses

but we also pay specific attention to opportunities for
Based on current insights, the above-mentioned measures
cooperation between different companies. The tar-
should be sufficient to reduce emissions by 400 Kiloton in
geted reduction of 4 Mton CO2 emissions 2025 can be
the built environment. However, the required reduction is
achieved using 3 different approaches:
510 Kiloton so additional reductions of 110 Kiloton must be

made. During the coming term we will investigate possibili-
1. By extensive business investments in replacing
improving the sustainability of the heat-network and
Mton reduction in CO2 emissions)
making the most of the National Governments intended
2. Via co-siting and the development of heat and
acceleration of energy savings in buildings. We are also
steam networks (potential for 2.0 Mton reduction in
studying the possibilities for reducing electricity consump-
CO2 emissions).
tion. Using less electricity will not directly translate to a
3. By technological innovations in the processes at
ties to close this gap. We expect to achieve this by further
obsolete equipment and innovation (potential for 1.0
reduction in CO2 emissions within the city but is of course
existing businesses (potential for 1.0 Mton reduction
just as essential for tackling energy and climate issues.
in CO2 emissions).
And it has positive economic and social effects.
Task 3. Converting to sustainable energy

and biomass raw materials
also focus on increasing wind energy generation in
The energy and raw material streams must become
ing up investments in solar energy. The Rotterdam Port
Rotterdam and we will look into possibilities for speed-
less CO2 intensive. This will not only reduce green-
area is currently one large wind park with a capacity
house gas emissions, but will make us less dependent
of 151 MW. By 2020, windmills in the public areas will
on (imported) fossil fuels. Wind energy, solar energy
have a capacity of 300 MW, double the current capac-
and energy from biomass are good alternatives. Bio-
ity. In addition we intend to work together with busi-
mass, provided it is sustainably produced, can also
nesses to install windmills on their own private grounds.
be used as renewable raw materials for the chemical
Furthermore we are researching the potential for install-
industry and can replace fossil raw materials when
ing windmills in Hoek van Holland and in Rozenburg. It
making products and has great potential as a basis for
is estimated that this could lead to the generation of an
transport fuels. Biomass applications in particular have
extra 50 MW of wind energy.
a significant economic potential. Biomass provides

the opportunity that we can continue to offer a reliable
For solar energy and urban wind energy, greatest poten-
source of energy and chemicals for the port, the region,
tial lies with the roofs of business premises and collective
the Netherlands and North West Europe. Rotterdam
installations in the built environment. Many Rotterdammers
has been doing this since the start of the 20th century;
would like to (jointly) become involved. Unfortunately there
this is a role that we would like to continue and so we
are many (legal) obstacles. By 2012 we should defini-
are investing in new developments to transform the
tively know whether Rotterdammers investing in collective
region into a Bio port
installations for the generation of sustainable energy will

be entitled to the same tax benefits as those investing in

We hope to significantly increase the use of sustainable
sustainable energy generation at home.
Covenant of Mayors - signed by Rotterdam - which
Task 4. Stimulating sustainable mobility

and transport
specifies that in 2020 20% of energy produced must be
Rotterdam must remain accessible, but in a sustain-
sustainable.
able way. From the point of view of mobility, the choices
energy and raw materials. This is in line with the
made in the City Vision are pre-eminently sustainable.

The aim also includes the provision that from 2025
All that is required is for transport and mobility to be
each year 3 million tonnes of biomass should be used
more intelligently organised. The demand for mobility is
to fuel the energy generators. This is equal to a reduc-
still growing. In this increasingly urbanized environment
tion of 4.5 Mton CO2. In addition, in the period up to
the road system is becoming inadequate. Rotterdam
2025 we hope to start making the chemical industry
is becoming less accessible. In addition people are
more sustainable. This will however take a long time
becoming more environmentally consciousness and
and it is expected that significant reductions in CO 2
desire to live and work in a healthy, clean and attractive
emissions will not be realised until after 2025.
city. At the same time we wish to actively contribute to

the further growth of the port economy.
In 2025 we aim to generate 350 MW wind energy within

the Rotterdam region. The intermediate target for 2015 is
that the generation and use of renewable energy should
The challenging task is make mobility more sustainable.
lead to a reduction of 600 Kiloton CO2 emissions.
This involves: reducing lorry and car mileage, stimulating

the use of the cleanest forms of mobility and reducing the
pollution caused by non-sustainable mobility.
In our role as Bio port of Europe we will make trading and

storage of biomass easier, we will encourage the use of
The targets set for 2025 6 are:
biomass as fuel in coal fired power stations and biomass
A 40% increase in the use of public transport
energy generators, we will stimulate the local use of bio
A 30% reduction in the number of people inconven-
fuels and we will set up studies into, pilots in and efforts
ienced by noise, compared to 2008
for sustainable chemical industry in Rotterdam.

In addition to stimulating biomass technology, we must
6 Also see the Municipal Executive Commitees vision on Sustainable Mobility, letter to the council, reference 08/1470, 2008
A 30% increase in bicycle use
by the further introduction of electric and hybrid
Elimination of cut-through lorries in the city
vehicles. We also promote the purchase and use
A 10% increase in the number of pedestrians at
of electric bicycles and electric scooters, using
various locations that have yet to be decided
amongst other measures the exchange premium

(scooter scrappage scheme) for (petrol fuelled)
The targets for 2014 are:
scooters. And we are setting up a charging infra-
Less motorized rush-hour traffic to places of work in
structure for electric vehicles. Together with various
the centre, Kralingse Zoom, Alexander and busi-
market parties we are carrying out a number of in-
nesses in the port
novative projects in the field of electric transport.
More use of the bicycle and car sharing and the
3. Cleaner fuels. For alternative fuels we are focus-
stimulation of more efficient deliveries in the inner
sing on the introduction of biodiesel for lorries.
city
Specifically for the inland shipping we are research-
More even traffic flow to and from the centre
ing the application of liquid natural gas.
Less (through) traffic in the Inner City

Significant growth of electric transport
Practical experience with clean fuels for lorries and
inland shipping
The planned measures are not (yet) sufficient to compensate the increase in CO 2 emissions caused by the
growing mobility. In our search for extra solutions we
are studying the ideas presented in the recently pub-
How will these goals be realised?
lished transport strategy 2050 drawn up by the Europe-
To achieve these goals we will focus on three different
an Commission. The basis for this transport strategy is:
aspects:
A 60% reduction in CO 2 traffic emissions in 2050
1. The clean transportation of both passengers and
Elimination of cars fuelled by conventional fuels in
goods. We will invest in the construction of bicycle

paths and places to park bicycles in the inner city.
We will implement a dynamic traffic management
system. To limit the distance driven by lorries we
the cities
Transporting 50% of the middle distance passengers and goods by rail or water instead of by road
A 40% reduction in shipping emissions
will implement all kinds of forms of efficient logistics

including the Inner City Service. In addition we will
encourage the inland and ocean shipping to become
more sustainable.
2. Cleaner and more quiet vehicles. We intend to invest
in making the city vehicle fleet more sustainable
Electric Transport Centre brings electric

transport closer
Electric Scooter Paradise

Rotterdam is becoming an Electric Scooter Paradise. To-
The Electric Transport Centre (EVC), located next to Rot-
gether with the Hogeschool Rotterdam (Rotterdam Uni-
terdam Central Station, will open in the summer of 2011.
versity) the city is investigating the potential for stimulat-
At this centre, businesses and consumers will be able to
ing the use of electric scooters in the city. A dozen public
find information about electric transport and will be able
bicycle sheds will be equipped with re-charging stations
to experience the electric car or scooter first-hand by,
for electric bicycles and scooters. Since May 2010 four
for example, taking a trial drive through the city. At least
hundred inhabitants and employees in Rotterdam have
thirty public and private parties have worked to set up
been testing electric scooters to gain an impression of
this centre.
how easy it is to move about the city on these vehicles.

The e-scooters have been made available free of charge
Paul Hoffschult from Het Nieuwe Rijden (Efficient
by the Transport Coordination Centre Rijnmond (VCCR),
Driving Style): We believe that this initiative will be
under the motto: Seeing is Believing
a significant step for electric transport and are happy

to link our name to this project.
Frank Rieck (Rotterdam University): Electric transport produces less noise and less air pollution. If
Key information:
green electricity is used this form of transport will
Parties involved: Green Mobility, City of Rotterdam, Het
significantly contribute to the Rotterdam Climate
Nieuwe Rijden and thirty other public and private parties.
Targets.
Goal: stimulate electric transport and in this way contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions, improving the air
Key information
quality and reducing noise pollution.
Parties involved: City of Rotterdam, Rotterdam University,

VCCR.
Goal: sustainability mobility, reductions in CO2 emissions,
reductions in fine dust particle emissions, noise control.
Task 5. Reducing Noise Pollution and

Improving the Air Quality
The quality of the air indoors is also very important,
For three quarters of the population of Rotterdam the
climate in rented (council) accommodation requires
environment is an important aspect that affects their
special attention. Currently not all school buildings sat-
quality of life. One third of the interviewees in the 2010
isfy standards for a healthy indoor climate. By tackling
Omnibus Survey indicated that they were considering
this issue we not only contribute to better educational
especially in school buildings and in homes. The indoor
moving house because of environmental reasons. The

most common issues were the poor quality of the air
and high noise levels.
The 2007 Rotterdam noise map indicates that more
than 108,000 Rotterdammers are inconvenienced
by noise caused by road traffic, rail traffic, industry
and aircraft. Road traffic noise is by far the biggest
problem, affecting 88,000 people. Being subjected to
continual loud noises seriously damages the health
by, for example, causing sleeping disorders, stress,
problems with concentration and worsening coronary
and vascular diseases. Poor air quality is also bad for
the health. About 60,000 people currently live within
50 metres of busy inner city and secondary roads or
within 100 to 300 metres of a motorway. These are all
areas where the air quality is relatively poor. Research
carried out by the Rotterdam-Rijnmond Public Health
Service and the Erasmus Medical Centre in 2008 into
the efforts required to improve the health in Rotterdam
to bring it in line with national standards indicates that
sible for 10-12% of the health arrears. Reducing noise
pollution and continuing to improve the air quality will
be a good step towards ensuring good health for all the
people of Rotterdam.
Foto: R.Keus
the relatively poor air quality in Rotterdam is respon-
achievements but also reduce teacher absenteeism for
conducive to good health and improving accessibility.
health reasons.
For the main part these measures involve stimulating

sustainable mobility, promoting clean and quiet vehicles
and facilitating clean fuels (see also task 4). In addition
A clear goal with respect to noise control has been
targeted actions are being taken to improve the inner
formulated: in 2014 the noise levels, due to road traffic,
city air quality (low emissions zone) and we are inves-
in the homes of 15,000 Rotterdammers will have been
tigating the possibilities for differentiated parking tariffs.
reduced by at least 3 decibels compared to the levels

in 2010. The long-term goal is that by 2025 30% fewer
The measures being taken to improve the quality of
Rotterdammers will be troubled by noise compared to
the air will help ensure that by 2015 the air throughout
2007. Efforts by the city government will be sufficient
Rotterdam is finally clean enough to satisfy the stand-
to achieve half of these targets. The efforts of others,
ards. It is essential that both National Government
such as the European Union, National Government, the
and regional governments also carry out their part of
Rotterdam region, residents and businesses, will be
the planned measures. If the targets for 2015 are to
required to meet the remaining half.
be achieved all parties must maximise efforts. The

approach to noise control for the coming period mainly
Our short-term goal regarding the air quality is that
consists of applying quiet asphalt to road surfaces and
Rotterdam will satisfy the statutory standards for fine
insulating house facades. The construction of noise
dust particles by 2011 and for nitrogen dioxide by 2015.
barriers will be discussed with National Government.
In the long-term we aim to structurally improve the air

quality in order to improve public health.
In addition to improving the quality of the air outdoors

we are also focussing on improving the indoor climate
Our priorities regarding the quality of the indoor climate
in schools, child-care centres and council housing. This
focus on school buildings and child-care centres. In the
will be carried out jointly with the school boards and
long-term all of these buildings and all rental housing
housing corporations.
must have a healthy indoor climate by 2025.

Task 6. More trees and green areas in the

city
The measures to improve the quality of the air have
Planting more trees and creating more green areas
been selected so that they not only relieve air qual-
in and around the city will contribute to many of the
ity bottlenecks but they also contribute to meeting
key targets. More plants will enable the city to store
other targets, such as reducing CO2 emissions, being
more rainwater and in this way prevent water dam-
age (green roofs and green facades). Planting trees,
bushes, shrubs, green facades, roof gardens and green
Our goal for 2014 is an increase in the area covered
roofs makes the city more attractive and helps limit the
by parks, gardens and water in the ten districts that
consequences of rises in temperature which in turn
had the least vegetation in 2010. We would also like to
reduces the risk of heat stroke (heat induced illness).
see more trees in the city. Our target is to plant 2,000
Extra vegetation is good for public health as the view
extra trees annually in 2011 and 2012. By 2014 there
of and proximity to planted areas reduces stress and
should be 160,000 m 2 additional green roofs and green
in addition trees and bushes mask traffic and indus-
facades in the city. Furthermore we would like to see
trial noise. Finally, green roofs not only help with water
more Rotterdammers becoming involved in the parks
storage but they also save energy and increase the life
and gardens in our city.
span of the roof.

In the long-term we would like to see trees and green
Urban parks and gardens can be used to produce
areas become a standard part of instruments targeting
healthy and sustainable food. More plants in public are-
the fields of health, noise control, climate, water stor-
as, on roofs and on facades will also make Rotterdam a
age and air quality. We intend to demonstrate that even
more pleasant city in which to live. By additionally cre-
an intensely urbanised and industrial environment can
ating high quality parks and (in close cooperation with
accommodate biodiversity.
the Rotterdam region, the Province of South Holland

and conservation organisations) developing ecological
How will the goals be achieved?
routes and nature parks around the city we stimulate
The right plants in the right place. In this programme
the potential for recreation and leisure activities as well
we continue our policy of planting more trees, bushes
as improving biodiversity.
and other vegetation in our city. Something we have

been doing for several years now. The focus is on those
Many residents and entrepreneurs already contribute to

our urban nature goals. In Rotterdam groups of residents and entrepreneurs are setting up various urban
farm initiatives. Organisations such as Eetbaar (Edible)
Rotterdam, Transitions Towns and Rotterdamse Oogst
(Harvest) are good examples. These organisations match
the demand for healthy organically produced food with
other ideals such as sustainably managed natural areas
around the city, urban parks and gardens or involving young Rotterdammers in the production of food via
nature and environmental education. Urban farming is an
excellent way to help achieve a variety of goals. In addition in various neighbourhoods the residents themselves
have already set up initiatives such as the inspiring
neighbourhood garden The Schoonderloo Treasure in
Delfshaven. Some private individuals and entrepreneurs
have, with the aid of our green roofs subsidy scheme,
already constructed green roofs and green facades.
Urban Farming
Floating gardens, vegetable garden roofs, self-sufficient
cafes and restaurants and innovative buildings based
on recycling. That is what Eetbaar (Edible) Rotterdam, a
parts of the city that currently have very few plants and
network of private individuals who are trying to make the
little vegetation. Residents, shop keepers, institutions
whole food chain in the city more sustainable and visible,
and local councils are being asked more than ever to
would like to see achieved. This group would like urban
contribute to making this goal a reality. We are also
farming to become the Rotterdam trademark; by making
cooperating with the district water boards to add to the
urban farming a standard part of all urban planning and
vegetation in the city in the form of more green roofs
by helping enterprising individuals set up projects involv-
and green facades to create an alternative form of
ing the recycling of food. Edible Rotterdam collects and
water storage.
promotes knowledge and expertise in the field of urban

farming. Amongst others through its own website with
which reports on inspiring urban farming projects in and
around Rotterdam.
OVG (Oostrom property development) believes that

it is jointly responsible for making Rotterdam more
Paul de Graaf (Eetbaar Rotterdam): If the food is
attractive and sustainable and has offered to help
grown closer to home then the people of Rotterdam
incorporate more plants and trees in the city. To-
will actually be able to see and experience the food
gether with OVG we are looking into possibilities
production process.
for planting trees, bushes and green areas on the

Wilhelminapier.
Key Details
Parties involved: Eetbaar Rotterdam, residents of the city
of Rotterdam
Aim: increase the citizens knowledge of farming and
food.
Task 7. Increasing investments in sustainability and stimulating sustainable products

and services
Research by Roland Berger (1) indicates that
Sustainable businesses are showing strong economic
so-called clean tech investments are expected to
growth all over the world. Our aim is to ensure that as
generate more than 20 million new jobs worldwide
much of this growth as possible takes place in Rotter-
in the period up to 2030. In 2008, for the first time
dam. Clusters with potential for investment opportuni-
ever, more was invested in new sustainable energy
ties are for example green chemistry and energy, CCS
capacity worldwide than in traditional sources ( 10
and water and delta technology as well as the design,
thousand million). Research by Buck Consultants (2)
installation and construction sectors and sustainable
supported expectations that up to 2030 job oppor-
mobility. This Programme on Sustainability and Climate
tunities in sustainable energy will increase by 2.2
Change, together with the Regional and Urban Economy
- 9.5% annually. However it is expected that employ-
programme and the Clean Tech Delta, focuses on these
ment in the conventional sectors will decrease by 1
clusters to further strengthen the sustainable economy of
2.7% annually. Current developments in the Middle
Rotterdam.
East and Japan will further increase the demand for

sustainable energy sources.
More and more companies are discovering the commercial opportunities of sustainability. In Rotterdam
for example VOPAK is one of the companies who are
active in the field of the storage and transhipment of
CO2 . VOPAKs expertise in the area of tank terminals

will be used to tap new growth markets. This will be
done in cooperation with the Port of Rotterdam, Air
Liquide, Stedin, OCAP and Maersk. KEMA, General
Electric and Siemens are examples of parties who
are making use of opportunities for growth in this
field in Rotterdam. The Boston Consulting Group (3)
concluded that sustainability will become increasingly important to business strategy and management over time, and the risks of failing to act decisively are growing.
Unilever is one of the leading companies in this field.
Senior Executive Paul Polman discussed Unilevers
Sustainability Strategy in an interview with ANP:
The consumer demands it, the abundance of natural
raw materials is diminishing fast and the world population is increasing rapidly. We currently consume
three times the Earths capacity. It is essential that
we start living in a more sustainable fashion if we
are going to be able to continue feeding the growing
population. In the same interview the ING financial
analyst quoted: Water is still free of charge, that will
Foto: Sebastiaan Knot
certainly no longer be the case ten years from now.
The scarcity will completely change the meaning of

business as usual. Businesses who understand this
and are the first to take measures will be able to turn
it to their advantage.
Rotterdam as the most sustainable world port city is a

