HHNK emission- and energy-neutral by 2035 and circular by 2050
Our General Board approved the ambitions and goals for climate neutrality on June 25. In ten years we want to be emission and energy neutral and in 25 years fully circular. The measures to achieve this will be included in an implementation agenda.
With this, we continue and broaden the climate and energy policy from 2017. Since that time, we have invested in making our own operations emission and energy neutral. 68,000 solar panels have been installed, two wind turbines have been acquired and biogas is being generated.
Preservation
We continue with sustainability. For example, gas consumption will be greatly reduced in 2026 by closing the sludge dryer. We are also continuing to work on reducing methane and nitrous oxide from the treatment plants, on projects involving heat from water and the Regional Energy Strategy. In addition, we are aiming for 100 percent circularity in 25 years. Water Board member Marjan Leijen: "The board endorses the need for sustainability. This is very important, because in this way we are working towards a cleaner world. Not only for ourselves, but also for generations to come."
Emission reduction
During the wastewater treatment process, the greenhouse gases methane and nitrous oxide are released. These gases are many times more harmful than CO2. HHNK wants to reduce nitrous oxide emissions by half and methane losses by 80% by 2030.
In addition to focusing on our own operations, we are also looking at opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at others. Such as by pushing for emission-free construction.
Energy
We also invest in aquathermy projects, both for our own use and for the surrounding area. For example, the wastewater treatment plant on Texel is energy positive partly thanks to heat from the treatment plant itself. We are also in talks with various municipalities about supplying heat from purification plants and waterways for residential areas. With these heat sources we can contribute to reducing grid congestion.
We remain active in the Regional Energy Strategy and help the region in the search for opportunities to generate electricity and supply heat.
Circular economy
The use of circular products has a positive impact on the environment. HHNK will give circularity a more prominent place in the procurement of products, materials and the use of contractors. From 2030 projects will be tendered in a fully circular manner. We are also looking at whether we can use residual flows from wastewater that have been incorporated into products. We are now working on installing bank revetments that incorporate reclaimed toilet paper. The goal is to be fully circular by 2050.
