02-04-2022
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© cc-photo: Hades2k
“Our energy bill is rising, we now have to become less dependent on gas from Russia and we want to combat climate change. That is why we are now going to save energy more and faster. See what you can do at home. Right now and to prepare for the coming winter with good insulation. Also turn the switch. This way we use much less energy in no time.”
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Thus begins the explanation of a new government campaign, Also turn the switch, to reduce energy consumption. In 200 government buildings, the thermostat goes down 2 degrees to lead by example. Companies are invited to join. It is not only colder at work, but also warmer because in the summer the energy-guzzling air cooling is also lowered. In addition, less energy needs to be lit. Citizens are asked not to set the thermostat higher than 19 degrees during the day and a maximum of 15 degrees at night. And shorter showers.
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In addition to saving tips, the cabinet will also allocate money to better insulate 2.5 million of the 8 million homes, both owner-occupied and rental properties. Until 2030, 4 billion euros will be made available for this. High on the government’s list are the 1.5 million homes with an energy label of E or worse. All those houses should be insulated before the end of the decade. In order to reach more people, municipalities are given the option of offering extra discounts, vouchers or vouchers on top of the existing subsidy schemes. For private individuals who have insufficient savings for adjustments to their home, a 0 percent loan is set up.
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Both Minister Jetten of Climate and Minister De Jonge of Housing are making the appeals to the population and the business community.
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It AD reported that the trade unions are behind the measures:
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Trade unions FNV and CNV applaud the lowering of the heating. National team leader of the FNV, Remko Mast, responds: ,,If you see what is happening in Ukraine and that we can contribute by turning the heating down a bit, it seems to me a small effort.” The FNV member hopes that staff also consider the slightly lower temperature sufficient’. ,,If we are a little less warm, we could perhaps put on a sweater instead of a T-shirt or shirt.” The advantage, he says, is that about three quarters of civil servants still work from home. Mast emphasizes that lowering the thermostat ‘also completely matches the sustainability goals’.
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The municipality of Amsterdam already turned the thermostat down by three degrees in mid-March. According to alderman Marieke van Doorninck (Sustainability), this immediately saves 15 percent on the gas bill. Money that the city desperately needs. The entire EU can save Europe 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas if 18 degrees becomes the maximum temperature for heating.
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