The RCI commissioned the Boston Consulting Group (4)
key concept in our plans. These investments will directly
to estimate the direct economic impact of the projects
generate up to 1,200 jobs each year and indirectly gen-
that are being carried out in Rotterdam to reduce CO2
erate more than 1,000 permanent jobs as well as up to
emissions. Between 2011 and 2025 an estimated 11.3
940 temporary jobs. Implementing the Rotterdam water
thousand million must be invested. Within the current
policies will create a total of 3,140 extra jobs each year
framework of regulations and legislation and given the
up to 2025. A study based on interviews with businesses
current price of CO2 for the emissions trading scheme
and experts in the region carried out by the Rotterdam
together with the current (energy) prices, 3.5 thousand
School of Management (RSM) (6) concludes that Rot-
million can already be cost-effectively invested. The
terdam is an icon of the Netherlands Waterland: with
city government and the Rotterdam partners, together
its university and many colleges and centres for exper-
with the Regional Authorities, National Government
tise. Interesting developments in the field of adaptation
and the EU must pave the way for the remaining invest-
(both public and private sectors) and good international
ments. Much of this investment is required for pipelines,
contacts. Many businesses anticipate that climate ad-
networks and installation facilities. On average these
aptation will lead to new jobs. Rotterdam has more than
investments and the associated operational activities
its fair share of businesses involved in this field. RSM
will generate nearly 3,400 jobs each year. During the
estimates that within the construction industry, architec-
period from 2011-2015 this number will be much larger:
tural bureaus, engineering offices, insurance agencies
more than 4,500 extra jobs each year. The Rotterdam
and ICT sector about 3,600 jobs in the region are already
Climate offensive also aims to restrict the consequences
related to climate adaptation. This does not include jobs
of a changing climate. Rotterdam Climate Proof, part of
in the colleges and universities and within the (local)
the Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change, is
authorities.
responsible for this. This pro-active approach means that

Rotterdam is currently leading the way for other vulner-
Sources:
able delta cities in the world. If Rotterdam were to simply
1. Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, The Dutch Climate Delta,
play a passive role towards urban water and sewage processing and to restrict itself to the legal minimum then
in the middle-long term that would damage the economy
of Rotterdam and present the wrong image of Rotterdam, World Port City. A passive attitude to urban water
policies is therefore not an option. Based on the Ecorys
(5) study, it can be concluded that making Rotterdam
Rotterdam 2009
2. Buck Consultants International, Market potential for Sustainability, Rotterdam 2010
3. Boston Consulting Group, The Business of Sustainability,
Boston 2009
4. Boston Consulting Group, CO2 Reduction in Rotterdam, Economic and Technical Potential, Amsterdam, 2011
climate proof by 2025 will require estimated investments
5. Ecorys, Quick-scan Economic Spin-off RCP, Rotterdam, 2010
of 4 - 5 hundred thousand. These investments are
6. Rotterdam School of Management, Profiting from Climate
required for measures regarding building construction in
Change, Rotterdam 2011
the outer dike areas, strengthening of the primary dikes,

water storage, urban climate and local accessibility.
By far the most investment will be made by the (local)
authorities. It is estimated that they will be responsible
for 80% of all investments. However, it is possible that
public-private joint initiatives will be able attract a larger
share of private investments. Ecorys also calculated
the direct and indirect effects of the water policies on
employment. Direct effects are directly linked to the
investments; the indirect effects are spin-off effects as a
result of purchasing and contracting to other parties who
directly work on implementing the measures. Presenting
How will these goals be achieved?

We intend to stimulate sustainable entrepreneurship,
production and consumption in the following ways:
is our participation in the innovative ICOS Cleantech

Early Stage Fund II (ICF II).
By encouraging businesses, universities and colleges
to focus more on innovation and the development of
By encouraging leading businesses and organisations
expertise in the field of sustainability, we aim to im-
in the field of sustainable entrepreneurship to commu-
prove the competitive position of existing businesses
nicate their results. Their experiences can encourage
in Rotterdam. Where necessary this includes cradle-
others to follow suit.

By stimulating the market for sustainable products
and services. One way is to set a good example and
increase the demand for sustainable products and
to-cradle principles.
By using our city as an experimental ground for relevant pilots and example projects.
By focusing on re-cycling. For example we are work-
services by means of our own sustainable purchasing
ing to increase the use of residual heat. We have
policies
made agreements regarding sustainable demolition
By giving businesses whose core business is sustainability the red carpet treatment we hope to encourage them to locate their businesses in Rotterdam
and are improving the separation and re-cycling of

refuse.
By continuing our efforts to present Rotterdam inter-
By further developing the Dutch Water Centre
nationally as an energetic, decisive and innovative
By encouraging more investment in sustainability in
world port city.
Rotterdam via continuing cooperation with the business community with for example the RCI, covenants
The above methods and the creation of a number of spe-
with housing corporations and developers, prelimi-
cific pre-conditions for investment should help us achieve
nary studies, targeted lobbying in the Hague and
our targets. Specific pre-conditions include:
Brussels, enforcement and transfer of knowledge.
CCS demonstration project(s).
By working together with the favourable sectors
Applications of steam and residual heat and cold
technology, design, installation and construction
Setting up wind and solar energy projects
sectors and sustainable mobility) and universities
Stimulating energy savings in existing buildings and in
and colleges to devise incentives policies. This will

be done in cooperation with the Regional and Urban
Economy programme and Clean Tech Delta. The aim
is to create the necessary pre-conditions for the introduction of a structural approach to innovation and to
strengthen the favourable sectors. An example of this
Production, storage and transhipment of bio fuels
(green chemistry and energy, CCS, water and delta
SMEs
Realising energy savings in local authority buildings
and facilities
Adaptive building (green roofs, water plazas,
alternative buildings)
Installing charging stations for electric vehicles
Innovative and sustainable metamorphosis

of the Rotterdam Stadshavens
Task 8. Increasing public support for sustainability and firmly anchoring sustainability in
education and research
Right in the heart of Rotterdam, a sustainable metamor-
In order to develop sustainably we not only need to invest
phosis of 1,600 hectares former dockland is taking place.
in finding and implementing sustainable solutions but we
In Stadshavens, traditionally the economic centre of the
also require public acceptance of the solutions and enthu-
city, Rotterdam is developing a high-quality business en-
siasm for sustainability. An important instrument for this is
vironment for maritime services, innovative (production)
firmly anchoring sustainability in the education of our young
industry and knowledge institutes (Clean Tech Delta).
people. This increases insight and knowledge and enables
This large-scale inner city area development aims to
citizens and professionals to make responsible choices.
increase the innovative strength of the regional economy
Making sustainability an integral part of the education
and make the area a more attractive place to live. The
system and a guiding principle for education and research
Clean Tech Delta that is emerging in Stadshavens is a
increases the potential for us to structurally support the
joint initiative between businesses, universities, colleges
citys complex strategic tasks by research and the acquisi-
and governments in the Rotterdam-Delft region that
tion of knowledge.
stimulates innovative and clean technologies and actually

implements them in practice. The districts RDM/Heijplaat
and the Merwe-Vierhavens are ideal experimental areas
By 2025 sustainability will be an integral part of the edu-
to test and demonstrate innovations in the field of Clean
cation system and a guiding principle for education and
Tech.
research. By 2015 agreements relating to sustainability will

have been made with the colleges and university, and these
Clean Tech is a collection of technologies aimed at:
agreements will have been put into operation
saving energy, transition to non-fossil fuel energy

generation, making the urban environment climate
How will these goals be achieved?
proof, sustainable use of raw materials and waste
A programme for nature and the environment has been
products and new transport concepts.
introduced in primary schools. Secondary school pupils

and college and university students are being brought into
Key details
contact with businesses and semi-government institutions
Parties involved: ARCADIS, Eneco, Erasmus University
to introduce them to concrete sustainability issues in Rot-
Rotterdam, Rotterdam University (Hogeschool Rot-
terdam first hand. Agreements are being made with the uni-
terdam), Hoogheemraadschap Delfland, City of Delft,
versity and colleges concerning more sustainable curricula.
City of Rotterdam, Technical University Delft, TNO, Van
A strategic knowledge agenda is being set up to provide a
Gansewinkel Group and Vestia.
better basis for closing the gap between research and the
Aims: energy saving, making the urban environment
real world in Rotterdam. The tasks in the Programme on
climate proof, transition to non-fossil fuelled energy
Sustainability and Climate Change form the basis for this
generation, sustainable use of raw materials and waste
agenda.
products, new traffic concepts
Sustainable Zoo
Structural sustainability in the Erasmus

University
The penguin compound is cooled using energy generated by as many as 3,400 solar panels. The compounds for
The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is character-
the giraffes and crocodiles are connected to a woodchip
ised by its modern attitude to science and society. The
stove and the new, onion-shaped Savannah House was
topic of sustainability is incorporated in nearly all its
constructed using cradle-to-cradle principles. Sustain-
courses. Many different people within the university are
ability has long been one of the spearheads for Blijdorp,
involved in innovative sustainability, in its broadest sense.
Rotterdam Zoo. But Blijdorp is even more ambitious:
Because of this it is not always easy to see which activi-
within just a few years the zoo aims to generate all the
ties are taking place, internally or externally. The new
energy it needs in a sustainable fashion. The zoo is in-
programme ESPRIT (Erasmus Programme on Sustain-
vestigating possibilities for a fermentation installation for
ability and Climate Change InitiaTive) will hopefully bring
the production of biogas. The installation will be fuelled
an end to this fragmented image and policy. The aim of
by manure, sticks, leaves etc. The fermentation process
ESPRIT is to make sustainability more visible to external
will be on display to the visitors so that as well as actively
parties, better coordinate internal actions and create op-
contributing to a better environment it will also have
portunities for fundraising. In concrete terms this means
educational value and encourage the visitors (1.5 million
that the various faculties will work more closely together,
each year) to take action themselves.
the EUR will develop a minor in Sustainability and more

existing courses will become active in the field of sustain-
Marc Damen (Blijdorp Zoo): It would be wonderful if
ability. The EUR works closely together with the TU Delft.
the zoo could produce enough biogas from its own

waste products. The ideal concept is completely
Researchers can achieve so much more if they work
cradle-to-cradle: the ungulates eat vegetable matter
together: more multi-disciplinary research, more innova-
that is grown on our own land, their dung will then be
tion, more publicity for their solutions and more financing.
converted to biogas which will be used for heating

and electricity.
Key details
Parties involved: Erasmus University Rotterdam, TU Delft
Key details
Aims: Improving education and reinforcing research into
Parties involved: Blijdorp Zoo, City of Rotterdam, Prov-
innovative sustainability.
ince of South Holland, AgentschapNL

Aims: energy saving, cost reductions, sustainable energy
production, increasing awareness of the environment and
climate through education and provision of information.
Heijplaat, experimental ground for sustainability
Eneco and the WWF work together for sustainable energy
The monumental RDM grounds in Heijplaat have been
The electricity company Eneco and the World Wildlife
the home of the Hogeschool Rotterdam (Rotterdam
Fund are working closely together to make our power
University) and the Albeda College since 2009. At the
supply more sustainable. Eneco was the first electric-
RDM-campus, establishments for education and sci-
ity company in the world to be included in the WWFs
ence work together with businesses to develop sustain-
Climate Saver program. Climate Savers are businesses
able and innovative solutions in the field of construction,
leading the transition to a low-carbon economy. They
mobility and energy. The pre-war garden village Heijp-
show that reducing CO2 emissions and increasing eco-
laat is an ideal experimental ground. Residents and the
nomic growth can go hand in hand. One of Enecos tar-
Woonbron housing corporation are working together with
gets is that within three years 20% of it electricity will be
the city government, the Charlois local council and Rot-
produced sustainably. Together Eneco and the WWF are
terdam University to develop a climate neutral, climate
taking action to make people more aware of the impor-
proof residential district. The Innovation Centre Sustain-
tance of energy saving and green energy. One example
able Construction (ICDuBo) that has been located in
is the development of innovative urban energy concepts
Heijplaat since 2010 provides advice and expertise. This
for the future. In Rotterdam plans are well underway for
independent expertise centre stimulates sustainable and
a pilot-project to bring sustainable energy closer to the
innovative urban practices. It focuses on ensuring that
consumer by joint generation of energy. Everyone can
governments, universities, colleges and the business
produce energy sustainably.
community share their knowledge and expertise. The

ICDuBo is involved in a number of interesting projects,
Hans Kursten (Eneco): Eneco and the WWF hope
such as a sustainable classroom and heat/cold storage
that by working together they will set a good example
35 metres under the ground. Everything converges on
and inspire a more sustainable electricity supply.
Heijplaat: development of knowledge, practical research

(together with the local residents) and public examples of
Key details
sustainable innovations.
Parties involved: Eneco, World Wildlife Fund

Aims: sustainable energy generation, reduction in CO2
Research, Design and Manufacturing bring educa-
emissions, conservation, innovative power supplies
tion and businesses in Heijplaat together to devise

sustainable and innovative solutions in the field of
construction, mobility and energy.
Key details
Parties involved: ICDuBo, Hogeschool Rotterdam
(Rotterdam University), Port of Rotterdam, Albeda College and others
Aims: innovation, education, simulating sustainable practices in an urban environment
Task 9. Preparing for the consequences of

climate change
the feasibility of various adaptative measures and will
The climate is changing and Rotterdam too will be affect-
ing buildings and water plazas). In addition the projects
ed. The rainfall is already becoming heavier and causes
will contribute to increasing potential for water storage.
more flooding in the city. As low-lying delta city we will
Floating buildings is one example of adaptive building
eventually have to cope with the effects of an increase in
that is ideal for Rotterdam. We will be working together
the sea level and with varying river levels that are some-
with businesses and institutions to develop expertise
times very high but sometimes very low. The temperature
and to carry out concrete experiments (for example in
in the city will also increase whereby more and more peo-
the Nassau Harbour). We will also investigate where it
ple will become susceptible to heat stroke.
is feasible to develop floating houses. The Rotterdam
stimulate the necessary innovation (for example float-
Stadshavens is a likely location. Our experience with

The Rotterdam Climate Proof programme has been
this innovative, sustainable type of building will then be
set up to enable the inevitable climate change to be
further developed and commercialised (by businesses).
seen as an opportunity rather than simply a threat. The
Attractive water plazas will be developed in Rotterdam
continued protection and accessibility of the Rotterdam
to temporarily store surplus rainwater and prevent dam-
Region is central to this program. The programme fo-
age. Rotterdam is already experiencing the effects of
cuses on extra opportunities to create an attractive city
flooding and as the climate changes it will rain more
in which to live, work, invest and spend leisure time.
often and the showers will become heavier. Not all
Leading, authoritative research, innovative develop-
areas in Rotterdam have sufficient capacity to catch
ment of expertise and decisive implementation will re-
and collect rainwater so smart solutions such as water
sult in strong economic impulses. Together with leading
plazas are necessary.
partners, Rotterdam will become the innovative water

expertise city in the world and an inspiring example for
Finally, by 2014 Rotterdam businesses, university and
other delta cities.
colleges will be able to internationally propagate the

information learnt and expertise that has been gained
in the field of water and adaptation. This will strengthen
Our goal is to make Rotterdam 100% climate proof by
Rotterdams economy and knowledge infrastructure.
2025. By 2014 the Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy will
The network Connecting Delta Cities has a part to play
have been drawn up and a start will have been made
in this.
towards implementing it.

At national level a climate proof Netherlands is the
How will the goal be achieved?
focus of the Delta program. In 2014 this programme will
Climate adaptation does not happen over night. In the
lead to the cabinet making a number of delta decisions
period up to 2014 efforts in the field of adaptation will
that will affect regional planning and economic develop-
focus on drawing up and putting into operation the
ments in the Rijnmond - Drechtsteden region. Rotter-
strategy which will make Rotterdam climate proof by
dam is intensively involved in this programme which
2025: The Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy (RAS). Cur-
stimulates exchange of knowledge in the field of climate
rently the nature and extent of the anticipated impact
adaptation and brings strategies into line.
that climate change will have on Rotterdam is being

studied. This will provide insight into effective and
All these activities will lead to adaptative strategies be-
applicable measures. The status of hotspot within the
coming anchored in the organisation by 2014. The city
national research programme Knowledge for Climate
will be a showcase for effective examples of adaptation
contributes to this. One of the important focuses for
in the city and businesses, colleges and the university
Rotterdam is safety in the areas in the Rijnmond-
will work together to devise (innovative) initiatives to
Drechtsteden outer dike region where 60,000 people
make Rotterdam climate proof. The Dutch Water Centre
live and work. National government and the regional
will play a key role and will contribute to the image of
authorities are developing tests to monitor the safety.
Rotterdam as an international delta city. Implementation of this strategy will lead to a climate proof city and
At the same time, in 2014 relevant (pilot) projects will
port by 2025.
be being carried out which will provide insight into
Foto: Sebastiaan Knot
Dutch Water Centre strengthens

Rotterdams position
Task 10. Stimulating sustainable urban and

regional development
New developments and re-structuring of the city provide good opportunities to make sustainability concrete
The Dutch Water Centre in Rotterdam is the international
and tangible. Rotterdam Stadshavens, Heijplaat, the
showroom and meeting place for the water sector in the
Central District near Central Station and the Heart of
Netherlands. It is logical that Rotterdam was chosen to
South are all obvious examples. The development of
locate this new centre, as the city is internationally recog-
these areas creates opportunities that benefit the city
nised as an innovative, driving and initiative-taking city in
and the relevant district as well as the people of Rot-
the field of climate adaptation. The Dutch Water Centres
terdam and parties such as developers, housing cor-
first project was the opening in 2010 of the Floating Pavil-
porations, building constructors and investors. These
ion in the Rijnhaven; a striking example of climate proof
opportunities arise when all parties involved manage to
construction in the outer dike region and a show case for
link unique local characteristics with (construction) de-
innovation in water and delta technology.
velopments from the perspective of sustainability. Such

efforts and cooperation may have other positive effects
The Dutch Water Centre is the central point for expertise
such as refuse re-cycling, biodiversity, outdoor areas,
and knowledge in the field of water management. This
energy savings, renewable energy, sustainable mobility
sector is expected to become globally more and more
and public transport, noise control, parks and gardens,
important in the coming decennia.
air quality and water storage
Key details
For many sustainability themes an area specific ap-
Parties involved: Arcadis, DHV, Dura Vermeer, Evides,
proach is essential if real progress is to be made. This
Ahoy, Hogeschool Rotterdam (Rotterdam University), TU
is particularly true when there are no new (building)
Delft and the City of Rotterdam
developments in that area. Local authorities play a key
Aims: increasing knowledge and expertise in the field of
role, for example by generating public acceptance and
water management. Stimulating climate proof construc-
support. After all, the local council is the initial con-
tion and innovation.
tact point for Rotterdammers and responsible for the

districts.
Our aim is to maximise the sustainable development
of areas. The targets and aims of the Programme on
Sustainability and Climate Change are translated into
practical guidelines which are used when areas in the
In all development projects we are looking for physical
city are being (re-) developed. All urban and regional
potential to improve the general health of the people
plans and develop-ments must lead to improved living
of Rotterdam. Especially when it comes to improving
conditions and increased economic value.
the air quality and reducing noise pollution. Sustainable area development within the Framework Quality of
How will the goals be achieved?
Living Conditions (KLOK) is becoming an integral part
The most important areas of the city, as far as oppor-
of the city administrations working practice. Together
tunities for sustainable development are concerned,
with the local councils we are working to create district-
are the Inner City, Rotterdam Stadshavens and South
specific ways to implement the Programme on Sustain-
Rotterdam. As detailed in REAP, the Rotterdam Energy
ability and Climate Change. Together we are trying to
Approach, the exchange of energy streams is central.
gain the support of residents and local businesses to
Together with the market parties we are working to cre-
make it possible to invest in planting trees and creating
ate a cleaner, greener and healthier city both in terms
green areas, energy savings and sustainable energy
of the separate buildings and for the district as a whole.
generation. Heijplaat is a pilot area.
Concrete examples are devising intelligent planning so

that less energy is required, installing heat and cooling
networks and constructing more (innovative) forms of
water storage. Another possibility is floating buildings;
Network for cooling the Rotterdam Central

