Zwolle fire station goes gas-free with major sustainability overhaul
Zwolle’s fire station is set for a major sustainability upgrade, making it energy-efficient and fully gas-free. Residents can expect lower energy costs and a greener facility, while emergency services remain operational during renovations. The project aligns with national goals to phase out natural gas by 2050.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Fire station, Zwolle, Overijssel |
| Contractors | Draisma Bouw, Duratherm, Dutek, Equans, Hellebrekers |
| Key Upgrades | Heat pump, ATES system, solar panels, LED lighting, electrification of systems |
| Energy Savings (Lighting/Vent) | Up to 70% |
| Subsidy | DUMAVA subsidy |
| Project Timeline | Starts shortly, completion expected after summer 2024 |
| Gas-Free Target | Fully gas-free by completion, aligning with 2050 national goal |
The municipality of Zwolle oversees local infrastructure, including public safety facilities like fire stations. This project reflects its role in implementing sustainable solutions and meeting national climate targets. The upgrades ensure the station remains operational while reducing environmental impact.
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Start of sustainability upgrades for fire station
A major step has been taken today towards making the fire station in Zwolle more sustainable! Together with Draisma Bouw, Duratherm, Dutek, Equans and Hellebrekers, the municipality of Zwolle has signed an agreement, allowing the work to officially begin. This marks the start of an extensive renovation project that will ensure the fire station is future-proof, energy-efficient and fully gas-free. The sustainability upgrades align with the ambition to be natural gas-free by 2050. Once completed, the fire station will meet this target: the building will have a new technical infrastructure that eliminates the need for natural gas entirely.
What will be done? A heat pump will be installed. This powerful system will become the new engine for sustainable heat supply within the building. To store and deliver heat and cold efficiently, an Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system will be placed at depths of several dozen metres in open wells beneath the ground. In addition, the solar panels will be replaced and expanded. The new solar panels will generate significantly higher output and help minimise energy consumption. All remaining gas-fired facilities will be electrified or replaced with heat pump technology, a crucial step towards a future-proof facility. Finally, lighting has also been considered. All lighting inside and around the building will be replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting, and all ventilation fans will be upgraded, achieving energy savings of up to 70% and improved controllability. The project has been awarded a DUMAVA subsidy, which helps make this sustainable package a reality.
With these measures, the fire station will not only become more energy-efficient but also easier to manage and better prepared for future requirements. Work will begin shortly, with completion planned for after the summer. During the renovation, the fire station will remain operational.