Greener and Healthier: One Year of The Hague Climate Agreement

The Hague Climate Agreement is celebrating its first year. More than 200 participants are committed to making the city greener and healthier. The number of climate deals has increased from 38 to 44, with new deals in the areas of energy, mobility, and food.

“The new climate deals cover a wide range of important topics” says Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (Energy Transition, Mobility, and Resources). “From the greening of roofs within VvE’s to bundling waste streams in the Denneweg and greening The Hague’s inner gardens. There are also plans to use HTMs power grid for electric construction transport. We are all responsible for keeping The Hague livable, healthy, and green.“

Alderman Robert Barker (Public Space, Animal Welfare, and Environment) emphasizes the importance of the food deals that make sustainable and plant-based eating fun and accessible, while combating food waste: “What you eat has a big impact on the planets livability. By adding local, sustainable, and plant-based food to our Climate Agreement, we aim not only to reduce our city’s ecological footprint but also to improve the health of our residents. Sustainable and healthy eating should be accessible to everyone. This is a step in the right direction.”

Furthermore, the greening of The Hague helps the city better withstand extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall. In Binckhorst, 20,000 square meters are being tested to see how nature and housing development can go hand in hand. The Christus Triumfatorkerk is taking the lead with a green roof that provides water storage and possibly solar panels. Additionally, six school boards are exploring the possibilities for green roofs.

Positive developments are also visible in transportation. The use of bicycles and public transport is increasing. This year, the number of resident groups with a shared car has doubled to twelve. Initiatives like Bezuidenhout DEELt! now share seven cars among 100 neighbors, encouraging residents to consciously choose less car ownership.

As a municipality, we want to ensure that we maintain the momentum of the past year in the coming period.