Building trust: people-centred sustainability in Alkmaar (the Netherlands)
In the Alkmaar district of Oudorp in the Netherlands, a major sustainability project has been completed. Seventy-five social rental homes and an office underwent a thorough upgrade, improving their energy rating from C to A+. But the most remarkable aspect? The residents were at the heart of everything. For BAM Wonen and Kennemer Wonen, this renovation was not just a construction process but, above all, a carefully guided residential journey.
This is the most common scenario: large-scale refurbishment while residents remain at home. That’s exactly what happened in Oudorp. Roofs, floors, and walls were insulated; windows and doors replaced; ventilation systems and boilers upgraded — all while everyday life carried on as usual. ‘This calls for more than just technical expertise,’ says Robin den Das, project leader for real estate and sustainability at Kennemer Wonen. ‘It requires attention, flexibility, and empathy.’