District
Rotterdam Stadshavens is a particularly suitable place

for this. Climate stability is being incorporated into the
Eneco is researching possibilities for installing energy
Rotterdam urban planning.
efficient cooling in the Rotterdam Central District. The

basis of this system is a collective cold network that extracts cold from the river, the New Maas. A disadvantage
of traditional climate control systems is that in order to
cool they have to blast out heat. This is one of the most
important causes of smog and the heat-island effects in
the summer.
Eneco aims to provide a comfortable climate for the
residents and businesses in the Rotterdam Central
District whilst at the same time reducing CO2 emissions.
Key details
Parties involved: Eneco, DWA, developers
Aims: more comfortable climate (especially in the summer), increasing sustainable energy generation, prevent-
Foto: David Rozing
ing heat-island effect, reducing CO2 emissions.
Foto: R. Keus
Foto: Marc Heeman
4.
Working together to create a

sustainable world port city
All the above-formulated tasks, goals and aims make
organisations and propose ways in which we can help.
it clear that this programme will only be possible if we
Periodically we determine whether the current course
work closely together with the partners in and around
is still working or whether adjustments are required.
the city. Working together, with emphasis on shared re-
This can be the case for example if changes are made
sponsibility, is a key concept within this Programme on
to the laws and legislation or if National Government
Sustainability and Climate Change. We will try to link in
makes cutbacks. Adjustments can mean modifying the
as much as possible with current initiatives already set
activities, scrapping activities or the introduction of new
up by private individuals, businesses and institutions. In
activities.
this way we achieve more, and get better results more

quickly. The city administration stimulates these initiatives and joint ventures, makes concrete agreements
4.1 Inhabitants of Rotterdam
with the various parties, creates optimal conditions for

investments, removes obstacles and takes measures
Within the Programme on Sustainability and Climate
to create the necessary infrastructure. In addition we
Change the individual Rotterdammers conscious
lobby for better legislation. Where necessary we will
choice to live and work sustainably is an important in-
enforce agreements that have been made and accost
centive and success factor. We have observed that for
negligent parties as well as stimulating, encouraging
an increasing number of inhabitants the question is no
and spurring on. There is of course no guarantee that
longer whether to live, work, move and consume more
all the above targets will actually be met. But we think
sustainably and more healthily, but how. This latter
this method creates the best conditions for success.
question does not have a simple, unambiguous answer.
Ultimately, cooperation with the partners in the city
Judicial obstacles, laborious financing schemes and
should lead to lower CO2 emissions, more investment in
unfamiliarity with what is possible and what the benefits
sustainability and a change in attitude and behaviour.
are, frequently make it difficult to actually take action.
During this programme we will periodically measure
Sustainable products and services are often unavail-
and evaluate the progress and the (intermediary) re-
able or hard to find. For this reason sustainability
sults.
frequently goes no further than being just a fine idea.

However, Rotterdammers can actually do a lot to make
The partners with which we work have been grouped
their city cleaner, greener and healthier. For example:
into the following categories:
Save energy by insulating their home
Inhabitants of Rotterdam
Invest, either alone or jointly, in sustainable energy
Port, industry and large companies

Shopkeepers, associations and institutes
Housing corporations, investors and developers
Motorists, transporters, (public) transport companies and logistic services
Schools, vocational colleges, universities and expertise centres
City administration and local authorities
generation, a green roof or a green facade

Join together with neighbours, club members or at
school to save energy
Make sustainable consumer choices
Buy local products
Use bicycles more often, use electric cars, electric
bicycles and electric scooters or travel by public
transport
Create less waste and recycle more actively
For each group we provide suggestions for joint ventures, indicate what we expect from individuals and
We would like to help all those Rotterdammers who
Stimulate energy-saving competitions between

streets and neighbourhoods (activity 1)
Together with consortia we will approach homeowners and homeowner associations with integrated
packages of energy-saving measures to encourage them to reduce energy consumption in the
homes (activity 2). For this activity we are trying to
link in with National Governments block-for-block
approach. This approach focuses on increasing
energy-saving in existing buildings. This not only
forms part of the Made-to-Measure Climate motion
of the city council but also links in with the VVE-010
activities.
Stimulate the construction of green roofs and green
facades (activity 3). The current Green Roofs subsidy scheme will continue until the end of 2014.
To incorporate more plants and green areas in the
city we are counting on (financial) support from
citizens and businesses. Public-private joint venture
pilots are being set up. At least one local entrepreneur fund must be involved (activity 4).
Energy advisors contact and advise low-income
households. In this way minimum wage earners also
become involved (activity 5).
Together with the G4 (the 4 largest cities in the
wish to contribute to making their city more sustainable
Netherlands) we organise the joint purchasing of
so that we can all actually achieve results. We focus
(green) electricity and gas for low-income house-
on removing practical obstacles (such as prohibitive
holds. Coupled to this are (positive) incentives for
regulations and laborious financing schemes), mak-
energy saving (activity 6).
ing agreements with groups of residents and housing
Support promising sustainability initiatives set up
corporations, advocating legislation (with National
by individuals using a citizen initiatives fund and by
Government and the European Union) and constructing
organising meet and green sessions for residents
infrastructure (charging stations for electric vehicles,
and entrepreneurs in the city (activity 7).
improving bicycle routes, installing a heat network) as
Together with the residents of Heijplaat we are
well as supporting favourable sustainability initiatives
going to design and implement a strategy to make
set up by private individuals.
Heijplaat climate neutral and climate proof (activity

8). Included in this is a pilot for the small-scale col-
In the previous council term we mainly focussed on
lective generation of solar-energy and as well as a
providing information about the environment and the cli-
smart-grid pilot (activity 9).
mate (DCMR, RCI and Rotterdam.nl websites), propa-
We intend to create more facilities for cyclists: an
gating energy saving and setting up subsidy schemes
extra 1,000 bicycle parking slots will be created in
(for example for green roofs). We also supported the
the inner city (activity 10). Specifically we need to
work and projects of the Rotterdam Centre for the
find solutions to the bicycle parking problems at
Environment (RMC). Surveys show that the people of
Coolsingel/Beurs Passageway, Blaak station and
Rotterdam are becoming increasingly willing to make
Schouwburgplein (Theatre Square). We also intend
sustainable choices because they realise that change
to construct long distance cycle routes such as The
is necessary. To stimulate individuals to work with us to
Hofplein Route between The Hague and Dordrecht
achieve our goals we intend to carry out the following
(activity 11). To encourage more cycle traffic in the
activities for and with the people of Rotterdam:
centre we intend to tackle a number of missing links

in the main cycle route network (activity 12).
Over the coming years we hope to further stimulate

the use of electric bicycles and electric scooters.
We intend to invest in infrastructure (activity 13) (a
Schoonderloo urban park: from, for and by

the local residents
network of charging stations), to set up a scooter

scrappage scheme to ensure that petrol-scooters
The residents of the Delfshaven District joined forc-
are replaced by electric scooters (activity 14) and
es to transform a wasteland on which houses were
to provide information (to make market parties and
due to be built into a green oasis: The Schoonderloo
private individuals more enthusiastic). This last point
Treasure. Residents in the neighbourhood designed
will be carried out together with the new Electric
the park and are responsible for maintaining the
Transport Centre.
plants in their treasure.
In addition we intend to carry out other activities that
Ruth Schov, active member of The Schoonderloo
will directly and indirectly yield sustainable results.
Treasure Association:
These include:
Plants and nature are a basic pre-condition for pleasant
Investing in planting trees and creating green areas
living conditions. The neighbourhood initiative to trans-
in the city, especially in the districts that currently
form this small area of land into a park has generated
lack green areas.
a great sense of belonging and unity. It is now the main
Publishing statistics concerning the consumption of

electricity, natural gas and heat.
Investing in noise control, soundproofing buildings
and improving the air quality.
Making agreements with housing corporations
meeting place in the neighbourhood. The local residents

themselves are responsible for the management and
maintenance. Cooperation is essential. We want to utilise
peoples individual talents as much as possible: a sustainable way of associating with people. The Delfshaven
regarding energy-savings and the ensuing reduction
local authority helps where necessary. The treasure
in living costs in council housing.
is for the whole neighbourhood. It is open and inviting.
Joint ventures with schools, colleges and universi-
Sustainability is one of the three cornerstones of the

park: the design, the methods of gardening and the use
ties.
Setting up and increasing investments in sustainability in the city and port. This should lead to more
of the park are all focussed on maximising the life span

of the park.
employment.
The most sustainable Homeowner Association in the Netherlands
Working together at Street Level

Rotterdam is one of the most active cities in the Netherlands when it comes to the National Climate Street
Sustainability played an important role in the reno-
Festival Campaign. In 2011 nearly 5,100 streets in the
vation of the apartment and shopping complex on
Netherlands competed in this energy saving competi-
the New Binnenweg. The Homeowner Association
tion. Those Climate Streets that scored the highest
made a conscious choice for LED lighting, a green
were rewarded with a Climate Street Festival. The
roof and (in the near future) connections to the
highest scoring street in Rotterdam was the Schieveen-
heat network.
straat. This street carried out various sustainable

activities and earned 64,802 points, coming twelfth
Wietze Gorter, landscape architect and chairman of
in the Netherlands as a whole. The Childrens Climate
the Homeowner Association New Binnenweg:
Team went door-to-door collecting used-batteries, old
Sustainability was at the basis of our renovation plan.
paper and electric equipment. The five best streets
It started with a well thought out lighting plan for the
in Rotterdam were treated to a special street theatre
front of the building. This not only saved energy but
performance. The Climate Street Festival fits in well
was also attractive to look at and made the neighbours
with the opZUINIG! Campaign run by the Rotterdam
and residents feel safe and secure. The residents be-
Environmental Centre (RMC). This campaign provides
came extremely enthusiastic and were very supportive
practical tips to help individuals save energy and water
of other sustainable initiatives. A conscious choice was
in their own homes and on their own streets. The RMC
made to find sustainable solutions in all subsequent
also organises the training course Environment Coach.
renovations. Solutions that not only help the environ-
Residents are trained to educate other people in their
ment but also save energy and make life more comfort-
neighbourhood about energy and water savings. The
able. A green roof is not only beautiful to look at. It also
Green Handyman visits the homes and provides tips
catches excess rainwater, insulates the building in both
for energy saving measures..
summer and winter, collects dust and damps sound.

The city government was more than happy to help us
Emile van Rinsum (RMC): The Cimate Street
with our sustainability plans. Where necessary we re-
Festival stimulates energy savings in a fun and
ceived financial support and professional advice.
educational way. It strengthens the community and

ensures that residents implement more energy saving measures
Key details
Parties involved: National Climate Campaign HIER.NU,
Rotterdam Environment Centre (RMC) and the City of
Rotterdam.
Aims: Reductions in CO2 emissions, energy saving,
cost reduction, stimulating awareness of energy saving
and sustainability.
4.2 Port, industry and

large businesses
will investigate how unprofitable innovative sustainable actions can be financed and how the associated
risks can best be shared. This also involves changing
The Port of Rotterdam, the industrial complex and large
legislation and regulations where necessary to make
businesses in and around Rotterdam are very important
this possible.
for the economy. It will not be possible to achieve the

sustainability goals without their help. Over the last few
The scale of these sectors gives considerable poten-
years, despite strong growth of the port and industry,
tial for savings and reductions. Agreements regarding
significant steps have been taken to improve the air
these sector-targeted approaches have already been
quality, reduce noise pollution, increase energy-sav-
made with the partners within RCI. In addition, dur-
ings, generate clean energy and make use of biomass.
ing the previous council term various joint venture
We would like to see this trend of simultaneous eco-
agreements were made with businesses and plans
nomic growth and further sustainability continued. This
were prepared, for example, for the construction of
is possible if the sectors continue to make progress in
infrastructure for the re-cycling of industrial steam.
the following areas:
More than thirty workshops were organised to pro-
Saving energy by improving production processes
vide information for employees and decision makers
Investing in networks for the exchange of (residual)
in companies regarding saving energy by changes to
energy
techniques, processes and behaviour. A wind energy
Investing in technical developments for the application of green raw materials for the chemical industry
covenant was signed that will ensure at least a doubling

of the capacity for wind energy from 150 to more than
Investing in sustainable energy generation
300 MW in 2020 in the public port areas. Various mile-
Reducing emissions of pollutants and reducing
posts clearly show how sustainability is taking form:
industrial noise
The realisation of test location Plant One, a full scale
Trading and using sustainable biomass
set-up (rather than laboratory scale) in which innovative
Joint ventures to create a CO2 infrastructure
techniques for energy saving in the processing industry
Projects for CO2 storage
can be tested; the supply of CO2 to greenhouses in the

Westland area; the creation of four bio fuel factories;
Increasing the sustainability of the port and industrial
the granting of various substantial European subsidies
complex will provide an important extra economic
for projects in the field of CCS. Rotterdam is also active
impulse. However it is the business community and the
internationally. We have brought 55 world ports togeth-
Port of Rotterdam who will have to take the first steps.
er in the World Ports Climate Initiative and agreements
The role of the city government is to stimulate and
have been to reduce emissions caused by port activi-
facilitate: to remove obstacles to sustainability, to bring
ties and the shipping trade worldwide.
parties together and where desired to set up specific

district-targeted approaches. The concentration of
The role of the city and district councils
logistic and industrial activities in the port area is ideal
To encourage the port, industry and large businesses
for such an approach. Over recent years it has been
to achieve their targets we suggest that additional
shown that it is very difficult for businesses to meet en-
agreements are made regarding energy savings and
ergy savings targets on their own. By working together
production efficiency (activity 15). Together with the
more intelligently - for example by jointly generating
business community we intend to devise useful ap-
sustainable energy or sharing surplus heat or cooling
plications of residual heat and steam (activity 16) and
- these targets become attainable. This not only leads
present business cases for the implementation of smart
to lower energy consumption but also to a significant
grids in the distripark Maasvlakte (activity 17). Together
reduction in emissions of CO2 and other pollutants.
with the Heat Company we are working on a concrete
This in turn has positive effects on the air quality in the
trial project for the exchange of heat between busi-
(downwind) city.
nesses in the port and in the city (activity 18). Together

with businesses in the port we are investigating the
Rotterdam is specifically looking to cooperate with
further potential for the exchange of raw materials and
National Government and the EU to finance innovations
residues between businesses (activity 19).
and provide an impulse for the transition. Together we
Together with the businesses we will investigate how,

and with which innovations, we can further intensify industrial activities while at the same time reducing noise
pollution (activity 24).
Implementing all these plans requires the efforts and
involvement of a multitude of parties. As well as the
Port of Rotterdam, DCMR, Deltalinqs and the large
businesses in the port and industrial area these also include national government, the province South Holland
and the EU. As municipal executive committee our role
is to bind parties together and stimulate them.
ECT: market-driven sustainable innovation

Europe Container Terminals ECT, with its three
terminals in the Port of Rotterdam, was able to
reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% in the period 2009
Foto: Huntsman
to 2012. The new Euromax Terminal Rotterdam is as

sustainable as currently possible and the company
has developed new links to the hinterland to relieve
the busy road system.
Rob Bagchus, ECT Chief Public Affairs and Public
An additional important role for the city government is
Relations Officer:
to attract European subsidies and to lobby for changes
Rotterdam is a densely populated region where many
to legislation and rules that stand in the way of innova-
activities take place. Not only do we as a company feel
tion in the field of sustainable energy, biomass and
the need to act responsibly, our customers demand it
CCS. An extension of this is our joint venture biomass
from us. These are our main motives for contributing to
programme that we are carrying out together with
sustainability. The beautiful thing about sustainability
businesses (activity 20) and our contribution to further
is that environmental, social and economic benefits
developing a good infrastructure for the transport of
go hand in hand. We are continually critically assess-
CO2 (activity 21). The Rotterdam Storage and Capture
ing our processes and if anything can be done more
Demonstration project (ROAD) is an inspiring example.
efficiently or more sustainably then we do it. This isnt
Finally we are continuing actions deriving from the wind
anything new; we have been doing this for years. The
covenant; that should result in doubling the capacity for
ECTs latest acquisition, the Euromax Terminal Rot-
wind energy generation in the port area (activity 22). In
terdam, is the most sustainable and efficient terminal
combination with this we are stimulating the construc-
in the world. During construction we paid attention to
tion of windmills on private business properties. And
making everything as sustainable as possible. We are
we will look into the potential for the generation of solar
also offering new services: for example the European
energy by the installation of solar panels on business
Gateway Services - links to inland terminals. We guar-
roofs (activity 23).
antee good connections between the deep-sea terminals and the inland terminals, mainly by rail and inland
Doubling the economic (port) activities and intensifying
shipping. We continue to look for improvements, both in
the use of space will only be possible if we maximise
and around the terminal and to and from inland areas.
our efforts in the field of sustainability.
Market forces are actually more responsible for driving

these changes than the government is.
The environment must be used as efficiently as possible. Consider for example noise control.
Port strategy and city policies reinforce each other

A flourishing port makes it much easier for Rotterdam to achieve its sustainability goals is how Pieter
van Essen, project manager RCI on behalf of the Port of Rotterdam, summarises the relationship between
the city and the port. The sustainability policies of the city and the port match perfectly.
Last year the Port of Rotterdam committed its future vision to paper. Port Compass 2030 describes how the market
is expected to develop over the coming decennia and how the port intends to anticipate these developments. Four
different scenarios have been detailed, ranging from conservative to tempestuous growth. None of the scenarios
anticipate a negative growth. The importance of the energy and oil sectors is expected to increase. Even if only
because Europe has a limited supply of its own raw materials according to Pieter van Essen.
CO2 is just an ordinary product

