This success story is part of a series published within the MAKING-CITY project. The series aims to showcase the experiences of key stakeholders within the project. In this story, we learn about Marieke and her family’s experience.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.
I am Marieke and work at the Hanzehogeschool Groningen. I live together with Ingmar and our 2 sons of 14 and 16 years old. We also have a dog, a chocolate labrador named Bowie. We are a sporty and friendly family.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU FIRST LEARN ABOUT POSITIVE ENERGY DISTRICTS?
When we became involved in the MAKING-CITY project.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN THE MAKING-CITY PROJECT?
A few years ago we saw an advert in one of the local papers. We got interested because we just bought a new house that was about 11 years old so we knew our central heating boiler would soon have to be replaced. We signed up for this.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIVING IN A DEMO HOUSE BEEN LIKE?
So far so good. We got a lot of information and advice about how to make our house more sustainable and how to reduce energy waste. Besides, we could execute a great idea for the solar panels in our garden. Also, it is nice to share our experience with people who are interested.
HOW HAS THE RETROFITTING OF YOUR HOME IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
It’s a big thing to do but in the end it feels good to be part of the change that is necessary in this climate crisis. Besides, we are getting more conscious about the energy we are using in our house. Finally we have to become more aware of what is the best time to use our laundry machine, dishwasher et cetera. It is better now to do this during the day when we can benefit from the yield from the solar panels.
DURING YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT DID YOU BENEFIT FROM THE MOST?
The timing of the retrofitting. Now with the energy prices that are going sky high it is awesome we don’t have a gas connection anymore, everything is electric and we just got bifacial solar panels right before this hot summer.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS CONSIDERING RETROFITTING THEIR HOMES?
It is never too late to start. It isn’t only a financial decision but it is also to make the world a better place. Get advice and begin. In case you don’t have the financial resources, check with your local council what can be done. And no, heat pumps don’t need to make a lot of noise.
