ROTTERDAM, 23 January 2025 – The City of Rotterdam has signed an agreement with four major housing corporations to deliver affordable and sustainable social housing. The agreement, which aligns with the Paris Climate Accord, focuses on making environmentally friendly homes accessible to residents with lower incomes.
New standards for social housing
Under the agreement, four subsidised projects will deliver 122 new social housing units in Rotterdam. At least 30% of the construction materials will be biobased, including timber, and the homes will adhere to stringent sustainability standards. This ensures energy efficiency, the use of renewable materials, and healthy indoor environments for residents.
Alderman Zeegers, responsible for Climate, Housing, and Construction, emphasised the significance of this step: “In Rotterdam, we believe everyone has the right to a sustainable and pleasant home, regardless of income. This agreement shows that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
The role of biobased construction
Biobased construction, using materials such as wood, significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. However, it remains a relatively new approach, often accompanied by higher costs. To offset some of these additional expenses, the municipality has introduced a €950,000 subsidy programme, encouraging housing corporations to adopt biobased building practices.
Making sustainability accessible
Social housing represents a vital part of Rotterdam’s housing supply. Integrating sustainability into this sector can be challenging due to cost implications. The agreement seeks not only to support the city’s environmental goals but also to explore ways to achieve climate-neutral construction without compromising affordability.
Valckensteyn project: A model for the future
The Valckensteyn project, led by Woonstad, exemplifies the potential of sustainable and accessible housing. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the development features 82 apartments ranging from 66 to 76 square metres, designed for middle-income households. With a significant portion of the structure built from wood, the project achieves considerably lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional concrete construction.
Collaborative efforts for a sustainable future
The construction sector faces significant challenges in reducing its carbon footprint. Traditional methods generate nearly three times the CO2 emissions required to meet the Paris Climate Accord targets. This agreement represents a crucial step in Rotterdam’s plan to transition to sustainable construction methods and achieve Paris Proof standards.