With the growth of the port, Rotterdam has made considerable efforts towards reducing emissions of greenhouse
gasses. What measures is the Port of Rotterdam taking, bearing in mind that the port region is responsible for
about 90% of all emissions? Where possible we aim to reduce and eliminate CO2 emissions continued van Essen.
For example by setting standards for Maasvlakte 2 emissions and by anticipating the changing energy mix when
allocating land. Consider the expected growth of electric transport over the coming years. The Maasvlakte includes
new power stations to satisfy the increasing demand for electricity. In addition to gas and coal, the power stations
will also be fuelled by biomass. Biomass is another spearhead in the city government policies. This links in with the
port activities as it must be transported and stored. The power stations capture the CO2, which is then re-used in
greenhouses in the Westland or stored under the sea. This requires investment in CO2 transport networks for suppliers and consumers. A terminal will be constructed so that CO2 can also be transported by tanker. CO2 is simply
another ordinary product. Just like biomass and other raw materials. In this way the port develops, we work together with the city government and the net effect is a reduction in CO2 emissions.
Flexibly anticipating a changing energy mix
Wind energy is another example of how the Port of Rotterdam and the city governments sustainability policies
reinforce each other. The city government aims to have doubled the generation of wind energy by 2020. The Port
of Rotterdam is more than happy to contribute. In the port area there needs to be about 300 MW of wind turbines,
according to Van Essen. Consider also liquid natural gas. The importance of natural gas will increase over the
coming decennia, remarks van Essen. In anticipation of this Rotterdam intends to open the first terminal for Liquid
Natural Gas later this year. LNG is a relatively clean fuel. The Port of Rotterdam aims to encourage the inland
shipping sector to make use of LNG. Van Essen: Together with the City of Rotterdam we are starting a joint pilot.
The only way to get barges to start using LNG is by making it worth their while. In addition fears in terms of safety
and legislation must also be alleviated. We do not want to discover that a barge fuelled by LNG has to stop at the
nations borders because the legislation elsewhere does not permit it. This project requires a lot of time, but does
have considerable benefits in terms of emissions. And we are not just doing this for Rotterdam. The surrounding
areas through which the barges travel will also benefit. This really is a unique project, argues van Essen. There
is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. We intend to play a key role in the Netherlands efforts to become the
energy intersection of Europe. We will take the lead and flexibly anticipate change. That is the key aspect of the
port vision and fits in perfectly with the Rotterdam sustainability policies.
Deltalinqs Energy Forum: working together

towards saving energy in the port
4.3 Shopkeepers, associations

and institutes
Improving sustainability creates a range of opportunities
The Deltalinqs Energy Forum (DEF) stimulates energy
for shopkeepers. Firstly the rising price of raw materials
saving and innovation in industrial processes and instal-
and (fossil) fuels means that sustainability is becom-
lations. With this program, the entrepreneurs organisa-
ing increasingly more attractive financially. Sustainable
tion Deltalinqs hopes to save energy in the port and to
products are becoming relatively cheaper and the market
improve Rotterdams international competitive position.
for sustainable products and services is growing rapidly.
The three cornerstones of this knowledge platform are:
Shopkeepers can stand out, in a positive sense, from
stimulating energy savings and production efficiency,
their competitors by providing sustainable products and
increasing the share of sustainable energy and raw ma-
services and by using socially responsible methods.
terials and implementing CCS projects. In addition DEF
Businesses in Rotterdam are starting to take this seri-
is investigating the economic opportunities of co-siting as
ously, partly from a sense of social involvement but
part of the CoSiR programme (Co Siting Rijnmond). This
mainly because this is simply a way to earn money. At
has already led to a world first in Rotterdam: a joint steam
the same time this group of businesses is contributing
network for the businesses in the Botlek. Businesses that
to achieving our aims. The Programme on Sustainability
produce or have a surplus of high-pressure steam deliver
and Climate Change takes advantage of the momentum
this steam to the Steam Pipe Network. Other businesses
that is already present in many businesses and in many
in the area will then be able to tap steam from this still-
sectors. Associations and institutes are also actively
to-be-constructed network. Annually, this will reduce CO2
tackling sustainability, partly from an intrinsic desire to
emissions by 400,000 tonnes. Within the CoSiR program,
act responsibly but also because of the greatly increasing
the DEF has developed a new, sustainable chain for the
costs of energy.
processing of biological purification silt. At a central location the silt from wastewater processing installations is
This programme includes a number of different aspects
converted into bio-silt that can then be used to produce
around which we stimulate sustainable enterprises and
biogas. The environment and the economy working hand
sustainable production and consumption.
in hand.
The demand for sustainable products and services is
Cees Jan Asselbergs (Deltalinqs): We must take advan-
increasing but the supply remains limited. We aim to
tage of the large scale of Rotterdams industrial complex.
stimulate the market by both increasing demand and
With the innovative approach to the development of the
encouraging businesses to increase the supply. The city
Botlek Steam Pipe, Rotterdam has shown that economic
administrations own purchasing and contracting poli-
growth, increased efficiency, improved air quality and
cies will focus on sustainable products and services. We
CO2 reductions can go hand in hand.
hope that more Rotterdam businesses will switch to the

production of sustainable products and/or the provi-
Key details
sion of sustainable services and that more businesses
Parties involved: Deltalinqs, Rotterdam Climate Initiative.
whose core activity relates to sustainability will re-locate
Goal: energy savings, CO2-reduction, cost reduction,
to Rotterdam. Research has shown that a considerable
increased productivity, exchange of knowledge, advising
number of the businesses in the Rotterdam region are
and helping affiliated businesses.
part of the climate adaptation production chain for example engineering offices, architectural offices, hydraulic
engineering agencies and the construction industry. This
provides opportunities to strengthen the economy and for
innovation.
We intend to stimulate investment in energy saving in
shops, businesses, institutes and associations. For bulk
consumers this will mainly be done by enforcement. However the smaller-scale users (e.g. clubs and foundations)
react better to encouragement.
case. The RDM campus is a good example of this. Plant
We will also focus on re-cycling. The processing of waste
One in the Botlek offers demonstration facilities for industri-
products can be significantly improved. Both directly, for
al innovations. We are also working to set up an innovation
example better water purification and better sorting and
fund and looking into the possibilities for actively supporting
re-cycling of refuse as well as indirectly throughout the
outstanding ideas suggested by Rotterdam entrepreneurs in
production chain from packaging to refuse collection and
the field of sustainability. These economic instruments will
the generation of residual streams. Where necessary
be further developed during the coming term (activity 28).
cradle-to-cradle principles are involved.

Part of the living showcase is the role that the
Efforts
Stadshavens play as co-location for the European
We support businesses and organisations that are taking
Knowledge Innovation Community Climate (KIC-Climate).
the lead in the field of sustainable operations by actively
The aim of this KIC-Climate is to set up and expand
propagating their experiences and publicising their re-
European joint ventures to develop climate innovations
sults (activity 25). One example of this is the Chamber of
that will enable the business community to speed up the
Commerce that has been working according to sustain-
marketing of climate solutions.
able principles since 2001 and is a leading example for

the Rotterdam business community.
Specifically for the water sector we are working to internationally publicise the Rotterdam approach to climate
To increase energy savings in businesses and institutes we
adaptation. We will organise an event for professionals,
will continue the sector-targeted approach of recent years
in which the focus is on the Rotterdam approach and the
(activity 26). A concrete target is that by 2014 900 (of the
results achieved in this field (activity 29). Internationally
1200 targeted) businesses will have taken energy saving
promoting the Rotterdams expertise in the field of sustain-
measures that will be cost-effective within five years. Over
ability and water should lead to new contracts and higher
the last two years the City of Rotterdam and the DCMR
turnover for the businesses in Rotterdam (activity 30)
jointly set up an action program. This is beginning to pay off

and will be continued. We intend to continue the success-
We are in the process of making agreements with busi-
ful workshops for the different sectors. In addition we also
nesses, colleges and universities with expertise in the
intend to bring the various market parties, such as fitters,
water sector and the various authorities involved regard-
contractors, electricians and financers, in contact with the
ing the design, details and financing of the Dutch Water
businesses to enable them to implement sustainability
Centre. The City of Rotterdam (activity 31) and the Clean
measures and tackle any bottlenecks. Energy savings and
Tech Delta programme in particular will facilitate this. The
sustainability (especially sustainable products) are spear-
Dutch Water Centre will become a key player in the water
heads in the approach to shopping centres in Rotterdam.
and delta technology cluster.
In this way we hope to eventually motivate businesses to

achieve more than the legal minimum. This will be done
jointly. For example the forceful women who show that
purchasing behaviour can influence the supply and demand for sustainable alternatives and fair-trade products.
Specifically for clubs and foundations (e.g. sport clubs,
theatres and museums) we are looking into the possibilities to help finance energy saving measures, by for
example using revolving funds or setting up guarantee
schemes. We are also helping Rotterdam Zoo implement
Businesses who wish to test innovations in practice can

tell us how we can help them. This benefits all parties. The
entrepreneur is able to take an important step in making his
product marketable and Rotterdam becomes a living show-
Foto: R. Keus
its energy plan (activity 27).
Chamber of Commerce provides a podium

for Sustainable initiatives
Wattnou: pioneer in energy saving

Wattnou specialises in preventing energy wastage. This
The Chamber of Commerce is actively taking steps
shop on the shopping street the New Binnenweg has
to stimulate corporate social responsibility (CRS) in
everything you could want in the field of energy sav-
Rotterdam. It provides a podium for the leaders in
ings. LED lights, a wide range of low-energy light bulbs,
the field of sustainability and supports the develop-
weather strips, water saving shower heads and much
ment of sustainable initiatives.
more. Everyone is welcome to come to discuss energy

issues. That energy saving is profitable can be seen by
Anneloes Brand, Policy advisor for the Chamber of
the energy scans that Wattnou carries out. The scan
Commerce:
graphically illustrates where energy is being wasted so
Corporate social responsibility is one of the Chamber of
that appropriate energy saving measures can be devised
Commerces ten spearheads. Sustainability is of course
and calculates the amount of money that could be saved.
part of the CSR policies. Over recent years more and
Wattnou has already scanned twenty shops on the new
more shopkeepers have become interested in sustain-
Binnenweg as part of the project Double profit on the
ability, in the broadest sense of the word. They hear a lot
New Binnenweg. The main profits were gained by the
about it and have the feeling we should do something
introduction of low-energy lighting. The New Binnenweg
about this sustainability but dont really know where to
is well on its way to becoming the most sustainable shop-
start. That is our cue. As a central, independent organi-
ping street in Rotterdam.
sation we can bring businesses in contact with leading

examples of sustainable entrepreneurship, share knowl-
Frank Belderbos (project manager Revitalising the
edge and provide help where necessary. We ourselves
New Binnenweg): The energy savings shop Wattnou
set a good example. Our operations satisfy the Alterna-
was the sustainability pioneer in the New Binnenweg.
tive Workplace principles, and have done so since 2001.
We now see that more shopkeepers active in the field
We believe strongly in this and try to pass this on to the
of sustainability are choosing to locate their busi-
shopkeepers. Alternative Workplace methods not only
nesses here.
contribute to a good balance between work and leisure,

but also reduce traffic jams, improve accessibility and re-
Key details
duce CO2 emissions. Every little bit helps, and everyone
Parties involved: Wattnou, Make&Co, City of Rotterdam,
can do his or her share.
Rotterdam Climate Initiative, DCMR Environmental Protection Agency

Aims: energy saving, cost reduction, corporate social
responsibility
4.4 Housing corporations,

investors en developers
Maarsen Groep, Multi Vastgoed, OVG and Vestia/

Estrade. These businesses would like to contribute to
concrete and quantifiable sustainability in new con-
The real estate sector is essential to the success of the
struction, existing buildings and area developments in
Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate
Rotterdam. Together their efforts will greatly contribute
Change. Sustainability - especially energy savings
to meeting the sustainability targets.
- increasingly affects the total running costs of accommodation. A sustainable property is more valuable and
CO2 emissions related to energy consumption in build-
will therefore be more in demand. Partly because of
ings must be reduced by 30% in 2020, compared to lev-
this, housing corporations, investors and developers are
els in 2010. For new construction we also aim to satisfy
becoming more and more willing to implement energy
the jointly agreed goal of halving emissions compared
saving measures and so contribute to our aims. Their
to the 2006 Building Decree. We have made an agree-
readiness is central to our approach to developers, build-
ment with the parties involved that sustainability should
ers, investors, housing corporations and private tenants.
be tackled in an integral and ambitious way conforming

to (inter)nationally accepted criteria such as BREEAM.
The hardest challenge is to make existing premises
This will be developed further during the coming term
sustainable. The transformation of existing properties,
(activity 35). In addition to reductions in CO2 emissions
more so than the construction of new properties, will
this will involve a variety of sustainability issues: en-
have a high priority for the coming term. Sustainable
ergy, water, adaptive building, demolition, waste prod-
re-development and how it can be financed are important
ucts, health, air quality, land usage, parks and gardens,
issues in this program. Creative concepts are needed.
outdoor areas, mobility and transport and (construction)
Our own experiences with energy performance contracts
management. Each party with which we have made
for swimming pools will be extended to housing corpora-
agreements will provide one or more concrete projects
tions, investors and developers (activity 32).
that will contribute to making the city more sustainable.
Housing Corporations
We are working together with various housing corpora-
A joint marketing steering committee will manage the

projects and report progress.
tions in Rotterdam to halve CO2 emissions in council
Heat and Cooling networks
housing (activity 33). These joint ventures link in with
Together with housing corporations, investors and
the National Governments Block-by-Block approach.
developers, attention is being paid to increasing the
Agreements have already been made to reduce CO2
number of new and existing buildings that are con-
emissions by 10% by 2015. We have also made agree-
nected to the residual heat network (activity 36). All
ments with the housing corporations concerning using
new buildings will be heated by residual heat rather
residual heat to heat the buildings, stimulating the use of
than natural gas. With the help of housing corpora-
green electricity, encouraging a healthy indoor climate,
tions, homeowner associations and energy companies
making as much use as possible of FSC - certified wood,
we also are hoping to connect 4,000 existing homes to
constructing green roofs and sustainable demolition.
the heat network. In addition we are investigating the
The City of Rotterdam will help to map energy consump-
feasibility for a collective network for cooling. In the
tion and research the possibilities for speeding up the
inner city we are working on a master plan to utilise the
development and implementation of smart grids. For this
potential of the underground substrata for this type of
we are working together with Stedin, Eneco and Nuon
energy applications (activity 37). We are developing a
(activity 34). The housing corporations will monitor their
vision for cooling buildings (activity 38) and are working
efforts and the results achieved and publish these in their
together with Eneco, amongst others, on a feasibility
annual reports.
study for a cooling network in the inner city (activity
Developers and investors
39). Finally, together with market parties, we are investigating the possibilities for making the heat network
We are working together with about sixty businesses that
even more sustainable using geothermal heat, residual
develop, manage or invest in real estate. These include
heat, biomass and heat from the asphalt road surfaces
for example AM, Blauwhoed, Dura Vermeer, ING,
(activity 40)
4.5 Motorists, transporters,

(public) transport companies
and logistic services
make use of intelligent transport concepts and in this

way reduce the number of vehicles in the city. Traffic
control will improve traffic flow and reduce the distances driven. The City of Rotterdam is itself setting a
good example by its use of clean vehicles and sustain-
Rotterdam needs to remain accessible, in a sustainable
able mobility management. Emissions from ships and
way. Many of the challenges in the fields of air quality,
barges will be less polluting due to the use of cleaner
CO2 emissions and noise pollution are the direct effect
fuels, more efficient engines and quayside electricity.
of road traffic and shipping. Expectations are that the
The Port of Rotterdam and the Royal Dutch society for
demand for mobility will continue to increase rapidly
ship owners (KNVR) play an important role in further
over the coming years. To be able to meet this demand
stimulating environmentally responsible shipping.
as sustainably as possible we will tackle the issues

from various viewpoints. Technological developments
Public transport is vital to the city. Together with the
(cleaner engines, more quiet and efficient tyres) have
RET we are working on ways in which public trans-
already made the transport sector cleaner, quieter and
port can be used to make the transport system more
more efficient. However, mainly due to the increasing
sustainable. Amongst other aspects we intend to
demand, this will not be sufficient to enable us to meet
improve connections between the various methods
our targets.
of sustainable transport. For example combining the

bicycle with public transport; Park and Ride car parks
The total package of mobility measures is leading to
at public transport interchanges at the edge of the city;
substantial improvements in the air quality: the number
one complete package for the car-sharing, bicycles and
of electric vehicles is growing rapidly, electric scooters
public transport. Together with the RET we are also
make less noise and are less smelly and more people
investigating the possibility for new pilots within the
are choosing to cycle in Rotterdam. Businesses will
framework of the Rotterdam Electric programme (see

also activity 44).
For the coming term we will continue to organise the
transport and mobility in our city more intelligently and
make it cleaner and quieter. The following activities
will be carried out together with motorists, transporters, (public) transport companies and logistic service
providers:
More intelligent organisation of transport

and mobility
We aim to reduce car mileage by more intelligent
organisation and the provision of good alternatives (activity 41). For example using the VerkeersOnderneming
(Transport Company) and the SlimBereikbaar (SmartlyAccessible) programme in which we work together
with the Chamber of Commerce and VNO-NCW. This
programme provides a wide range of alternatives such
as car-pooling, use of electric bicycles and teleworking
Foto: Robin Utrecht
to encourage a structural change of behaviour. In addi-
tion we promote car sharing and the use of logistic services such as the Inner City Service. We are investing
in better road signs so visitors to the city will be able to
find their destination more easily without having to drive
around unnecessarily (activity 42).
Stimulating electric transport: Rotterdam

Electric
dam will be equipped to make use of LNG and will test
Rotterdam Electric is a project to stimulate electric
is investigating the use of hydrogen to fuel middle-
transport in our city. We are investigating whether it
sized, inner city delivery vans and for transport at the
is possible to stimulate the use of green cars by the
Port Terminals (activity 50).
it over a number of years. The Deltalinqs Energy Forum
introduction of differentiated parking tariffs (activity 43).

This will only be possible if the experimental Differentiated Parking Tariffs legislation is introduced. Together
Inner City Service: Cleaner and quieter
with (market) parties we will support various initiatives

in the field of electric transport (activity 44). For the
The Inner City Service Rotterdam (BS) collects
coming term these will include setting up the Electric
goods destined for the inner city shopkeepers at a
Transport Centre, the introduction of Green wheels
central distribution point on the North West in-
electric car sharing, experiments with electric cars for
dustrial estate. Twice a day BS Rotterdam delivers
the Rotterdam Rijnmond Police Force and rounding off
these bundled goods free of charge, using clean
the study investigating the effects of replacing conven-
vehicles, to sixty affiliated shops in the city centre.
tionally fuelled RET busses by (hybrid) electric buses.

