Local work saves South Holland workers on commuting costs

Local work saves South Holland workers on commuting costs

ROTTERDAM, 31 October 2024 – Office workers in South Holland may save thousands of euros annually by working closer to home, according to recent research on commuter costs and spending patterns. Lower travel and meal expenses, alongside improved work-life balance, are noted benefits.

Study highlights cost savings of working locally

New research has revealed that office workers across South Holland could save up to €15,270 annually by working locally four days a week instead of commuting daily. These findings come as transport cuts, disappearing connections, and rising costs increasingly prompt workers to seek alternatives to daily commuting. Lower public transport, fuel, and meal expenses are cited as primary drivers of this financial relief, allowing workers more flexibility to achieve personal financial goals.

The research was conducted by the International Workplace Group (IWG) and surveyed 1,036 full-time office workers across the Netherlands to analyse commuting and spending habits. For many South Holland residents, the study suggests that working closer to home reduces weekly travel costs and supports a stronger work-life balance, with more time available for family, hobbies, and personal well-being.

Lower commuting costs

According to the survey, local work models offer significant savings for South Holland employees, reducing expenses on public transport, fuel, parking, and other commuting-related costs. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents reported weekly travel cost reductions, with seven per cent noting savings of 50 per cent or more.

These savings particularly benefit younger workers aiming to reduce student loan debt or save for a home. For instance, a 24-year-old Rotterdam employee working four days locally rather than commuting to a company headquarters in Amsterdam could save up to €15,270 annually, as estimated by Development Economics, a research firm that analysed the financial impact of hybrid working models. Among respondents, 61 per cent indicated that fewer commutes had improved their ability to achieve financial goals, with savings allocated to future investments (60 per cent), holidays (29 per cent), and home renovations (18 per cent).

Improved work-life balance

The study also found that working locally can positively influence employees’ personal lives. Seventy-nine per cent of South Holland workers who work closer to home noted a positive impact on their work-life balance due to the reduced time spent commuting. In Rotterdam, the extra hours gained from reduced travel were often used for relaxation, hobbies, and health activities, with 32 per cent engaging in fitness or wellness pursuits. Additionally, 31 per cent of South Holland workers used this extra time to pursue professional development.

Commuting challenges prompt shift towards local work

South Holland workers cited traffic congestion and high transport expenses as primary factors motivating a shift to local work options. In the survey, 44 per cent of respondents who preferred working locally highlighted congestion as their main reason, followed by increased train fares (20 per cent) and higher bus fares (15 per cent).

Hybrid Work Calculator provides insight

To help workers estimate potential savings, the IWG has introduced the Hybrid Work Calculator. This tool provides quick calculations of the time and financial benefits of working closer to home.

Mark Dixon, CEO of the International Workplace Group, commented, “The concept of a long daily commute may soon become outdated. Office workers will no longer have to wake early, face crowded or polluting transportation, and travel significant distances to their workplace. This shift could fundamentally change the way people view commuting.” Dixon also emphasised the role of hybrid working models in empowering workers to allocate savings towards housing and other financial goals.

The IWG, which operates brands such as Spaces and Regus, has over 100 flexible office locations across the Netherlands, including recent expansions to meet the growing demand for hybrid work solutions.

Energy costs in Rotterdam drop slightly in 2023

Energy costs in Rotterdam drop slightly in 2023

ROTTERDAM, 27 August 2024 – Households in Rotterdam saw the lowest reduction in energy costs in Zuid-Holland last year, according to new data. However, both gas and electricity consumption still declined.

Rotterdam records the lowest energy savings in Zuid-Holland

While households across Zuid-Holland managed to reduce their energy consumption in 2023, those in Rotterdam achieved the lowest average savings, according to new data from the sustainability platform Slimster. The figures, based on the most recent data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), show that households in Rotterdam saved an average of €154 on their energy bills, the smallest reduction among all municipalities in the province.

Rotterdam's gas and electricity consumption sees a modest decline

Despite having the lowest overall savings, households in Rotterdam still managed to lower both gas and electricity use. Gas consumption in the city dropped from an average of 680 cubic metres in 2022 to 600 cubic metres in 2023, representing a decrease of approximately 12%. Electricity consumption also fell, from 2,230 kWh in 2022 to 2,090 kWh in 2023, a reduction of around 6%.

Other municipalities in Zuid-Holland make greater energy savings

Elsewhere in Zuid-Holland, other municipalities experienced more substantial reductions in energy costs. Seven municipalities, including Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, Albrandswaard, Goeree-Overflakkee, and Hoeksche Waard, achieved average savings of over €300 per household. The municipalities of Molenlanden, Krimpenerwaard, and Wassenaar saw the most significant savings, with the average household saving €226 across the province.

Molenlanden tops the list for gas savings

The municipality of Molenlanden recorded the highest reduction in gas usage, with a decrease of over 17% last year. By contrast, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, and Midden-Delfland saw a reduction of just over 10%, partly due to the higher number of flats in these areas, where gas consumption tends to be lower.

