Seven football clubs (VV Zwammerdam, VV Koudekerk, BSC’68, Floreant, AVV Alphen, Alphia and Alphense Boys) and Stichting PWA Bad are cooperating in the campaign. Billboards are hanging on their accommodations and these associations inform their members and visitors about the possibility of requesting an energy consultation. “They can make an appointment with one of our energy coaches. He will visit them at home to discuss possible measures to save on their energy costs. They receive a report of this,” says chairman Erik de Ruijter of Energiek Alphen aan den Rijn.

Measures

“The advice is entirely non-binding,” continues De Ruijter, “although we naturally hope that residents will actually take action. Whether you own or rent your home, even small measures can quickly reduce your energy bill significantly. Think, for example, of draught strips, LED lighting, radiator foil or a water-saving shower head. Our advice can also cover ventilation and insulation measures for the roof, walls or floor, including the possibilities for applying for subsidies or affordable financing. Energiek Alphen is also happy to help residents with quotes and insulation measures.”

Energiek Alphen is running this campaign to raise awareness and increase the involvement of residents in the municipality in the energy transition. Members are made aware of the energy advice service through billboard advertising and social media, among other things. For every member who requests an energy advice consultation, the association receives a contribution of 5 euros. The applicant themselves receives an energy-saving gift when the Energy Coach visits.

Awareness

Energiek Alphen is running the campaign to raise awareness and involvement of residents of the municipality in the energy transition. De Ruijter: “In several projects, we are building energy communities. In these, residents, businesses and civil society organisations work together to generate and share sustainable energy, using the national energy network as little as possible. With local energy communities, we provide a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supply. What also counts: profits benefit the community itself.”

Energy community

In this animation The EA pilot project Glanskern Benthuizen explains how the energy community works. The presence of an active local community is an important prerequisite. “That is why we sought to connect with the sports clubs in the municipality with our campaign, because they are active organisations. Ultimately, we chose the football clubs because they are represented in every community. We hope that the clubs in Hazerswoude, Koudekerk and Aarlanderveen will also join our campaign soon,” says Erik de Ruijter.

The social partnership with the football clubs and the swimming pool will run for three years. According to the chairman of Energiek Alphen aan den Rijn, the campaign will contribute to higher brand awareness as well as more publicity for the cooperative's projects, which are mainly carried out by volunteers. Chairman De Ruijter: “Everyone can save energy at home, but many people don't know exactly how or what to start with. Requesting energy advice is an easy first step.”