To stimulate the use of electric cars we will actively
Wouter Blok, chairman of the Inner City Service
support the construction of the charging infrastructure
Rotterdam Foundation
by co-financing the first 1000 charging stations in Rot-
Most shopkeepers receive small packages on a
terdam (activity 45) and by incorporating the installation
regular basis. Frequently the delivery vans are not fully
of charging infrastructure in construction plans for new
loaded. There are many small deliveries at various
car parks (activity 46).
times of the day and by a variety of suppliers, leading
Optimising transport and recycling of

soils and residues
to: congested inner city roads, dangerous situations,

high noise levels, air pollution, traffic jams etc. The
Inner City Services contribute to making the inner city
Together with other authorities and market parties we
more accessible, cleaner and a more pleasant place
will investigate how the (polluting) transport of sand,
to live as well as improving the economy. We use the
soil and other materials can be reduced (activity 47).
most sustainable methods of transport and drive our
Cleaner Fuels
routes as efficiently as possible. Our electric and liquid

gas fuelled delivery vans do not return empty as we
In addition to a greener mobility system we also stimu-
also transport the return streams, such as polystyrene
late the use of cleaner fuels. In the short-term it is
chips, pallets and other packaging materials. These
not feasible that electricity can be used as a practical
are then sustainably processed. We also provide the
power source for lorries. It is therefore essential that
shopkeepers with facilities for temporary storage of
alternative and renewable fuels are developed. A prac-
goods or for re-packaging, after which the goods are
tical trial with biodiesel based on waste fats and oils
directly delivered to customers or delivered in parts to
(activity 48) will demonstrate the feasibility of this fuel.
the shopkeepers. Inner City Service Rotterdam is cur-
Other types of bio fuels may also be suitable for lorries.
rently subsidised by the City of Rotterdam but it is the
Together with the Port of Rotterdam, bio fuel producers,
intention that eventually the suppliers themselves will
lorry manufacturers and dealers and transport compa-
pay for the last mile. Our service saves them a lot of
nies we are investigating additional uses for such bio
time and money.
fuels.
Together with the Port of Rotterdam and the business
community we intend to carry out a trial in which liquid
natural gas (LNG) is used as fuel for inland shipping
(activity 49). Within this framework we are also researching the safety of LNG for inland shipping. Four
ships and barges that regularly enter the Port of Rotter-
Greenwheels start trial with electric car

sharing
More than fifteen years ago Greenwheels introduced
the then unknown phenomenon of car sharing. The
red Greenwheels cars are now a familiar sight in
most cities in the Netherlands. This year marks the
Foto: Robin Utrecht Fotografie
start of a pilot with 25 electric cars.

Jan Borghuis, founder and director of Greenwheels:
Electric transport is perfect for city driving. The average
distance driven by a Greenwheels driver per trip is very
short: 90% of all trips can be driven without needing to recharge the battery. Electric car sharing combines the advantages of electric vehicles with the concept of car sharing. Cleaner air, less noise and lower fuel consumption.
In addition car share requires less space and promotes
RET: one-way ticket to sustainability
more conscious use of the car. In short, it is better for the

environment but still provides the freedom to drive. This
year electric Peugeot iOns will be introduced in the four
Public transport is already helping make the air
largest cities in the Netherlands. There will be 25 charging
cleaner: after all, people in the tram, bus or metro
stations. 20,000 motorists are affiliated to Greenwheels
are not in a highly polluting car. But the Rotter-
and will participate in the trial. This pilot will enable us to
dam RET is doing much more and is finding ways
gain valuable experience in the use of electric transport in
to help the environment and save energy over the
the city and to stimulate sustainable mobility in practice.
whole range of its operations.
By making car sharing as attractive as possible we hope to

convince people of its advantages. For example we would
Pedro Peters, general manager RET:
like to increase the number of car sharing locations and
As company we try to do what we do as sustainably
to allow car share users to park free of charge. However,
as possible. This is crucial for the future of the city. A
for this we need the support of the city government. In
good example of this is the new depot in Beverwaard.
exchange we offer solutions to a number of serious urban
Everything that is technically and financially feasible is
problems such as lack of space, traffic jams, excessive
being done sustainably. We are making double use of
noise levels, fine particle pollutants and insufficient park-
the land by creating a car park for 500 vehicles on the
ing spaces.
roof. Rainwater is used to wash the trams and flush the

toilets. Special piles have been installed for the exchange of heat and cold with the ground. The RET will
bring this new depot into operation during the summer
of 2011. Of course our own economic motives also play
a part. Our annual electricity bill amounts to 16 million euros so it is only logical that we are trying to find
ways to save energy. For example measures to make
use of the energy that is released when a metro or tram
brakes. The Rotterdam Climate Initiative is an important
inspiration for us.
4.6 Schools, vocational colleges,

universities and expertise
centres
school children, the city government has set up a nature and environment educational programme and there
is an extensive supporting infrastructure of childrens
farms, nature and environment education centres and
educational garden complexes. Most of Rotterdams
Investing in public support for sustainability starts with
junior schools make use of this program. The basic idea
firmly anchoring sustainability in the education of our
is that bringing children into contact with nature, plants
young people. This increases insight and knowledge,
and the environment contributes to better educational
which enables private individuals and professionals to
achievements and improves self-confidence. In addition
make responsible choices both now and in the future.
it has been shown that adults, who were taught about
Primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and uni-
nature and the environment when they were young, bet-
versities are responsible for this.
ter appreciate the value of nature, the environment and

sustainability and are consequently better able to make
A pre-requisite is that the school buildings and campuses
considered choices.
themselves are sustainable. This means that we must

actively work towards ensuring that the school buildings
Together with secondary schools, colleges and univer-
and campuses have a healthy indoor climate and are lo-
sities we intend to stimulate the following:
cated in areas in which the air quality is good. In addition
Pupils, students and researchers from all disciplines
we hope to stimulate educational organisations to include
work together to devise innovative solutions to sus-
sustainability in their own operational management.
tainability issues that we, the city government, the

business community and other parties consider to
However, first and foremost, these educational establishments are of course the best way to reach young
Rotterdammers. For the youngest generation, primary
be urgent.
Integration of sustainable development as guiding
principle behind education and research
Better use of research and expertise to structurally
support the complex strategic tasks within the city
To achieve this we will have set up several activities
within schools, colleges and universities:
Reassessment of the Nature and Environment Educational Program
In the current council term we intend to reassess the
nature and environment educational programme in
the light of the most recent developments and insights
(activity 51). Key to this is the transition from nature
and the environment education to sustainable participation. The childrens farms, natural gardens and environmental centres will become centres to strengthen
sustainable education and participation. Sustainability
coalitions will lead to better cooperation between the
various organisations in the field of nature, the environment and sustainability. The business community will
be involved.
Fresh Air in Schools
Not all the school buildings in Rotterdam satisfy the
standards for a healthy indoor climate. The Regulations
for the improvement of the indoor climate in primary
school buildings 2009 led to measures being taken in
2010 and (part of) 2011 to improve the indoor climate in
set up together with the schools and the City of Rot-
fifty schools. In the period up to and including 2014 we
terdam. The idea is that in every phase of education the
will continue to carry out improvements, together with
students are presented with a Programme on Sustain-
school boards (activity 52). Not only will the schools
ability and Climate Change that links in with and builds
have fresh air but the measures will also lead to en-
on the previous phase. The city administration a partner
ergy savings. All schools with natural ventilation will be
in setting up the project organisation (activity 54).
given advice regarding good practices, the Fresh Air in

Schools programme will be applied to all new buildings
Strategic knowledge agenda
and renovations and agreements will be made with school
We intend to set up a strategic knowledge agenda in
boards regarding the management and maintenance of
order to be able to structurally support the complex
the air-conditioning units in school buildings. The school
strategic tasks in the city using research and expertise.
buildings will be included in the extension of the Rotter-
Sustainability is one of five themes on this agenda
dam Green Buildings programme (see also 4.7.1).
(activity 55). This agenda will help us justify our policy

programs and carry out our implementation tasks more
efficiently, and will enable the research and educational
The project Schools for Sustainability has been set
programs in the colleges and universities to link in with
up for secondary schools. In this project pupils devise
the practical challenges in Rotterdam. The knowledge
business suggestions for solving topical sustainability
agenda is the guiding force for the various expertise
issues. In the coming term we will look into whether this
networks and directs and focuses the search for provin-
project can be continued and whether it can be made
cial, national and/or European co-financing for innova-
suitable for college students (activity 53).
tive projects and knowledge trajectories.
Continuous learning trajectory
Sustainable curricula at colleges and universities
TheRotterdam University teacher training courses ini-
Sustainability must become more of a guiding princi-
tiative to develop a continuous learning trajectory is being
ple in education and research. We will continue the
RDM Campus
Schools for Sustainability
successful joint venture to set up and implement a
edge agenda (activity 59). However the colleges and
sustainability agenda with the Rotterdam University (via
universities must show more initiative and take the lead
the covenant between RCI and Rotterdam University)
themselves. Another important question is whether, and
and the Erasmus University (amongst others via the
how, we should continue our work with joint ventures
project Greening the Campus). The initiators of this are
such as Aida and KISSZ.
the Erasmus University Rotterdam and TU Delft. Our

contribution is to present concrete issues that affect
Rotterdam and to make agreements with the colleges
and universities regarding more sustainable curricula
Sustainable Metamorphosis of Post-war

School
(activity 56). One reason for this is to ensure that our

strategic knowledge agenda is implemented. But we
The school buildings housing the Wilgenstam school
also notice that students become enthusiastic when
are 56 years old, not insulated and certainly do not
they realise that they can make real contributions to en-
meet the standards of today. Sustainable solutions
vironmental and social problems in the neighbourhood
are incorporated in all aspects of the renovation.
and that the effects are immediately noticeable.
This primary school in Schiebroek will be fitted with
Knowledge for Climate
driven ventilation system will be installed and the
A special element of the knowledge agenda is our
school will generate its own electricity locally with
contribution to the research programme Knowledge for
a WKO-installation (heat/cold storage), solar panels
Climate (activity 57). Knowledge and services are being
and by making use of the wind.
an insulating shield. Furthermore a de-central CO2-
developed to monitor whether investments in public

areas and infrastructure are actually leading to the
Peter Bergen, headmaster of the school OBS Wilgen-
city becoming more climate proof and whether adjust-
stam:
ments to the programme are necessary. In the sub-
The building is very wasteful of energy and the indoor
programme Hotspot Rotterdam Region we are working
climate is not good. After our other building was sustain-
together with universities, colleges and the business
ably renovated the school got together with a close friend
community. The focus is on issues to make Rotterdam
and architect and started dreaming: imagine if we had as
more climate proof while at the same time making the
much money as we wanted, how would we then renovate
port and the city more attractive places to live and
this building? And all of a sudden it turned out that money
work. Together we are working to quantify the effects of
was available. Our dreams could come true. Once the
climate change on inland shipping, identify opportuni-
renovation is complete our energy consumption will be
ties for safe, multi-functional dikes in Rotterdam and
very low, and the little energy we need will be generated
study the urban heat-island effect in Rotterdam and the
locally. Indoors the climate will be very comfortable. But,
vulnerability of the outer dike areas to climate change.
and this is maybe the most important aspect of all, we

hope that this project will make our pupils much more
Encouraging joint ventures between the business com-
conscious of sustainability issues. We want them to feel
munity and schools, colleges, universities and exper-
jointly responsible for the building and to be aware that it
tise centres
is not enough to simply modify a building; you must also
The demand for sustainability skills and expertise is in-
change your behaviour. The pupils are going to design
creasing. We intend to stimulate context rich learning
the new school natural playground including planted
and partnerships between the business community and
garden and borders. There is also a plan to involve the
(especially) vocational colleges. A concrete example of
neighbouring residents in this sustainable renovation. We
this is our support of the Centre for Innovative Skills in
hope that the city government will appreciate the value
Maintaining Mobility (CIVOM) and the Zadkine Cold-
of this unique project as inspiration for pupils and local
Heat centre(activity 58).
residents alike. We need all the help we can get.
It is important that students are given the opportunity

to carry out interdisciplinary group work on innovative
solutions for urgent sustainability issues. During the
coming term this will be included in our strategic knowl-
4.7 City administration
The city administrations responsibility for sustainability

is not restricted to integrating it into its own operational
Practise what you preach. We will encourage more
management. Our public duties include the collection
people to act if the city itself is seen to be setting a
of waste products and the design, construction and
good example and working towards sustainability.
maintenance of outdoor areas. We are also the central
This is definitely not just of symbolic value. The city is
party responsible for area developments in the city. In
responsible for a considerable number of buildings and
this programme we focus on:
premises and it purchases large volumes of commodi-
Sustainable area development and district-targeted
ties so its purchasing policies can really contribute to

making Rotterdam more sustainable.
measures
Approaches to reducing noise pollution and
improving the air quality
With the activities carried out within this programme we

hope to make sustainability a standard aspect within
Increasing the number of plants, bushes and trees

in the city
the city administrations operational management.
Refuse processing
The focus is on:
Energy-savings in street lighting
Making city real-estate more sustainable

Integrating sustainability into the city services
These external aspects will be discussed in section
Sustainable purchasing
4.7.2
Making the city fleet of vehicles more sustainable

In addition the city government is also responsible for
These internal aspects will be discussed in section
anchoring sustainability in its own organisation and the
4.7.1.
other city programs. These measures should mean that
in future a separate Programme on Sustainability and

Climate Change will no longer be necessary as sustainability will be a standard part of the city administrations
Smart ways to save energy and make the

citys public buildings more comfortable
operations. The city administration will then focus more

on facilitating (existing) initiatives set up by partners in
The city government aims to make its existing buildings
the city. This means that the city government will act
more sustainable and cost effective. The city owns a
more like a partner and less a like leader.
range of buildings: sport halls, schools, offices, theatres,

swimming pools and many more. Each building needs
4.7.1 Making the city administrations

operations more sustainable
Making city property more sustainable
its own individual sustainable and cost-effective solutions. The Rotterdam Green Buildings project was set
up to make the citys 1,500 buildings more sustainable
over the coming years. The first group of buildings has
already been tackled: nine public swimming pools, large
consumers of electricity and water. The energy saving
The new City Offices will be designed to be as sustaina-
measures were in line with the so-called Building Retrofit
ble as possible. The new offices will satisfy the BREEAM
concept. The swimming pools were modernised at no
Excellent standard for city planning, architecture, sustain-
cost to the city. A private party in this case Strukton
ability and finance. This is an internationally recognised
provided the money and carried out the renovations and
standard for sustainable construction. This will be the
savings measures. The proceeds from the savings will be
first time that an inner city project has ever met these
returned to this company. The city administration intends
standards. In addition, the new City Offices will incor-
to apply the smart principles of building retrofit to other
porate a new housing concept that will reduce energy
sustainable renovations.
consumption by at least 20%.

Making the nine swimming pools more sustainable
The Rotterdam Green Buildings programme has been
should lead to a 34% reduction in energy consump-
set up to enable the city administration to make its real
tion over the coming ten years. This amounts to a
estate more sustainable while at the same time signifi-
savings of 3.4 million euros. CO2 emissions have
cantly reducing CO2 emissions. Performance contracts
been reduced by almost 2,000 tons annually and the
will be drawn up with selected market parties responsible
water and air quality in the swimming pools is much
for maintaining and increasing energy savings in our
improved. For the next ten years the city administra-
properties. We will work closely with the Clinton Climate
tion will subcontract the management and mainte-
Initiative. At the start of 2011 such contracts were agreed
nance of these swimming pools, leading to additional
for nine public swimming pools (activity 60). The selected
savings of 1.1 million euros.
parties are responsible for implementing energy-saving

measures, guaranteeing the actual energy savings and
Key details
providing financing. Reductions in the energy and water
Parties involved: City of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Climate
costs should cover the costs of investment and mainte-
Initiative
nance. In the second half of 2011 we will decide whether,
Aims: energy saving, CO2 reduction, lower maintenance
and if so, for which buildings (e.g. school buildings), we
costs, more comfort due to smart sustainable techniques,
will organise a second round of such contracts (activity
unburdening of the city administration
61). We will share our experiences with the private sector

and with housing corporations.
Integrating sustainability in the city services

We are working together with our energy provider Greenchoice to improve the city administrations electricity- and
gas supply. Part of the agreement is that Greenchoice
bears some of the risk when developing the services and
then profits by encouraging the city to reduce its energy
consumption. Future contracts for the supply of electricity
and gas will be coupled to an annual reduction in energy
consumption (activity 62). Rotterdam is big enough to
make it interesting for market parties to develop sustainable solutions in this way. Breakthroughs and developments here can be marketed elsewhere in the Netherlands. Rotterdam is becoming an experimental ground for
sustainable services.
Sustainable Purchasing
In recent years we have increased our sustainable purchasing: green electricity, the new City Offices, photo-
ing the replacement of ordinary scooters and cars by
copiers and hot drinks machines. In the coming years
one hundred electric scooters. The first twenty electric
we will continue to incorporate sustainability into our
cars will be part of the trial project 75-EV-RO, a joint
purchasing and contracting policies. Our target for 2015
project with Stedin and Eneco.
is 100% sustainable purchasing. In addition we intend

to focus on a number of extra issues:
We only intend to do business with suppliers who can
prove that their working conditions satisfy interna-
4.7.2 Guaranteeing sustainability
tionally recognised standards (such as child labour).
throughout the citys operations
Until now international social criteria have not been

included in the AgentschapNL sustainability criteria.
We intend to impress on all market parties the need to
take their own responsibilities (activity 63).
Sustainable area development and district

targeted approaches
We intend to focus more on sustainable purchasing
New developments (including re-use, transitions and re-
for relative small purchase contracts (under the Eu-
structuring) of buildings and areas provide opportunities
ropean limits) (activity 64). These private contracts
for sustainability, which in turn improves the quality of life.
will provide an impulse to the economy of Rotterdam
We abide by the following general principles:
and the region.
All developments must lead to a more child-friendly,
We are also going to investigate how the sustainability of complete processes can be measured, from
design, area development and operational management to the actual deliveries, services and work in
practice (activity 65).
greener, cleaner and healthier environment