Albrandswaard achieves the largest reduction in electricity use

In terms of electricity, Albrandswaard led the way, with a reduction of 18.1% in net electricity consumption. This decline is particularly notable given the municipality’s relatively low number of homes with solar panels. The municipality was not among the top scorers in Slimster’s recent 'Eco-Electric Index,' which evaluates the number of homes with solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. Pijnacker-Nootdorp emerged as the overall winner in this ranking.

Why are these reductions happening?

Commenting on the findings, Marco Schuurman of Slimster noted, “The decrease in electricity supply is largely due to the growing number of homes with solar panels. One in three households now generates its own power. While actual electricity consumption may have risen, many households are using their own solar energy, which isn't reflected in the supply figures. The CBS measures only the amount of electricity delivered to households by energy providers, not the consumption that happens 'behind the meter.'”


 

Caribbeans Connects: linking Rotterdam with Caribbean talent

Caribbeans Connects: linking Rotterdam with Caribbean talent

ROTTERDAM, 19 August 2024 – Rotterdam creatives and global artists can now connect with Caribbean talent through Caribbeans Connects, a new platform designed to bridge local and international creative communities.

A new digital platform, Caribbeans Connects, has launched with the aim of connecting creatives from the Caribbean with those in the UK, the United States, Europe, and beyond. Rotterdam, known for its vibrant arts scene, now has direct access to Caribbean talent through this platform, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.

A global stage for Caribbean creatives

Caribbeans Connects offers a space for a wide range of creative professionals, including models, content creators, musicians, dancers, photographers, music producers, videographers, and actors, to collaborate and gain recognition. By uniting local Caribbean talent with international markets, the platform seeks to boost the earning potential of these creatives.

Founded in the United Kingdom, Caribbeans Connects is designed to make it easier for those visiting Caribbean islands to discover and hire local talent. The platform serves not only individual artists but also film productions, fashion brands, and other entities looking to tap into the rich pool of Caribbean creativity.

Strengthening ties between Rotterdam and the Caribbean

Rotterdam, with its diverse population and strong ties to the Caribbean community, stands to benefit from the connections facilitated by Caribbeans Connects. The platform already hosts a significant number of UK-based creatives, eager to collaborate with their Caribbean counterparts, offering new possibilities for projects involving Rotterdam's creative professionals.

Registered users on the platform can enjoy various features, including posting and applying for job adverts, both national and international. The platform also allows creatives to communicate via a forum, and musicians can link their Spotify profiles to their Caribbeans Connects profiles.

Jermaine Young-Bushay, the founder of Caribbeans Connects, shared his vision for the platform, stating, “The vision for Caribbeans Connects is to make it easier to discover untapped talent across the Caribbean so that creatives can connect with local and visiting creatives. When you look at the way certain countries have built their own industries like Hollywood, Nollywood and Bollywood, there should be a Caribbean equivalent. I hope that when people hear Caribbeans Connects it reminds them that the Caribbean is also a hub for creativity, not just tourism.”

Addressing challenges in the Caribbean

While the Caribbean is often celebrated for its natural beauty, it is also one of the most vulnerable regions to climate-related natural disasters. These events often lead to significant debt and reluctance from external investors. Caribbeans Connects aims to empower local creatives by building a global network, enabling them to create and find opportunities independently.

Commercial featuring Caribbean talent

Caribbeans Connects has produced a commercial featuring talent from within its network, showcasing individuals both in front of and behind the camera. The commercial, which highlights the platform's mission and the creativity within the Caribbean, can be viewed below:


 

How to join Caribbeans Connect

Creatives and those seeking to engage with Caribbean talent can visit the website at https://caribbeansconnects.com/talents/ to register and start connecting.

World Port Days 2024 introduces central festival square

World Port Days 2024 introduces central festival square

ROTTERDAM, 8 August 2024 – The World Port Days (Wereldhavendagen) will introduce a new central festival square for the first time this September. The square will serve as the heart of the event, featuring a day and evening programme for visitors.

The upcoming edition of the World Port Days, scheduled for 6, 7, and 8 September 2024 in Rotterdam, will feature the introduction of the World Port Festival Square (Wereldhaven Festivalplein). Located at Baltimoreplein, the open space between the Cruise Terminal and the World Port Center on Rotterdam's Kop van Zuid, this square will act as the central hub for the event, offering a diverse programme that caters to all ages. The programming will include performances, interviews, dialogues, cultural and nautical activities, and a variety of food and beverage options. Additionally, there will be a dedicated area for children's activities.

For the first time, the World Port Days will include a Friday evening programme, with the square open from 10:00 to 23:00 on both Friday and Saturday, and until 18:00 on Sunday. Access to the square, like most of the World Port Days events, will be free of charge.

A new meeting point

The World Port Festival Square aims to be a central meeting place for visitors of all ages. The square will be populated with numerous food trucks and bars, providing ample options for food and drink. The large stage on the square will host a variety of performances, including musicians, dancers, and DJs, as well as interviews and dialogue sessions. There will also be a programme designed to facilitate discussions between representatives from the port and the citizens of Rotterdam. This programme will run alongside the water shows on the Nieuwe Maas, with large screens on the quays displaying the activities.

