Haarlem playgrounds slash CO2 emissions with major sustainability upgrades
Thirteen playground buildings in Haarlem have undergone sustainability upgrades, cutting CO2 emissions by 46,000 kg annually—equivalent to driving 7.6 times around the Earth. Residents benefit from lower energy costs and greener community spaces.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of playgrounds | 13 |
| Upgrades | Improved insulation, solar panels, LED lighting, insulating glass |
| Annual CO2 savings | 46,000 kg (≈ 7.6 Earth laps by car) |
| Energy label improvement | 45 steps (e.g., De Glasblazers: F → A++) |
| Locations | De Eenhoorn, Delftwijk, Klarenhof, DVS, De Trekplijster, Ramplaankwartier, etc. |
| Cost savings | Reduced energy bills for volunteer-run playgrounds |
| Handover event | March 11, 2026, at De Papegaai with live energy-tracking app unveiled |
The municipality of Haarlem, in partnership with SRO, is responsible for maintaining and improving public infrastructure, including playgrounds. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader climate goals to reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainable community spaces.
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Read the full translated article below
13 playground buildings made more sustainable
In collaboration with SRO, we have completed the sustainability upgrades of 13 playground buildings. The buildings now feature improved insulation, solar panels, LED lighting, and insulating glass.
The more sustainable buildings consume less energy. As a result, the playgrounds together save approximately 46,000 kilograms of CO2 annually.
Councillor Eva de Raadt: “That is roughly equivalent to driving 7.6 laps around the Earth in a car. With this step, we are further contributing to the municipality’s goal of significantly reducing CO2 emissions.”
The playgrounds involved are De Eenhoorn, Delftwijk, Klarenhof, DVS, De Trekplijster, Ramplaankwartier, Kindervreugd, De Papegaai, Zaanenoord, De Glasblazers, Burcht ter Cleeff, Floragaarde, and Het Paradijsje.
Energy labels
The combined energy labels of the 13 playground buildings have improved by 45 steps. For example, the building of playground De Glasblazers on Scheepmakersdijk moved from energy label F to energy label A++.
Volunteers
The playground associations operate largely on the efforts of volunteers. They organize activities, keep the canteens open, and also pay the energy bills. Thanks to the improved insulation and solar panels, energy costs have decreased. This leaves more money available for activities.
Celebratory afternoon
The handover took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at playground association De Papegaai. During the celebratory afternoon, the councillor unveiled an app that allows visitors to see how much energy the solar panels on the roof are generating.
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