All developments must create added value and lead
to future stability
All developments must contribute to the targets of a
50% reduction in CO2 emissions and 100% climate
proof by 2025
Making the citys fleet of vehicles more

sustainable
We will work together with the market parties and resi-
During 2006-2010 75% of the citys fleet became more
as well responsible for communicating them.
dents, and are accountable for the aims and the results
sustainable, satisfying European emissions standards

level Euro 4. The aim for the coming years is to ensure
Opportunities can also be found in districts in which no
that at least 25% of the citys fleet comprises electric
(building) construction is taking place. Maximum ben-
of hybrid vehicles (activity 66). Roteb Lease is the key
efits can be attained by working together with the local
party. In total this concerns about 350 vehicles, includ-
authorities using district-targeted approaches:
methodologies for urban development. This includes
Approach to noise pollution and the air

quality
the formulation of sustainability requirements for
Most of the measures to reduce noise pollution and
city planning (activity 67). Spearheads here are the
improve the quality of the air involve cooperation with
Inner City, Stadshavens and Rotterdam-South
the partners in the city: residents, transporters, etc.
Incorporating sustainability in the instruments and
An organisational oriented approach to climate

adaptive re-development of existing and new areas:
However, a number of actions are primarily the responsibility of the city government:
the Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy (RAS) (activity

68). This includes:
Construction of quiet road surfaces
- Increasing water storage capacity while at the
Quiet road surfaces form a significant part of the
same time improving the quality of the outdoor
strategy to reduce noise pollution. The construction
areas. We are investigating and implementing
of these are coupled with the standard maintenance
innovative forms of water storage; water plazas
programme for the citys more major roads, where the
(activity 69) are a good example of this
speed limits are 50 km/hour or higher (activity 76). In
- Devising buildings and designing outdoor areas

that can withstand the effects of climate change
the long term this will lead to a 20% reduction in the

number of people inconvenienced by traffic noise.
(adaptive construction). Examples of these are

the floating buildings in the Nassau Harbour (ac-
Sound-proofing homes and constructing noise barriers
tivity 70), adaptive housing in Heijplaat (activity
Over the coming years we intend to sound-proof more
71) and the policies for construction in outer dike
than 300 homes that are situated along busy roads and
regions (activity 72).
where the current insulation is insufficient to ensure
- Providing opportunities for testing innovative
acceptable noise pollution inside the home (activity
methods for building construction and protec-
77). National financing for this approach is provided
tion against water, for example a trial location for
by the ISVIII. Together with Prorail we will sound-proof
innovative dams and dikes. Successful methods
500 homes in Rozenburg to reduce noise levels due to
may then be implemented in the Stadshavens.
traffic on the Caland Bridge (activity 78). We are also
Research into wind energy generation in

Hoek van Holland and in Rozenburg (activity 73).
lobbying National Government for the construction of

noise barriers along the A16 and A20 (activity 79).
Completion of the Pernis study into sustainable

roads (activity 74). If the results of this study are
Noise control plan
promising and sufficient financing can be found, we
New maps showing noise levels in Rotterdam will be
will promote this concept.
drawn up and a new plan for 2013-2018 will be devised
Implementing the Environment Overschie pro-
(activity 80).
gramme, together with the Overschie local council

(activity 75). Here we work together to improve
Long-term approach to the air quality and traffic
the quality of the environment in Overschie and to
The National Air Quality Programme ends in 2015.
improve the local authoritys image when it comes to
After that we will continue actions to improve the quality
the environment
of air. Not so much to enable us to satisfy standards,
Cooperating with the Charlois local authority, the
but mainly to improve the Public Health. The European
Port of Rotterdam, Woonbron, Hogeschool Rot-
Commissions Transport Strategy 2050 is a source of
terdam (college) and the residents of Heijplaat to
inspiration and ideas that can be applied to Rotterdam.
create a climate neutral and climate proof Heijplaat
Part of the long-term approach to air quality and traffic
(see also activity 8).
is the formulation of a vision to tackle existing highly

polluted areas. In addition we intend to develop and
implement measures focusing on reducing exposure to
pollutants (ultra-fine dust particles and black smoke)
that have the most serious affect on our health. We will
also research the possibilities for extra solutions aimed
at reducing CO2 emissions in the Traffic and Transport
sector (activity 81) so that the goal of halving CO2 emis-
Foto: Roel Dijkstra
sions can be achieved. This will be done together with
natural school-playgrounds will have been created
the Programme for Working Together for Good Health.
(activity 85). Together with the schools, neighbours and

local authorities we are looking for sponsors for the
Inner City Emission Zone
development and construction of more natural school-
We will continue the existing inner city emission zone
playgrounds.
and hope to extend it to vans. We will investigate the

possibilities together with transporters, (trans)shippers
In addition we support initiatives in the field of urban
and shopkeepers in the centre (activity 82).
farming and the marketing of regional products. The city

government will contribute to this by increasing the mar-
Planting trees and creating green areas in

the city
ket for the sales of regional products by altering its own

purchasing policies (activity 86) and by helping private
initiatives in the field of urban farming (activity 87). We
In 2011 and 2012 we intend to plant 2,000 trees annually
will indicate where local Rotterdam produce can be found
(activity 83). Together with local residents we will create
and (where possible) remove obstacles and simplify labo-
parks and gardens in ten paved-over built-up areas in
rious legislation. We aim to match consumers with local
the city (activity 83). This will strengthen the ecological
food producers in and around the city.
structure of the city.
Refuse processing
One example in particular involves local residents and
There has been significant progress in improving waste
pupils creating natural school-playgrounds by planting
collection processes over recent years. Underground
trees, bushes and plants. This encourages cohesion in
refuse containers have been installed all over the
the neighbourhood. But even more importantly, school
city. However, on average each household produces
playgrounds are places where children spend a lot of
an excessive 730 kg refuse annually. Throughout the
time and are therefore the perfect places for creating
whole refuse processing chain there is potential for
natural playing environments. By the end of 2011 twelve
improvements. Packagers and those responsible for the
collection and processing of refuse must work together
has invested in energy-saving street lighting. We have
to optimise recycling. The city government will improve
switched to more energy efficient white light and on the
the methods and techniques for collection. In particular
main through roads the lights are dimmed at night (be-
we intend to focus on separating out the different types
tween 11pm and 5am). National guidelines are used to
of waste products after collection. This does not apply
determine how much light is required on any particular
to those waste products that can more easily be sepa-
street and that exact amount, no more and no less, is
rated by the households themselves, such as paper,
then installed. All defect lights are replaced with long-
glass and textiles. The main reason for opting for sepa-
life lights. Adjustments are made to the light fittings to
ration after collection is that this is cheaper, more effec-
maximise the amount of light that is directed towards
tive, more efficient and more environmentally-friendly
the road and to minimise light pollution (the amount of
than when the households are expected to separate
light that is directed upwards, away from the road). We
waste products themselves. By 2013 at the latest we
are keeping close track of innovations in street lighting.
will have started separating the Rotterdam household
At various places in the city we are experimenting with
waste products for recycling and after that we will work
new technologies such as LED; see for example our
on actually stimulating recycling (activity 88). The waste
trial in the Kop van Zuid (W.G. Witteveenplein).
products that cannot be recycled will be incinerated in

the citys waste incineration plant in Rozenburg. The
Despite a 16% increase in the number of lights in 2010
heat that is released will be used to heat the citys
compared to 2005, the energy used for street lighting
buildings and for electricity generation.
has decreased by 15%. In the coming years we are go-
Energy-saving street lighting
ing to continue these methods for reducing the energy

used for street lighting (activity 89).
Sustainability is one of the key ideas behind the Rotterdam Lighting Plan. During recent years Rotterdam
Foto: Esther Kokmeijer
Foto: Ben Wind Fotografie
5.
Cross-border Cooperation
and Practical Aspects
Rotterdam is not alone but operates in a regional, na-
area, regional cooperation is required for, amongst oth-
tional, European and global context. Cooperation with
ers, public transport, measures for sustainable mobil-
others is essential if the sustainability targets are to be
ity, wind energy, the supply of heat and cooling and the
achieved. And other regions need Rotterdam to help
approach to improving the quality of the air. Cooperation
them achieve their own goals. In addition Rotterdam is
is also relevant when it comes to planting trees and cre-
dependent on national and European guidelines, stand-
ating green areas. In close collaboration with the Rot-
ards and legislation. Paragraph 5.1 sketches a number of
terdam regional council, Province of South-Holland and
examples showing how this cooperation can work.
conservation organisations we are developing ecological

routes and natural areas around the city.
This chapter describes the communicative (5.2), organisational and financial (5.3) aspects of the Programme
Regional/National
on Sustainability and Climate Change, and the way in
Within the framework of the National Delta Plan we are
which the progress can be measured (5.4).
cooperating with all relevant partners in the RijnmondDrechtsteden region and with National Government
5.1 Beyond the regional borders
to prepare for the regional consequences of climate

change.
Nationaal
Sustainable development is not confined within regional
Whether Rotterdam is able to meet the targets is
borders. Working together with our neighbours is im-
determined to an important extent by national govern-
portant, provides opportunities and increases the social
ments political decisions regarding the Rotterdam CCS
trends towards widely accepted and widely implemented
demonstration projects, biomass fuels, energy savings
sustainable development. Regional cooperation is aimed
in industry, stimulation of large-scale production of
at setting up concrete projects. Within the Rotterdam
renewable energy, solar energy generation by private
Foto: Chantal Oudkerk Pool
Regional
individuals and heat supply standards for new building

construction and existing buildings.
Cooperation with National Government is also essential
if we are to make use of the opportunities for the use
of biomass fuels for energy production, transport fuels
and chemicals, for battery production and recycling and
for electric transport. This requires an integral government approach to helping innovations in Rotterdam and
removing obstacles such as contradictory legislation
Foto; Marion Baas
and contra-productive taxes.

This cooperation with National Government can be
seen in the Green Deal and the intended priority approach to the chemicals, water, energy and transport
sectors, among others. In particular we have good
hopes for cooperation in the water sector. The Dutch
water sector aims to improve its export position by cre-
We are profiting more and more from the economic ad-
ating a centre to share expertise and demonstrate its
vantages of being the most sustainable world port city
projects. This centre will be located in Rotterdam.
of its kind. The trademark RCI is responsible for public

relations and communications. The starting point is that
European
the information that is published relates to concrete
In Brussels we are actively lobbying for measures in the
implementation projects.
fields of air quality, transport, energy and climate and

noise control. Water has also been recently added to the
It is essential that the reports concerning the Rotter-
European agenda. Given the importance of this topic for
dam approach to sustainability are consistent and all
Rotterdam we are closely following developments.
include a number of fixed elements. The focus varies

depending on the targeted audience and the context.
Global
We have formulated a key statement to be widely used
On the international front we are affiliated to the C40,
by the RCI that not only involves the city and its local
a network of the largest cities in the world which is
authorities but also clearly expresses and promotes the
supported by the Clinton Climate Initiative. We also
approach and aims of the city and port:
participate in Connecting Deltacities, an international

Rotterdam initiative in which delta cities throughout the
As a decisive, energetic and innovative world port city,
world share expertise and best practices and work to-
Rotterdam together with the residents, businesses
gether to jointly develop instruments. The main topic is
and institutes, is taking action to ensure a sustainable
climate adaptation. Concrete cooperative agreements
future. By tackling both the causes and the conse-
have already been drawn up with Ho Chi Minh City, Ja-
quences of climate change, improving the air quality
karta and New Orleans. This network is also supported
and reducing noise pollution, Rotterdam and the RCI
by the Clinton Climate Initiative.
are making good progress towards improving the sustainability of the region. This unique approach makes
5.2 Communicating about the

most sustainable world port
city of its kind
Rotterdam an inspiration to other cities. The aims and

results in the field of the environment, climate, energy,
biodiversity and water contribute to making Rotterdam
a greener, cleaner, healthier and economically stronger
city and are transforming Rotterdam into the most sustainable world port city of its kind.
Together we are working to meet the Rotterdam sustainability targets and to make these results visible. For
example by setting up a sustainability route in the city.
forms the framework for communication about and with
Sustainable Rotterdam: all PR efforts are aimed at pre-
senting, strengthening and accelerating the targets and
Office, with a staff 23 FTE, is responsible for the practi-
goals. Three key values are central to the communica-
cal implementation of the programme and for writing
tions strategy and form the basis for actions in terms of
progress reports. The office is also responsible for
target groups, objectives and means. These are:
coordinating the regular environmental tasks of the City
1. Dialogue with residents, businesses and institutions
of Rotterdam. The implementation of the individual ac-
2. Action, by visibly publicising information about the
tivities is and remains the responsibility of the normal
Rotterdam climate approach and actively providing
city organisation.
new action prospects

3. Presenting Rotterdam as the most sustainable world
port city of its kind.
The programme office is also responsible for the following tasks:

Facilitating the RCI.
5.3 Organisation and finance

Organisation
Maintaining networks with the most important (local

authority) parties who are carrying out the activities
within the programme and with other programs of
the city.
Guaranteeing that sustainability is included in all
is a wide-ranging programme that links in with many,
facets of the city administration, within district au-
if not all, the policies of the City of Rotterdam. The
thorities and within the relevant (public and private)
desired results can only be achieved if other parties

also play their part. Parties throughout the city who
are required to make their contributions are being
approached and where necessary supported in their efforts. The activities within this programme mostly focus
on this (see appendix 1).
partners
Maintaining and publicising knowledge networks
and other networks relevant to the program.
Encouraging, stimulating, facilitating, managing,
linking
Organising communication about and participation
in the Programme on Sustainability and Climate
Change.
In addition the programme office incorporates the
DCMR commissioning role
Financing
is being financed from a number of different sources.
In addition to the normal funds for waste processing,
the nature and environmental education programme
and investing in and maintaining the parks and gardens in Rotterdam, these additional sources include
the sustainability impulse as described in the working programme of the municipal executive committee,
the surplus funds from RCI and RCP and the (mostly
already ear-marked) budgets available for improving
the air quality, noise control, soil contamination and
the granting and enforcement of permits. At the end of
Foto: Ben Wind
2011 it will become clear how much of the 4th portion
of the money for improving the air quality will be made

available. This may amount to 13 million. The exact
amount is still to be decided.
The following budgets are involved:
Budget
2011
2012
2013
2014
Sustainability (city budget)
6.000
7.000
8.500
9.500
RCI and RCP surplus

(city budget)
5.000
1.800
Capital costs RCP (city budget)
657
1.330
1.653
1.653
General environmental means

(city budget)
17.100
17.100
17.100
17.100
Earmarked budgets for soil

(National Government)
1.401
1.401
1.401
1.401
ISVIII, soil environment

(National Government)
2.900
2.900
2.900
2.900
ISVII, soil plan
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
Funds for improving the air

quality (National Government)
20.800
10.800
1.800
External safety
(via the provincial EV program)
100
100
100
budgets available to implement the Programme on

Sustainability and Climate
Change 2011-2014 (amounts
Table 1. Overview of the
100
x 1,000)
15, 16 &
18
Task 3: Converting to sustain- 9

able energy and biomass raw
materials
Task 4: Stimulating sustainable mobility and transport
41, 43, 44,

45, 46, 48,
49 & 50
Total:
4.500
4.500
4.400
4.500
83
4.500
3.500
66
600
1.500
58
63, 64, 65
& 89
2.500
39
51, 53,
54, 55, 56
& 59
86
2.500
35, 3
57
68, 69, 70,

71 & 72
4.000
67
3.500
35, 37, 38,

39 & 40
9.000
60, 62 &
88
500
25, 28, 29
& 31
8.000
83, 84, 85
& 87
52
35
1, 5 & 7
17.500
500
42
3,4
61
66, 74, 77,

78, 79, 80,
81 & 82
24
Task 9: Preparing for the con- 3

sequences of climate change
Task 10: Stimulating sustainable urban and regional

development
47
17, 20, 22
& 23
Task 7: Increasing investments in sustainability and

stimulating sustainable
products and services
Task 8: Increasing public
support for sustainability and
firmly anchoring sustainability
in education and research
36
10, 11, 12,

13 & 14
Task 5: Reducing noise

pollution and improving the
air quality
Task 6: More trees and green

areas in the city
26 & 27
Total:
Task 2: Energy savings
CO2 reduction in 2025

(Mton)
33, 35 &
40
reducing CO2 emissions
Government and semigovernment organisations
21
Schools, colleges, universities and expertise

centres
Motorists, transporters,
(public) transport companies and logistic services
Task 1: Leading the way in
Corporations, investors
and developers
impulse (sums x 1,000)
Shopkeepers, sports
clubs and institutions
penditure for sustainability
Port industry and large

companies
Residents
Table 2: Estimated ex-
2.000
2.000
4.000
5.000
31.000
Means for the activities associated with the tasks 4, 5
areas, CO2 reduction, adaptation, noise pollution, air
and 6 are mainly funded from the budgets for improving
quality and sustainable investments) and compare the
the air quality, ISVIII and the regular funds (amongst
results with the targets.
others for parks and gardens).

Monitoring the program
The general environmental means, the budgets for soil
The progress of the programme is described in mana-
and the means for external safety are accounted for by
gerial reports. These include reports of the progress
the Environmental sub-program. The funds for the air
made towards meeting the targets of the municipal
quality are used and accounted for by the Air Quality
executive committee and reports concerning the pro-
sub-program.
gress of the activities within the programme as well as

suggestions for changes such as modification of the ac-
External contributions to the RCI and air quality pro-
tivities, cancellation of activities and the introduction of
grams
new activities. A summary of these activities is included
Other parties also contribute financially to the RCI
in Appendix 1.
activities:
200,000 from businesses participating in the Del-
Prognoses
talinqs Energy Forum for activities towards energy
To determine whether the activities are sufficient to
savings and more efficient production processes.
enable the targets to be met, prognoses will be made
2,155,000 from external parties (GCCSI, Europe-
regarding the autonomous developments and their ef-
an Science Foundation and Rotterdam businesses)
fect on the most important themes. This makes it clear
for the CCS-activities.
whether extra efforts will be required to enable the
1,730,000 from the Port of Rotterdam (out of

pocket and in terms of hours worked)
4,440,000 from the Port of Rotterdam for its own
future requirements (for example for NOx) and objectives to be met. Prognoses for CO2 emissions are made
every four years. The next prognosis is due in 2015.
air quality programme (including quay-side electricity, green fleet, incentive schemes for inland ship-
Measuring noise levels
ping and NOx management)
Noise levels are measured every five years. The cur-
Contributions from the City Region of Rotterdam for
rent approach to noise pollution was drawn up in 2009
bicycle infrastructure, SlimBereikbaar (Intelligent
based on the prognoses for 2020. The next noise map
Accessibility) and the air quality
will be made in 2012. Based on this we will investigate
Contributions from the water boards to increase the

capacity for water storage and to create green roofs
whether adjustments are required to our approach to

noise pollution.
and green facades.