The creation of the World Port Festival Square is a collaborative effort with several local organisations, including Rotterdam Street Culture Week, CODARTS, Circus Rotjeknor, and OPEN Rotterdam. These organisations, deeply connected to the city and its harbour, will contribute to the diverse programme. On Friday, the programme will focus on a younger audience aged 15 to 25, while Saturday's events will appeal to a broader public.

Sabine Bruijnincx, Director of World Port Days, commented on the development: “There has long been a desire to create a central meeting place at our event where the vibrant atmosphere can be maintained even after 18:00, when most activities on the quays and water have concluded. We saw this wish reflected in the evaluations with our audience, particularly among young people. I am proud that we can now offer such a space, made possible by many talented organisations within our city. While relaxation and entertainment are central at the Festival Square, the dialogue programme ensures that the World Port Days also provides an opportunity for deeper engagement.”

Additional programme and ticket sales

Details of the precise programming for the World Port Festival Square will be announced soon. A significant portion of the World Port Days programme is already available on the event’s official website.

As usual, most of the events, including the Festival Square, quayside activities, water shows, and the spectacular Saturday evening show, will be free to attend. Ticket sales for excursions, boat trips, and tours will begin on 19 August at 12:00. Tickets for the popular P&O Ferries day cruise are already available, and the sale of official World Port Days merchandise has also commenced.

For more information about the World Port Days, visit wereldhavendagen.nl.

Location and directions

The World Port Festival Square is situated on Rotterdam's Kop van Zuid, between the Cruise Terminal and the World Port Center. This area is easily accessible by public transport, including trams and metro services. Parking facilities are also available nearby, though visitors are encouraged to use public transportation due to expected crowds.

Interactive hydrogen exhibit at World Port Days Rotterdam

Interactive hydrogen exhibit at World Port Days Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 1 August 2024 – Visitors to the World Port Days in Rotterdam will have the opportunity to explore an interactive 'hydrogen inspirience' by Missie H2. This event will highlight the role of hydrogen in achieving climate goals and demonstrate the progress made in the Netherlands.

Hydrogen 'inspirience' debuts at World Port Days in Rotterdam

During the 47th edition of the World Port Days (Wereldhavendagen) on 6, 7, and 8 September 2024, visitors in Rotterdam will have the chance to explore the 'inspirience' by Missie H2. This interactive exhibit, blending 'inspiration' and 'experience,' aims to educate attendees about hydrogen's role in meeting climate targets and the progress the Netherlands has achieved in this field. The exhibit will be located on the Innovation Quay (Innovatiekade), a section of the World Port Days dedicated to future innovative solutions for the Port of Rotterdam.

Interactive installations at the dome pavilion

The Missie H2 inspirience will be hosted in a dome-shaped pavilion on the Holland Amerikakade, near the foot of the Erasmus Bridge, close to the KPN building and De Rotterdam. Through various interactive installations, visitors can learn about hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. The exhibit will also showcase ongoing efforts and future needs for achieving a sustainable future, particularly in the Rotterdam port and beyond.

Innovations at the Innovation Quay

In addition to the Missie H2 inspirience, visitors to the Innovation Quay will have the opportunity to discover other innovations shaping the future of the Port of Rotterdam and maritime industry. Highlights include the first hydrogen-powered water taxi in Rotterdam and various innovative start-ups and scale-ups from the Rotterdam Makers District, such as Royal Roos' 3D-printed keel blocks.

The Missie H2 initiative

The inspirience is organised by Missie H2, a collaboration of several organisations, including Gasunie, Groningen Seaports, Port of Amsterdam, Remeha, Shell Nederland, Eneco, Toyota, and Vopak. This initiative focuses on hydrogen as a key energy carrier to help meet the Paris Climate Agreement goals, aiming for a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and a carbon-neutral Netherlands by 2050.

Missie H2 seeks to inspire, connect, and encourage governments, companies, and citizens to contribute to this transition. The initiative showcases the promise of hydrogen, the progress made, and the challenges ahead in making the Netherlands a leading hydrogen nation.

Remarks from World Port Days director

Sabine Bruijnincx, director of the World Port Days, expressed enthusiasm about the Missie H2 inspirience: “We are delighted to welcome the Missie H2 inspirience to the World Port Days. This is the first time our visitors can engage in such a comprehensive experience about the present and future of hydrogen, seen as one of the most promising solutions for the energy transition. Missie H2 perfectly aligns with our ambition to showcase the current innovative character and future of the Port of Rotterdam.”

Programme details and ticket sales

With about a month to go, the World Port Days organisation has announced a significant portion of the programme and participants, available on the event website. Most of the programme, including quay activities, water shows, and the spectacular Saturday evening show, is free to attend. Ticket sales for excursions, boat trips, and tours will start on 19 August at 12:00. Tickets for the popular P&O Ferries day cruise are already available, as is the new official World Port Days merchandise. 

For more information about the World Port Days, visit World Port Days website.

Visiting the Innovation Quay

The Innovation Quay is situated on the Holland Amerikakade, near the Erasmus Bridge. This area is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the future of the Port of Rotterdam with various innovative exhibits.

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