Measuring the air quality
5.4 Measuring and evaluating

progress
The National Joint Air Quality Programme measures

the current air quality annually and based on the
expected developments (up to 2020) compares this to
national and international requirements for concentra-
The programme will only have been effective if it leads
tions of nitrogen dioxide and fine dust particles. Based
to concrete and visible results and if the intended ef-
on this we determine whether we are still on course to
fects actually occur. Throughout the programme it is
meet the air quality targets for 2015.
essential that progress is monitored. Is the programme

on course to meet the targets and goals? Are the anticipated developments taking place?
Monitoring the effects
An annual report monitors the effects of the Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change. In this
report we present the current situation in terms of indicators for the most important themes (trees and green
Foto Beelden van Enith
Appendix 1
Overview of the activities

and results
Inhabitants of Rotterdam
Activity
Result
Encouraging energy-savings competitions between streets

and neighbourhoods
500 energy-savings competitions
2014
Stimulating consortia to offer energy savings measures to

homeowners
Agreement with at least 1 consortium to approach at least

10% of private homes in Rotterdam leading to 30-50%
2012
reduction in CO2 per home

160,000 m2 additional green roofs and green facades
2014
Stimulating green roofs and green facades
Involving citizens and businesses in planting trees and creat- Pilots with public-private joint ventures to incorporate more
vegetation in the city
ing more green areas in the city. At least one entrepreneur
fund is involved
Continuing the trajectory that was started in 2010 to provide

energy advice to low-income households
20,000 households have been approached
2012
Providing purchasing advantages and help with energy savings to low-income households
Contracts for joint purchasing of (green) electricity and gas

for minimum wage earners
2011
Supporting promising initiatives set up by individuals in Rotterdam
At least 2 meet and green sessions and a separate fund

for citizens initiatives
2014
Working together with the residents of Heijplaat to devise

a strategy for making Heijplaat climate neutral and climate
proof
Agreement framework for making the Heijplaat climate neutral and climate proof. A start has been made to implement
measures
2012
Implementing a project for smart grids in homes and a project in which homeowners invest in a collective solar energy
generation system (self-supply)
A sizeable practical trial with smart grids and a trial with the
self-generation of solar-energy in Heijplaat
2014
10
The creation of new bicycle parking slots in the inner city
New parking spaces for 1,000 bicycles
2014
11
Construction of a long-distance cycle route
Long distance cycle route to the Hague and Dordrecht
2014
12
Construction of new cycle paths
Extra cycle paths linked to the main cycle path network in

the city
2014
13
Stimulating the purchasing and use of electric bicycles and

electric scooters
A network of charging stations for electric bicycles and

scooters and a reduction in the noise pollution from petrolscooters
2014
14
Programme Rotterdam Electric Scooter Paradise, including

scooter scrappage scheme for petrol-scooters
Replacement of at least 4,000 petrol-fuelled scooters by

electric scooters
2014
2014
Port, Industry and Large Businesses
Activity
Result
15
Making agreements with businesses regarding energy saving and increasing production efficiency
Agreements with RCI partners and businesses about

increasing energy savings and production efficiency by 2%
on average each year
2011
16
Stimulating development of the business case Steam Pipeline Botlek
A business case for the exchange of heat and steam in the

Botlek
2012
17
Stimulating smart grid installations in the Maasvlakte
Use of smart grids by businesses in the Distripark Maasvlakte
2012
18
Example project for the exchange of residual heat between

the port and the city
Heating the city with residual heat from the port
2013
19
Investigating the possibilities for exchange of soil and

residues
Research report
2013
20
Implementing the biomass programme based on the paper:

Biomass in the Port of Rotterdam
Agreements with RCI partners and businesses to stimulate

biomass applications, leading to a 0.6 Mton reduction in
2014
CO2 emissions by 2015

21
Stimulating the implementation of infrastructure for capture,
Agreements with RCI partners and businesses regarding
transport, storage and re-use of CO2
the capture, transport and storage of CO2, leading to a 2.5
2014
Mton reduction in CO2 emissions by 2015

22
Implementing the Port of Rotterdam wind covenant
Final decisions about locations leading to at least 150 MW

extra wind energy in 2020
23
Research into generating wind energy on business premises Research report and implementation plan
and solar energy on business roofs
2012
24
Research into the possibilities for further intensifying industry whilst simultaneously reducing noise pollution
2014
Research report and agreements with the business community
2014
Shopkeepers, associations and institutions

Activity
Result
25
Encouraging leading businesses and organisations to communicate their experiences in the field of sustainability
A visible network of leading sustainable businesses in Rotterdam
2014
26
Using a sector oriented approach to encourage businesses

to invest in energy saving measures
By 900 of the 1200 businesses that were approached

energy saving measures have been installed that will be
cost-effective within 5 years
2014
27
Developing proposals to support clubs and foundations (e.g.

sports clubs) that do not have sufficient capital to be able to
finance energy saving measures themselves (e.g. contingency fund)
Policy decision-making to help clubs and foundations finance energy saving measures. Supporting Rotterdam Zoo
implement its energy plan
2012
28
Developing a set of economic instruments to stimulate sustainable businesses
Pre-conditions (e.g. sustainability targeted business

acquisition, (innovation) funds, guarantee schemes) for the
economic stimulation of sustainable businesses
2013
29
(Inter) national publicity for the Rotterdam approach to

climate adaptation
An event for professionals in which the Rotterdam approach 2012

to climate adaptation and results achieved are presented
30
(Inter) national publicity for the Rotterdam approach to

sustainability including contending for the European Green
Capital Award and network Connecting Delta Cities
International publicity for Rotterdam and its achievements in 2011-2014

the field of sustainability and water, leading to new contracts
and more turnover for the businesses in Rotterdam
31
Facilitating the Dutch Water Centre
Agreements with the water sector and businesses regarding 2014

the design, development and financing of the Dutch Water
Centre in the Rotterdam Stadshavens
Housing corporations, investors and developers

Activity
Result
32
Sharing experiences with energy achievement contracts

(Rotterdam Green Buildings) with the private sector and
housing corporations
Meetings and gatherings for professionals to stimulate the

exchange of information and expertise
2011
33
Carrying out the agreements with the housing corporations
Annual progress reports over the efforts made by the housing corporations and the results achieved
annually
to achieve 10% reductions in CO2 emissions by 2014
34
Stimulating the provision of information about energy consumption and research into smart grids
Overview of electricity, gas and heat consumption and a

smart grids research report
2013
35
Acting on the agreements made with developers, investors,

builders and managers regarding sustainability in new buildings, existing buildings and area developments
Annual progress reports detailing the efforts made by the

organisations involved and the projects that have been
implemented
annually
36
Connecting new buildings and existing buildings to the

residual heat network rather than natural gas
Increase in the number of buildings connected to the heat

network. All new buildings will be connected as well as
4,000 existing homes
2014
37
Master plan for the underground substrata
Master plan for the substrata of the inner city
2012
38
Developing a vision for cooling buildings
Document - Vision Cooling
2012
39
Carrying out a feasibility study for a cooling network in the

inner city
Feasibility study and policy decisions regarding the next

steps
2012
40
Research into a more sustainable heat network based on

geothermal heat, residual heat and biomass
Research report
2012
Motorists, transporters, (public) transport companies and logistic services

Activity
Result
41
Providing alternatives for the individual use of lorries and

cars, with the focus on mobility management to and from the
inner city
Development of a set of instruments (SlimBereikbaar

SmartAccessible, stimulating the availability and use of
car-sharing, Inner City Service, European project Ecostars
and water transport) to promote mobility management to
and from the inner city
2014
42
Dynamic traffic management system
Improved traffic flow and a reduction in unnecessary mileage
2012
43
Preparations for differentiated parking tariffs trials
City council's policy decision whether to experiment with dif- 2014

ferentiated parking tariffs
44
Carrying out innovative electric transport projects (Rotterdam Electric)
A portfolio of innovative electric transport projects including

electric buses, taxi's, car-sharing and delivery scooters and
the Electric Transport Centre
2014
45
Creating a (re)-charging network for electric vehicles
1000 (re)charging points throughout Rotterdam for registered electric vehicles
2014
46
Drawing up specifications for (re)-charging infrastructure in

all new car parks
Designs for new car parks will incorporate facilities for

electric vehicles (*EV-Ready*)
2014
47
Researching ways to optimise the transport of soil and other

residues
Research report into optimising streams of soils and residues
2012
48
Practical trial with biodiesel based on waste fats and oils
Final decision on the suitability of large-scale use of biodiesel based on waste fats and oils
2012
49
Practical trial with liquid gas to fuel inland ships and barges
A practical trial equipping four barges to run on liquid gas
2012
50
Research the use of hydrogen to fuel delivery vans in the city Research report and policies for the Rotterdam hydrogen
and for transport in the port
network
2013
Schools, colleges, universities and expertise centres
Activity
Result
51
Reassessing the Nature and Environmental Education programme in the light of recent developments and insights
New policy framework for Nature and Environmental Educa- 2011

tion (together with the district authorities)
52
Implementing activities to improve the indoor climate and

make energy savings in schools
Advice for all schools with natural ventilation about how to

keep the air fresh. New school buildings and renovations
meet the conditions laid down in the "Fresh Air in Schools"
program. Agreements have been made with the school
boards concerning improvements to the air quality in the
school by better management and maintenance of the air
conditioning installations
2014
53
Involving secondary school pupils and college students in

topical sustainability issues experienced by businesses
Agreements with schools and businesses regarding continuing and extending the project Schools for Sustainability
2011
54
Developing a continuous learning trajectory for climate and

energy
A continuous learning trajectory for climate and energy
2012
55
Drawing up a (city council) strategic knowledge agenda for

sustainability
A strategic knowledge agenda for sustainability
2012
56
Stimulating colleges and universities to integrate sustainabil- Agreements with colleges and universities
ity in their curricula - education and research
2014
57
Participating in the research programme Knowledge for

Climate
Region specific, climate related research report concerning

the expertise and services that are necessary to make the
Rotterdam region climate proof, and to keep it that way
2012
58
Stimulating joint sustainability ventures between the business community and vocational colleges
A training centre in which joint ventures between the business community and colleges can be developed
2011
59
Involving students in the implementation of the strategic

knowledge agenda for sustainability
Agreements with colleges and universities regarding the

efforts to be made by students to implement the strategic
knowledge agenda for sustainability
2012
City Administration
Activity
Result
60
Implementing the Rotterdam Green Building programme
Implementing the contracts for 9 swimming pools
2011
61
Implementing the Rotterdam Green Building programme
Go/no-go decision for second round of contracts
2011
62
Linking contracting for the supply of electricity and gas to

reductions in energy consumption
Utilising the granting of energy contracts to encourage annual reductions in energy consumption
2013
63
Reminding market parties of their responsibilities regarding

international standards for working conditions
Incorporation of international social criteria in contracts
2014
64
Increasing the number of contracts that include sustainability Incorporating sustainability in private purchasing contracts - 2013
aspects
under the European limit
65
Study how the level of sustainability of contracts can be

measured
Research report and implementation
2014
66
Making the city vehicle fleet more sustainable by the further

introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles and fitting new
sustainable tyres on all cars
At least 25% of the city vehicle fleet are electric or hybrid.

100% of vehicles are fitted with quiet, energy saving and
safe tyres
2014
67
Integrating sustainability into area development - including

attention to the quality of living conditions
Sustainability is a standard feature in all urban planning,

leading to improvements in living conditions
2011-2014
68
Setting up and guaranteeing the implementation of the Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy
Rotterdam Adaptation Strategy leading to extra water

storage capacity, examples of adaptive building and a trial
project for innovative dams and dikes
2014
69
Constructing water plazas
4 water plazas
2014
70
Stimulating adaptive building
Floating buildings in the Nassau Harbour
2014
71
Adaptive buildings in Heijplaat
2013
72
Policy framework for outer dike construction
2013
73
Research the possibilities for wind energy generation in

Hoek van Holland and Rozenburg
Final political decisions about wind energy generation in

Hoek van Holland and Rozenburg
2012
74
Completion of the current study into the concept "Sustainable Roads" in Pernis
Research report and agreements about the next steps
2012
75
Implementation of the Overschie Environment activity

program
Improved living conditions in Overschie (higher score) and

the local authority has improved its image regarding environmental affairs
2014
76
Constructing quiet road surfaces during normal maintenance 30 kilometres of quiet roads
of the roads
2014
77
Sound-proofing housing in noisy areas
Reduced noise pollution in 300 houses along busy roads
2014
78
Sound-proofing housing in Rozenburg
Reduced noise pollution in 500 houses in Rozenburg (by

Prorail)
2014
79
Lobbying national government for noise barriers along the

A16 and A20
Policy decisions about noise barriers along the A16 and

A20
2014
80
Devising up a new noise control plan
Noise control plan
2013
81
Devising a long-term approach to air quality and traffic
Long-term approach to air quality and traffic
2012
82
Continuing the low emissions zone in the central shopping

area and policy decisions regarding extending this to vans
Policy decision about extending the low emissions zone to

vans
2012
83
Planting trees
4,000 trees
2012
84
Incorporating more trees, plants and vegetation in pavedover built-up areas in the city
10 urban areas have become 'greener'
2014
85
Natural school playgrounds
12 natural school playgrounds and agreements about the

next steps
2012
86
Increasing the market for local products
Selling local products in the city's canteens
2014
87
Facilitating urban farming initiatives
Concrete urban farm projects
2014
88
Separating household refuse after collection, formulating an

approach to recycling
Contracting out the separation of household waste and an

approach to recycling is being implemented
2013
89
Increasing energy savings in street lighting
More energy savings in street lighting, leading to a 15%

reduction in energy consumption in 2014 compared to 2010
2014
Appendix 2
Rotterdam 2042:
Connected Port City
The transition to 2042
traverse the Rotterdam and The Hague metropolitan
In 2042 Rotterdam is a bustling metropolis in which
region and provide economical, ecological and social
sustainable streams flow like blue-green threads through
added value. Regional sustainable food chains generate
the port and city. It is a true Port City (instead of a city
employment, restore the relationship between people
with a port). The port and city have a symbiotic relation
and their food and contribute to the improvement of the
in which they help each other to flourish. The port and
general health. Water is retained in the city and filtered,
city are connected by streams: both physical and virtual.
and also used to transport the streams of raw materials
Physical streams such as energy, materials, goods,
and waste products back to the port.
water and people and virtual streams such as expertise, information and money are continually flowing and
Rotterdam has become one of the most sustainable har-
fostering exchange. The residual streams emitted by the
bour cities in the world. Since 2010 the Sustainability pro-
one, form input streams for the other: industrial residual
gramme, the Stadshavens vision 2 and the new harbour
heat warms the buildings in the city, biomass from the
vision Port Compass 2030 3 accelerated the transitions
Westland greenhouse area and flax and hemp from the
of the city, the Stadshavens and the port itself. These
Hoekse Waard are used on a large scale as raw materi-
programmes accelerated changes in the perception and
als for industrial production in the port and for insulating
practical implementation of urban, economical and social
buildings in the city. Streams of raw materials and goods
sustainability. With these programmes the city of Rotterdam laid the foundations for the governments new role
1 This vision is based on a range of scientific insights, ideas

presented by leading authorities in the field of sustainability,
innovative plans and projects in the port and city as well as a
considerable amount of own creativity. The emphasis is on a
social vision, a possible approach, which is built up from building blocks that are all around us. We try to illustrate that this is
not completely unfounded by describing existing initiatives in
the city and this appendix concludes with a number of (scientific) references to sources that inspired us. Written by Dutch
Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT) and images by Doepel
Strijkers Architects (DSA).
focusing on facilitating market initiatives and up-scaling

developments by new coalitions between local authori2 1600 Ha, Creating on the edge, project office Stadshavens
Rotterdam, May 2008
3 Port Compass 2030, Port of Rotterdam Authority NV,
Summer 2011
ties, market parties and private individuals. After Rotter-
to the unskilled workforce. Constant innovation in the
dam won the European Green Capital Award in 2014, the
fields of nature, climate and technique have made the
port city remained the leading international example of an
educational and research programmes of the Rotterdam
industrial-urbanised Delta that continues to sustainably
and The Hague region leading in the world. Integral
develop and improve itself.
cooperation between policy makers, the business community and science have led to an actual sustainable
The large-scale transformations of the subsequent
development and growth of all sectors.
decennia were driven by a number of widely supported

and accepted guiding principles: clean energy; recycling
After participating in the sub-program Hotspot region5, the
of energy, water, waste and materials; green economic
ROCs, colleges and universities worked together with the
growth; high quality living, housing and mobility. The suc-
business community, housing corporations, green invest-
cessful transitions in the port and city enabled Rotterdam
ment funds and local SMEs to set up the first European
to meet the EU targets of an 80% reduction in the levels
Social Partnership. This created a massive education clus-
of CO emissions by 2042, eight years ahead of sched-
ter enabling thousands of young people from the region to
ule. And this while the high concentration of industry in
combine training trajectories and accommodation with work
the area made this task extra difficult to achieve.
in the emerging economic clusters in the port and the city.
In 2011 the technical colleges, and Zadkine college in parThe most important driving force was combining the indi-
ticular, took the lead by setting up education clusters dedi-
viduals, businesses and other interested parties motives
cated to sustainable employment including the develop-
and requirements to jointly accelerate the sustainable
ment of expertise centres in the fields of area development,
development of the city and port. Bottom-up initiatives
mobility and heat/cold storage. The sustainable innovations
such as informal self-control, development of sustainable
for the high-quality production and knowledge industry cre-
infrastructures at local level and various types of com-
ated much (green) employment at various levels: roofers,
munity participative construction were encouraged. New
demolition contractors, fitters, metal workers, energy advis-
financial, social and policy frameworks were developed
ers as well as new trades such as roof-gardeners, city park
to stimulate joint-ownership by residents and businesses.
managers, urban farmers, green energetics and mobility
Rotterdam provided experimentation facilities and linked
brokers. In addition Rotterdam started actively exporting its
people and parties together: the city not only provided
knowledge and expertise regarding the transition to large-
opportunities for businesses, governments and other
scale generation of solar, wind and bio-energy when most
cities to develop new solutions, but also exported the
of the systems were actually being implemented.
knowledge and expertise gained.

The range of educational establishments related to the
This joint urban development of Rotterdam was made
day to day practice ensures that there are almost no
possible by organisations such as the Erasmus Univer-
school-drop outs and that the unemployment of the youth
sity, the Boijmans museum and the KunstHal, Eneco,
is almost reduced to zero. Throughout the region, youth
Greenchoice, van Gansewinkel, Unilever and OVG who
communities interactively cooperate with peer groups
already contributed many years to the urban develop-
from all over the world to combat complex issues affect-
ment of Rotterdam and mobilised their international net-
ing Delta-areas 6 in the field of climate, energy, health
works along the way. New business models were able to
care, water and transport. Many intensive experiments
translate the social added value of the social ecological
were set up in the old city districts in South Rotterdam
initiatives into hard cash, which meant that the sustain-
and during development of the Stadshavens. This was an
ability efforts by individuals and businesses actually
important factor in making the city centre more sustain-
became profitable. This stimulated long-term involvement
able and more compact, in the large-scale renovation
and further enhanced feelings of responsibility for the
programmes that made South Rotterdam energy neutral
development of the port and city.
and in the development of the floating city in the Stadshavens area.
New supporting sustainable services created employment for people of all levels ranging from highly educated
4 DGO 12:21 Province of South Holland, Global Archs, www.sev.nl
5 http://knowledgeforclimate.
climateresearchnetherlands.nl/rotterdam
6 www.cleantechdelta.nl, http://www.clintonfoundation.org/whatwe-do/clinton-climate-initiative/
LINEAR CITY METABOLISM
RESOURCE INPUT
RESOURCE OUTPUT
URBAN SYSTEMS & PROCESSES
goods
inorganic waste
organic waste
food
sewage
water
emissions
energy
waste materials
materials
commuters
commuters
migrants
migrants
CIRCULAR CITY METABOLISM
RESOURCE INPUT
goods
RESOURCE OUTPUT
inorganic waste
food
organic waste
water
sewage
energy
emissions
waste materials
materials
commuters
commuters
migrants
migrants
raw materials
heat
grey water
Figure1: circular metabolism
biomass
REAP+
recycle materials
THROUGHPUT RE/UP CYCLE
CONTEMPORARY CITIES
RESOURCE INPUT
OUTPUT
LIVEABILITY
WASTE & EMISSIONS
FUTURE CITIES
REDUCED RESOURCE USE
RESOURCE OUTPUT
IMPROVED URBAN SYSTEMS &
PROCESSES
GREATER LIVEABILITY
Figure 2: improved livability

by optimalisation of urban
processes (based on the
REDUCED WASTE & EMISSIONS
Newman scheme)
Reorganising the use of resources, up-cycling waste and
Living, inhabiting and working in Rotterdam 2042 is lead-
re-cycling raw materials, other materials and energy,
ing the good life; being in balance with the environment,
have significantly reduced pollution, transport and en-
in good health and able to optimally develop talents and
ergy consumption. These benefits in turn have resulted
interests. Rotterdammers now have an above average
directly and indirectly to improvements in the livability
life expectancy due to the combination of good living con-
and the quality of the environment. Emissions of danger-
ditions, many different forms of education, healthy food,
ous pollutants have almost entirely been eliminated, the
enough exercise and strong social networks.
city is 100% climate proof, the air is clean and technical developments in the field of transport have greatly
reduced noise levels. It is now possible to live next to the
motorway without suffering detrimental effects to your
health; and, in the gardens the only sound you hear are
The transition to a sustainable

city: the good life
birds singing. Most people now prefer to live in the city
Over the past decennia natural ecology has penetrated
because of the sustainable environment and the multi-
the city of Rotterdam. Roofs have been made green,
tude of amenities within walking distance. The main focus
many buildings have chameleon facades that generate
of urban development is creating minimum distances
energy and purify the air and urban farming is now an
between dwellings and offices, amenities and leisure
integral part of the townscape. Green is intertwined with
activities.
blue: blue roofs (roofs with solar panels), blue plains (water plazas), floating districts and construction along the
Tight clusters of housing, employment and specific amen-
banks of the river Maas and its harbours. The increased
ities have emerged around the road, water and public
density of the inner city has transformed the centre into
transport interchanges. The density and the diversity of
a vibrant heart of the city where it is a pleasure to live.
activities provide opportunities for personal development,
The number of inhabitants has doubled while at the same
contact with others and bonding with the neighbour-
time the effects on the environment have halved. The
hood. Cycle paths and walking trails form the dominant
inner city has become an area with high spatial qual-
infrastructures in the city. The use of public transport has
ity where residents, businesses and tourists can stay,
greatly increased, and road traffic decreased, since the
encounter each other and enjoy themselves 8 . Joint initia-
public transport network was expanded to incorporate
tives set up by individuals have led to the development of
the fast Randstad metro and metro lines in South Rot-
urban farming, pleasant public parks and facilities for the
terdam 7.
generation of sustainable energy in public areas. These
7 Station South, our line, City of Rotterdam, October 2009
8 Inner city plan 2008-2010, dS+V, April 2008
were inspired by earlier initiatives such as Creatief
that waste streams still entail high-quality re-usable
Beheer9 and by the residents of the Schoonderloo Street
materials. These high-quality streams of materials and
in Delfshaven . They conquered their own public domain
energy contribute in multiple ways to economic develop-
by jointly re-designing and maintaining it as a park,
ment. The streams develop in different scales, street,
which led to an increase in property values as well as an
neighbourhood, district and city level result in a cascade
increase in social safety. Finally the river Maas
of different scales of recycling11. With the small-scale
really connects the North, South, East and West districts
re-development of sustainable projects an urban fabric
of Rotterdam. The broad river provides not only an im-
has been developed consisting of a variety of good living
pressive backdrop to the city but offers new possibilities
environments with appropriate amenities and high quality
for recreation, housing, transport and mobility.
public space. Everyone can realize their dreams in this
10
city, because of the multiple possibilities for private and

In the under-privileged areas of the city, ecosystems and
collective commissioning. The quality of the environment
decentralised sustainable energy systems have been the
and the direct contact with nature means that Rotterdam-
impulse for social and physical change. Initiatives and
mers make optimal use of the public areas, both produc-
policies for urban development are focussed on reinte-
tively and for leisure activities, and feel at home in their
grating natural processes to close as much life-cycles
neighbourhood or district12 . The innovative way in which
as possible on different scales; energy, raw materials,
Rotterdam was able to link the physical and social-eco-
building materials, waste, water and food. One of the first
nomic tasks and use them to create a sustainable city set
steps towards this new ecology was the goal to realise
the international trend13 . The transportation system totally
the sorting of waste products after collection. Once this
relies on biofuel, hybrid or electric energy and a variety
was functional it became possible for whole produc-
of clean and quiet vehicles are available: from flexi-fuel
tion chains to become in essence more sustainable so

9 http://www.creatiefbeheer.nl/
10 The Schoonderloo Treasure,
http://www.schatvanschoonderloo.nl/dedroom.htm
11 Agropolis symbiosis between city and nation, innovation

network May 2005
12 City Vision Rotterdam 2030, dS+V, November 2007
13 Pact for South Rotterdam, 2006, Quality leap for South, 2011
cars to electric scooters, from hybrid tuk-tuks (rickshaws)
social cohesion as well as local self-organisation14 . The
and taxis to Segways and from communal bicycles to
new opportunities for participation are stimulating the
electric water-taxis. Mobility brokers and smart ICT solu-
residents to develop their own talents; independence is
tions transport people door-to-door effectively and in
being supported in all possible ways.
a sustainable fashion so that private ownership of cars

is no longer common. Because of the intelligent connections between buildings and smart energy grids the
vehicles can be used as a buffer at peak moments in the
local electricity grids. A significant amount of transport
takes place over water where more quays ensure fast
The transition towards a sustainable harbour: The green portal to

Europe
and efficient connections. The existing road infrastructure has been greatly relieved and has been transformed
The transition of the harbour is even more impressive.
into green corridors. Multiple surface levels and suitable
With its position as one of the safest and most sustain-
housing typologies have created many low-traffic areas
able in the world, the port has re-gained its original
in which children can safely play outside. Even the fa-
position as Global Top Port. In addition to developed
mous Coolsingel is now a pleasant promenade complete
expertise in climate adaptation and water management,
with parks and gardens where tourists and inhabitants
this was mainly due to the transition from separate port
convene daily.
activities to a functional industrial ecology. This transition

focused to produce as clean as possible and to optimise
The more direct connection between the design of the
the re-use of raw materials and goods as well as tech-
environment and the citizens has generated many new
niques based on natural processes. As a result emis-
forms of business, for example new diverse local eco-
sions of dangerous particles are a problem of the past.
nomic markets, local health care amenities and strong
After the development of the first large-scale bio-refinery

14 http://www.rotterdampioneers.nl/, http://rotterdam.the-hub.net/,
http://transitiontownrotterdam.nl/, http://www.ourcommonfuture.
nl, http://www.rotterdam2040.nl/, http:www.arminiusmanifest.nl/,
http://www.rotterdamcommunity.nl/
LINEAR ECONOMY
INPUT
EXTERNALLY OWNED &

PRODUCED BUSINESS
OUTPUT
LOCAL ECONOMY
SOCIAL VALUE
MULTISTORE
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
& EMISSIONS
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
INPUT
LOCALLY OWNED &

PRODUCED BUSINESSES
SOCIAL VALUE
LOCAL ECONOMY
OUTPUT
on the Institute for Applied
Figure 3. Economy based

Material Flow Management
TRANSPORTATION COSTS
& EMISSIONS
(IfaS) scheme, 2010
in the world, the Port of Rotterdam has become an
distinction between product, co-product, residual product
experimental field for pioneering research in the field of
and waste has disappeared.
vegetable-based production chains run by the University

of Wageningen together with the Dutch Energy Cen-
In addition the Port of Rotterdam has become a mod-
tre. This has resulted in a stronger connection with the
ern emissions trading place, with facilities for trading
Westland where biomass is being produced for specific
in CO2 and residual streams, up-cycling raw materials
high-quality processes in the biochemical industry. The
and goods, technological bio-innovation and schools. A
transition from petrochemical to a sustainable bio-based
multi-functional harbour landscape, transformed from
economy as described in the Port Compass has nearly
a petrochemical post-apocalyptic to a green industrial
been completed.
landscape, supplying a range of products and services

for society. Just as in the city transport is automated or
The green Port of Rotterdam forms the heart of the Dutch
clean. The largest polluting port, the European drain,
and the North West European bio-economy. Rotterdam
has been transformed into a source of new energy and
was one of the first ports in the world to make the transi-
sustainable prosperity for Rotterdam, the Randstad and
tion to bio-based, renewable and green chemical indus-
North West Europe.
try. Biomass is used for transport (bio-fuels), electricity

(wood chippings), energy (green gas, algae), chemicals
Combining the Port and Westland has solved the prob-
(bio plastics, synthetics and resins) and agriculture (bio-
lem of the production of food and of high quality bio-
energy and residual streams). The food industry and
products. Part of the Westland is located in the harbour,
pharmaceutical companies make use of the high-quality
where large, stacked floating greenhouses produce
fractions of the vegetation. What remains is then used
raw materials for the chemical industry, bio plastics or
for the chemical industry and the production of steel and
bio-fuels. The other part of Westland consists of closed
cattle feed. All residual streams are used and re-used
greenhouses in which innovative techniques (hydropon-
for energy and industrial production. This means that the
ics) enable the effective production of biological prod-
ucts. The advanced developments in food production
opment of the underground infrastructure Stadshavens
have led to sufficient increases in production to support
have become the junction in the connection between the
a flourishing export trade. These products are shipped in
port and the city; as beating heart it pumps the vital-
refrigerated containers directly from Westland. The rede-
juices round this blue-green port city.
velopment to a green dense city and the compactness of

the industrial production in the harbour, have even lead to
The Clean Tech Delta, a new production and knowledge
a reduction of buildings in the suburbs and nature areas
industry in the field of climate adaptation, urban delta
outside the city.
technology and sustainable water management has
The groene hart has transformed into a landscape park
emerged in the Stadshavens. Rotterdam, together with
where inhabitants and tourists alike can learn about the
Delft, The Hague and Dordrecht, has systematically
history of Dutch agriculture, land reclamation and water
invested in the development of this industry. The delta
management and where a wide range of recreational
cities are anticipating on the effects of the changing
activities are located. Many city residents own a self-
climate and the problems that may occur due to tempera-
sufficient, weekend residence in this scenic area.
ture rises in the city, rises in sea level and higher river
levels. Very early on they realised that sustainable use of
The transformation of the Stadshavens: The Green Machine
space, the water and the climate is not only essential but
also provides opportunities. The entire outer dike region
is already climate-proof, partly by the construction of
embankments and partly due to adaptive dwelling and
The Rotterdam Stadshavens area was the most impor-
work environments (both on land and in the water). Most
tant interchange connecting the transitions in the port
importants developments for the new industry in Rot-
and the city; this has become the new beating heart
terdam are: floating and waterproof buildings, develop-
of the harbour city. This old harbour area was the first
ment of green roofs and facade techniques, sustainable
to implement the newest systems for the closing of life
energy, biomass as raw material for the green chemical
cycles on a large scale while at the same time other ex-
industry in the port, electric transport, broad development
periments were developed in relation to other processes.
of dikes, the sand motor, green services and sustainable
Pioneers and free spirits from all over the world initiated
knowledge and expertise. This production and knowledge
the re-development of the old harbour areas and expand-
industry emerging around sustainable innovation has at-
ed it step by step. Up-cycling electronic waste was very
tracted many highly educated knowledge workers. Within
successful and the Stadshavens have become a hub for
the Stadshavens they have found suitable premises and
world trade in this field. Because of the regional devel-
facilities for production, working, living and relaxing.
Climate proof living, working

and production landscape
By directed guiding and investments, a global Trade Zone
Prologue
has emerged for businesses that have chosen Rotter-
Now, in 2011, the signs of tranformations can already be
dam as their gateway to the world15 . The products and
seen in many areas and the different parts of the sustain-
expertise that stem from the Clean Tech industry are
able future of the harbour and city are already visible. In
jointly developed by international businesses. Instead
this document we have intented to visualise an inspiring
of creating a market abroad, the foreign market is being
and directed perspective on the future development of
developed within the area itself. More and more interna-
the city. Hopefully this will support present inititiatives
tional businesses are relocating their companies to the
and will provoke new actions and ideas. The desired tran-
Stadshavens to participate in the development of knowl-
sitions of the port and city, apart from the question what
edge, expertise and products, to be able to implement
this preferred direction is, will not happen on their own:
the innovative results in their own countries. This can be
long-term, joint, pro-active efforts are essential. A vision
seen as an inverse trade delegation whereby the global
on the sustainable development of Rotterdam and the
market is brought to Rotterdam.
transition images are not end-goals in themselves but will

provide the starting point for a broad societal transforma-
The Stadshavens area is not only the innovative centre
tion process. This vision contributes in this way to the
for the Clean Tech Delta and the new production and
targets of the Programme on Sustainability and Climate
knowledge industry; it is also a high quality area for locat-
Change that attempts to create space for suitable initia-
ing businesses. While remaining in style with the stal-
tives in the city and harbour. This will also include the
wart, harbour character of the area, exciting new living
removal of current and future barriers that stand in the
areas were created both on and around the water. These
way of innovation.
attracted tens of thousands of people. The first largescale forms of urban farming were developed here and
It seems clear that the in Rotterdam proposed ambitions
these provided useful, healthy activities for many of the
and goals in sustainability demand fundamental changes
long-term unemployed of the city. In addition to providing
in the harbour and city. These changes will have to devel-
a social service this also contributed to the urban food
op relatively quickly. This implies a tremendous and joint
facilities. Many of the Rotterdammers who had previously
effort that focusses on innovation as well as a strategy to
left the city returned to the new city centre of Rotterdam
re-develop existing institutes, policies, routines, financial
or moved into the floating districts. Here flourishing com-
frameworks and infrastructures. The necessity for extra
munities live on the water, working together to organise
speed and focus (and therefore coordination) demands
small-scale activities such as joint sustainable energy
such a rigorous transformation that it requires smart
generators and production of food as well as provision
methods of management and organisation. The city gov-
for their own health care and for their social lives. The
ernments new role and efforts to increase sustainability
transformation of the Stadshavens area is both physically
are therefore a step in the right direction.
16
and socially sustainable, energy neutral and climate proof

and is a leading example to the world. Annually, hundreds of thousands of tourists from, for example, Brazil,
China, India and Japan come to admire the urban and
industrial innovations. Because Rotterdam is the safest
port city in the Delta region and has taken the lead in the
transition towards sustainability, Rotterdam has attracted
and gained the trust of inhabitants, visitors, businesses
and investors.
15 Equivalent to the green zone concept, EDBR 2010; an economic

zone with a high-quality services concept for foreign businesses
who invest in clean technology.
16 http://www.stadslandbouw.wur.nl/NL/,
http://www.eetbaarrotterdam.nl/
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It is allowed to use (parts of) this document (appendix 2) when you state the source.
Copyrights: Drift, Erasmus University Rotterdam. Images by Doepel Strijkers Architects, Rotterdam.
Investing in sustainable growth Rotterdam Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change
email: info@rotterdam.nl
internet: www.rotterdam.nl
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Investing in

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 3

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 4

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 5

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 6

Introduction to the Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change

The increasing importance of sustainability

2.1 International developments................................................................................................................... 15

Ambitious plans for a clean, green and healthy city

3.1 What does Rotterdam hope to achieve?............................................................................................... 23

Working together to create a sustainable world port city

4.1 Inhabitants of Rotterdam....................................................................................................................... 47

5. Cross-border Cooperation and Practical Aspects

5.1 Beyond the regional borders................................................................................................................. 73

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 7

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 8

Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 9

Foto: Erno Wientjes i.o.v. Woonbron

Programme on Sustainability and Climate Change | pag 10

Challenging ambitions for a sustainable city

can optimally develop his or her own talent. A city with

Sustainability in Rotterdam is a joint

means meeting current requirements without jeopard-

The Municipal Executive Committee considers sustain-

izing the potential for future generations of Rotterdam-

ability to be of the utmost importance for the develop-

mers. This programme focuses on ecologically respon-

sible solutions, which also provide social and economic

benefits in both the short and the long term. In this

making valuable contributions. These parties include

way we kill three birds with one stone: our environment

many different organisations ranging from individual

benefits in many different ways, the economy prospers

residents to associations and institutions, from schools

and Rotterdammers feel much happier living, working,

and housing associations to SMEs and multi-nationals,

studying and spending leisure time in a more healthy

from transport companies and semi-government estab-

and more child-friendly city. We stimulate sustainability

lishments to car owners and universities and colleges.

in its many different forms: reductions in CO 2 emis-

Some of these initiatives, initiators and others involved

sions, energy savings, use of clean energy and raw

are described in this document. They make it clear that in

materials, the reduction and re-cycling of refuse, noise

Rotterdam sustainability is seen and felt as a joint chal-

control and improving the air quality. And we are work-

lenge and responsibility. This also affects the role that we

ing to create more parks and biodiversity in the city.

as the city government must play. It is not necessary for

Furthermore we are continuing to make both city and

port more climate proof. Protection against floods now

sult in us frustrating and even jeopardising countless ini-

and in the future is essential if Rotterdam is to become

a sustainable delta city. We aim to transform our city

city government is primarily that of partner. Where neces-

into a pleasant, safe and healthy place for future gen-

sary we will help our partners by creating the required

erations to live in and where the economy, especially

conditions and removing obstacles and where desired we

that of the port, can continue to flourish. This is our